What you need from a solid backline is consistency. Our problem is the only player we have that has been consistent, is now constantly injured.
Otamendi looks a solid, consistent player, if he has a go0d solid partner alongside him. Unfortunately in Mangala and DeMike, he doesn't have that. So complacency can set in at times during a game, but as its its his first season in the PL you can give him that time..
Mangala and DeMike have had time. DeMike is old and and leaving so no point wasting time on him.
Mangala, reminds me of a Micah Richards playing CB alongside Richard Dunne. Hoping his sheer power and speed will get him out of trouble whilst the positioning awareness of his partner covers him. Problem is, for Mangala, the only player like that we have is Kompany.
We need another Kompany-type player in the backline. Someone who can read the danger before it comes, not waiting to deal with it when the danger is on top of them.
But overall, i think the key position and player we are lacking is the Central Defensive Midfielder. Someone who doesnt go further than the centre circle.
Delph is a Box to Box player, ideal to play alongside a CDM. As is Fernandinho.
Yaya ... cant decide what he is now, a CM/CAM?? defensively ... maybe useful defending a corner?
Fernando is probably the only CDM we have, but really should be the backup player to the real CDM, who we are lacking to cover and stop the danger from the backline.
Solutions?? New Defensively minded players? Do we try and go for players that have had good seasons and can still develop like Kante (Leicester) or Kouyate (West Ham) or get a stellar, overpriced, established player who may or not work in the PL?
... oh .... and before i woke up this morning , City were 4-0 up in the first 20 minutes against Everton. Dunno if that was a dream or a memory, but Navas scored number 4, on a break after good work from Yaya. Just thought i'd stick that bit in there too ....
