YOUR starting back four.

Cambridgeblue said:
johnmc said:
Not seen Nedum at right back as much as we have Richards, but decent point. Does Richards offer more going forward? Maybe so, but we also know Nedum IS capable going off West Ham at the start of last season. Not much in it between the two at right back - at centre half it is no contest.
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If I remember correctly Ned used to play RB back when Richards thought he was a CB... then when it turned out Richards was gash at CB Ned stepped into CB and did an outstanding job. Seems to me therefore that Ned should get the nod over Richards and possibly Pab Zab too when we need a more defensively minded back 4.

Imho Zab is better than Ned going forwards but I think Ned has the edge over him defensively.
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Yeah, Onuoha used to play right back quite a lot didn't he? Not his best position but in time it just might be. He's still young and if he works on his ball control a bit more I'm sure he could become an excellent full back, he certainly has the speed to chase anyone up and down that wing. He is best in the centre though, IMO somethings gone wrong if he's not a natural starter for us within the next few years.
 
We need continuity, so we shouldn't be changing our defence for every home and away trip, that makes no sense at all. And can I just reaffirm to you all that Lescott is not a LB, hasn't played LB for Everton for years, and is being brought to City to play as a CB.

For me, we should play - Richards--Kompany--Lescott--Bridge

That's the best line-up we have, it's strong, tall, aerially solid, good going forward, both the CB's read the game well, it's just a great combination. Toure, Onuoha and Dunne as backups look brilliant too, great depth. Right now because of Kompany's injury Toure will have to step in but once Kompany is back he goes straight into the starting line up. Lescott will be hideously overworked if he plays with Toure, the amount of times he'll have to bail him out will be sickening.
 
Cambridgeblue said:
If I remember correctly Ned used to play RB back when Richards thought he was a CB... then when it turned out Richards was gash at CB Ned stepped into CB and did an outstanding job. Seems to me therefore that Ned should get the nod over Richards and possibly Pab Zab too when we need a more defensively minded back 4.

Imho Zab is better than Ned going forwards but I think Ned has the edge over him defensively.
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Unfortunately for me Zab is too slow, so if he came up against Young or Walcott for example would get roasted - Micah and Ned could handle the pace a bit better.
 
Onouha has committed himself to city with new contract. His main problem to date has been keeping himself fit for a long string of games - this spring was the first such time.

He is now 22 and has to set target of breaking into City first choice tean and into the England squad pre world cup or after.

His best position is centre back. He has pace, power, reads the game well and shows good judgement. He has got a lot better against aerial threat and is more comfortable playing out of defence with DeJong in holding midfield role.

His England future post Terry/Ferdinand is centre back.

He can comfortable play either left or right centre back (unlike Dunne/Richards/Toure - who prefer right - or Lescott who prefers left).

Who else is there to challenge him post Terry/Ferdinand? Upson is 30, Lescott is 27 (Terry nearly 29, Ferdinand nearly 31 - both with 'creaking bodies'), Wheater / Taylor not at same level, Mancienne looks to have potential but not at Nedums level yet.

Great to have such choice from the bench - test for Nedum will be competing with Kompany (who has big height advantage and better passing out of defence) and forcing his way into first choice centre back position.

Hughes will ensure he gets a number of games this season including at right back (ahead of Zab) but IMO his long term future is at centre back.
 
Gorton Gruff said:
Onouha has committed himself to city with new contract. His main problem to date has been keeping himself fit for a long string of games - this spring was the first such time.

He is now 22 and has to set target of breaking into City first choice tean and into the England squad pre world cup or after.

His best position is centre back. He has pace, power, reads the game well and shows good judgement. He has got a lot better against aerial threat and is more comfortable playing out of defence with DeJong in holding midfield role.

His England future post Terry/Ferdinand is centre back.

He can comfortable play either left or right centre back (unlike Dunne/Richards/Toure - who prefer right - or Lescott who prefers left).

Who else is there to challenge him post Terry/Ferdinand? Upson is 30, Lescott is 27 (Terry nearly 29, Ferdinand nearly 31 - both with 'creaking bodies'), Wheater / Taylor not at same level, Mancienne looks to have potential but not at Nedums level yet.

Great to have such choice from the bench - test for Nedum will be competing with Kompany (who has big height advantage and better passing out of defence) and forcing his way into first choice centre back position.

Hughes will ensure he gets a number of games this season including at right back (ahead of Zab) but IMO his long term future is at centre back.
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I agree with every word of that...

Great post!
 
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