Player Topic: Nicolas Otamendi (2015/16)

[mcfc96]

A highlight reel would show a truly world class defender making amazing tackles on a consistent basis. Watching him he commits too early on occasion and this leads to chances against us. Overall a good defender but could be an amazing one

He definitely seems like the 2nd centre half in the side so far, and would be brilliant next to Kompany had the Belgian not got Jack Wilshere'esque health problems. We just need a total leader in the side when Kompany is out, and if Otamendi can become that guy I'll be a tad happier about our defensive situation.

 

[Summerbuzz]

Come to the conclusion I don't rate him. Yeah, he's a great tackler, good in the air, has that kind of pointy physicality / aggression and strength that makes you wonder how many bruises the opponent gets. Good player to get the blood going...

BUT

His decision making really isn't good enough for a mature CH. Several ex-pros are on his case, and on this ocassion I can see why. Every time I see him play, he makes a handful of bad mistakes - takes the wrong body shape, lets his guy loose when he should be tight, or goes tight then goes down when he just had to hold off a touch and then stand his ground. If he carries on like that, he'll give away a goal every other game, at least. I hope it's just over-eagerness but at this stage, I dunno.

 

[SebastianBlue]

Come to the conclusion I don't rate him. Yeah, he's a great tackler, good in the air, has that kind of pointy physicality / aggression and strength that makes you wonder how many bruises the opponent gets. Good player to get the blood going...

BUT

His decision making really isn't good enough for a mature CH. Several ex-pros are on his case, and on this ocassion I can see why. Every time I see him play, he makes a handful of bad mistakes - takes the wrong body shape, lets his guy loose when he should be tight, or goes tight then goes down when he just had to hold off a touch and then stand his ground. If he carries on like that, he'll give away a goal every other game, at least. I hope it's just over-eagerness but at this stage, I dunno.

I actually think he is one of the best defenders in the league but I do agree that he needs to tidy up his "tight" defending as he does have a tendency of being a bit soft in that regard (i.e. the Mandzukic goal and today's nearly Rutlidge goal). I think as he gets more accustomed to the physicality of the league he will hold stronger in those situations.

 

[Kinkladze 1]

All this shit about him being one of the best CB in Europe and an absolute 'beast' is total bullshit. I've seen nothing since he's been here to suggest he's anything more than an average PL player.

 

[FJRMCFC]

Mangala is the downfall of this lad, forces him to play RCB where he's significantly worse. Shame Demichelis is shite. When on the left he's our best centr e half by a long way.

 

[Goater=Legend]

It's his first season so I'm willing to give him the benefit. Mangala has been here two years and still making the same mistakes as when he first got here.

 

[Damien10]

You are all casting your opinions based on him basically having no midfield that leads to him having lots of space to defend. I would wait until the team start playing a midfield capable of helping out with some defensive dutys before writing him of.

 

[jaiguruKun]

Just about acceptable so far all things considered but some improvement needed next season.

 

[Silva_Spell]

Least of our concerns defensively. 2 lads to the left of him are the liabilities back there.

 

[CityFan94]

I really rate Otamendi, but he has these moments where he's really dodgy. If he can cut that out, he'll be brilliant.

Miles ahead of Mangala and Demichelis, that's for sure.