Much has been written on our horrible defensive performances this season and our interest in Stones. However is CB a priority right now? I would argue no, its not. Is Stones a definite upgrade on Terry, Cahill or Zouma? I doubt so. Zouma seems like a steal in comparison to the figures being quoted for the transfer of Stones. He already is a talented, fast and physical centre back, who has rewarded Jose Mourinho's faith with him, with some great performances. Also there is a possibility of Ivanovic playing CB, his performances at RB this season (and to some extent last season) have shown how limited he is in that position. However he has always been a fairly reliable CB.
Whilst Stones is very talented, I really doubt he is the answer to our current defensive problems. Are Terry and co, going to be more assured with Stones next to them? Personally, we already have a very talented CB in our squad, I would much rather give him a good run at playing, than over pay for what is a raw talent. Furthermore I think its actually in central midfield which needs most improving. Matic and Fabregas have offered no cover, resulting in a very exposed back four.
I like Stones, I really do. However he isn't going anywhere. I doubt any rivals are going to snatch him away from us. Let him develop at Everton for a year or two, and not just sign him as a quick answer to our crisis.
Do we really need Stones?
posted on 26/8/15
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posted on 26/8/15
Just because Ivanovic has been absolute pony at right back , doesn't mean he should be in contention for a move to centre half, just because he's done it before.
The defending from Ivanovic and Cahill has been shocking since March. Why shouldn't Stones be a starter if (when) he comes in?
*drumroll response* cause he's only 21? Bülls hït.
posted on 26/8/15
comment by
The defending from Ivanovic and Cahill has been shocking since March. Why shouldn't Stones be a starter if (when) he comes in?
*drumroll response* cause he's only 21? Bülls hït.
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Your dead right with that.
posted on 26/8/15
Stones isn't meant to solve any defensive problems this year. He is meant to learn from Terry and to a lesser extent Cahill, the fact we have defensive problems I think is a happy coincidence (probably convinced him to submit a transfer request).
posted on 26/8/15
Hope he doesn't do much learning from Cahill.
posted on 27/8/15
We are not signing Stones because we urgently need another CB, we have the opportunity to buy a young English CB possibly before his price goes up even higher and we are looking to take it.
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I'd be interested to know in current market terms what his top price could be assuming he has a cracker of a season and is confirmed top shelf material.
What does a top (British ..ie JT++ in his heyday) defender collect ?
Another way to put it...
Could we really expect a 60K pay day or come out even after a couple of years after realising the top status reputation for him?
Of course if he became a legend with 10 years of service to the club, it wouldn't matter at all his market value... right?
So is he worth the gamble. If JM and JT think he is then for JS... hell yeah!
posted on 27/8/15
We do need another CB within the next 12-24 months, and preferably someone English. Terry & Cahill is the only partnership in the team where age is a serious concern, and the fact both are English means potentially having to force ourselves to seek out domestic talent in other areas if we went for someone like Varane.
If Everton were willing to do business Stones would've been an ideal signing. But we've already bid well above his value so we might as well let him slide for this window. Inject some of that money into a Pogba bid if we're determined to burn it
posted on 27/8/15
Stones is an excellent defender and If we intend to be progressive from defence to attack a must signing now.
Cahill should be benched permanently.
posted on 27/8/15
In answer to your question...Yes an upgrade on Cahill and Zouma.
posted on 6/12/15
Yes, yes you do