CB options

I actually don't see us signing a CB now that de gea looks likely to stay which imo would be a big mistake.
Really hope I'm wrong however.
Got a feeling van gaal wants to give smalling and Jones a go

I really don't like to criticize our own players but Jones makes me feel very uncomfortable when defending and when he has the ball at his feet. Smalling is better but needs an accomplished partner imo

Agree with OP. We definitely need to buy a top class CB. Intact, we should have bought one last season to replace Rio and vidic.

Our only decent CB (Smalling) is injury prone. Jones and Rojo ain't that good, they also bring a calamityes element to the rest of the defense.

As for the top CB, anyone of Ramos, Hummels and Otamendi would do. Each one is different but all of them can be a beast in a right system

We are weaker defensively than we are offensively.

I will be concerned if the defence we have now is the same as what it will be in September

The fact that we are stronger in central midfield will have a great affect on our defence, offering greater protection and this is something that shouldn't be underestimated.

Whilst it is also useful to have good individual players, for me it's important that the defence works well as a unit. Having a 'proper' RB will help, and Shaw having another year under his belt will also improve this.

LVG sees something in Jones and Smalling (whom I assume is still his first choice pairing) and unlike many, I still have faith in Jones to produce the goods. This means they must stay injury free and get a good run in the team playing together, but this season is a big one for them - if the signs aren't good or they can't remain fit, then no doubt changes will occur. LVG may still bring in a new CB anyway, but I'm not sure that he will bring in any new defenders befoe the start of the season.

comment by Josunited (U8584)

I really don't like to criticize our own players but Jones makes me feel very uncomfortable when defending and when he has the ball at his feet. Smalling is better but needs an accomplished partner imo

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Smalling is far worse with the ball at his feet, its the weakest part of his game. Constantly overrunning it and then having to jump into tackles to get the ball back.

We def need a new partner for Roho I feel. But think attacking options are more important given Rooney's decline and how dull we are in creating anything these days.

comment by aroon1 (U7949)
posted 1 hour, 38 minutes ago
comment by Josunited (U8584)

I really don't like to criticize our own players but Jones makes me feel very uncomfortable when defending and when he has the ball at his feet. Smalling is better but needs an accomplished partner imo

.................................................

Smalling is far worse with the ball at his feet, its the weakest part of his game. Constantly overrunning it and then having to jump into tackles to get the ball back.

We def need a new partner for Roho I feel. But think attacking options are more important given Rooney's decline and how dull we are in creating anything these days.

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Smalling improved a lot in the respect during the second half the season, he certainly isn't lunging into tackles every game because he over runs it, also, it might be the weakest part of his game but it's still more accomplished than Jones, it's myth that he's a) good on the ball and b) versatile.

I agree with Kinsang about drilling a defence, there's a reason Lovern looked good at Southampton but looks poor for Liverpool, he was playing in a better defensive unit at Saints where he was more comfortable.

Look at Jose Fonte, he hasn't suddenly turned into a world class centre back but the defensive system brought out the best him last season, same with Terry under Mourinho, with Rafa and especially AVB he looked finished.

He wants a left footed player to play CB on the left side and will use Blind or Rojo I think if Ramos doesn't join.