But let's not let fact get in the way of opinion.
People on here are way too stubborn and self conscious to change their preconceptions based on actual fact!!
I like Skrtel but he is not and should not be our best defender if we want top four consistently. He looks better than he is because he's our only defender who can actually score from set pieces and he makes loads of last ditch sliding tackles even though that's normally because he's out of position in the first place.
Statistics are extremely subjective. For example the numeracy of the amount of tackles - does that mean that the opposition are targeting the weaker defender so more is coming their way. Fouls given- is that because he was stopping a clear goal scoring chance. I could go on to be honest.
I thought this article was about midfield??
Countinho's pass completion is absolute pash compared to Skrtel. Does this mean Skrtel is the better passer of a ball?
I don't think skrtel helps, skrtel makes himself look good, the way he flies in to tackles often leaves his partner isolated, and he often steps out of position to try to head/intercept the ball..
One of our recent friendlies had a typical example: lovren got pelters because we conceded, but skrtel had rushed out flying in to a tackle and left lovren against two men.
The days of blood and thunder defending are gone, you need a bit more intelligence in the modern game, we won't improve defensively as long as skrtel is our rb.
There are things he does very well, and he was great in a three because he could go about his business knowing he had cover.
-------------------------------
Completely agree about Skrtel in a four man defense. He does get caught out of position way too often and, as you said, makes himself look good with his urgent recovery tackles.
He was good in a 3 as he had plenty of cover, but in a 4 man defense then he will become exposed again. I did hope we were going to sign another centre back to partner Sakho (easily our best CB in a four man defense), but Rodgers will clearly give Skrtel the nod (at least that is better than Lovren starting though!).
Having Clyne at RB alongside him will help, but we really do need Lucas or Can to perform solidly at DM this year to give Skrtel added protection, as Skrtel is still, and always will be, a liability quite frankly.
We need a leader at the back and Skrtel is not is unfortunately, and Toure isn't up to it anymore on the field (although I'm sure he's a huge help off the field). We need a Hummels back there, but fat chance of that happening (unless Rodgers goes, Klopp arrives and has an influential word haha).
comment by The Welsh Xavi (U15412)
posted 34 minutes ago
I like Skrtel but he is not and should not be our best defender if we want top four consistently. He looks better than he is because he's our only defender who can actually score from set pieces and he makes loads of last ditch sliding tackles even though that's normally because he's out of position in the first place.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
If he shouldn't be our best defender but is, then surely we should be trying to replace the other defenders and not bashing our best one?
It's got so bad that the people who dislike him are admitting he's our best defender but still want him replaced as he apparently looks a better defender because he scored a few goals.
Then we have the old cliche which pops up oh yeah but no but yeah but, he only makes tackles as he was out of position in the first place. Even if that were the case, it's not, then what's the problem, as long as he solves the issue in the end, with the last ditch tackle?
comment by Introducing...The Fircoutinhoes!! (U1783)
posted 8 minutes ago
I don't think skrtel helps, skrtel makes himself look good, the way he flies in to tackles often leaves his partner isolated, and he often steps out of position to try to head/intercept the ball..
One of our recent friendlies had a typical example: lovren got pelters because we conceded, but skrtel had rushed out flying in to a tackle and left lovren against two men.
The days of blood and thunder defending are gone, you need a bit more intelligence in the modern game, we won't improve defensively as long as skrtel is our rb.
There are things he does very well, and he was great in a three because he could go about his business knowing he had cover.
-------------------------------
Completely agree about Skrtel in a four man defense. He does get caught out of position way too often and, as you said, makes himself look good with his urgent recovery tackles.
He was good in a 3 as he had plenty of cover, but in a 4 man defense then he will become exposed again. I did hope we were going to sign another centre back to partner Sakho (easily our best CB in a four man defense), but Rodgers will clearly give Skrtel the nod (at least that is better than Lovren starting though!).
Having Clyne at RB alongside him will help, but we really do need Lucas or Can to perform solidly at DM this year to give Skrtel added protection, as Skrtel is still, and always will be, a liability quite frankly.
We need a leader at the back and Skrtel is not is unfortunately, and Toure isn't up to it anymore on the field (although I'm sure he's a huge help off the field). We need a Hummels back there, but fat chance of that happening (unless Rodgers goes, Klopp arrives and has an influential word haha).
----------------------------------------------------------------------
He won our player of the season when we used a four man defence.
comment by Insert random username (U10647)
posted 53 minutes ago
Lovren made more tackles and interceptions per game than skrtel, as did sakho, toure made the same number of tackles, but 1/3rd of the interceptions.
Lovren won the highest % of aerial duels, 7% more thank skrtel per game, sakho won 6% less per game than skrtel.
Lovren falls down with the fact he gave the ball away 5% more, made more unsuccessful tackles (putting in more than 3 tackles a game to skrtels 2 as well as intercepting mote) and made 1/3rd more errors per game than skrtel.
All in all on 6 stats compared lovren has the best statistics on 3 skrtel wins 1 and draws with sakho on 1
And toure wins the other category
It's worth noting that skrtels "win" is on unsuccessful tackles, but he also puts in the least numbers tackles per game. So that would be par for the course and even though he puts in The LEAST tackles per game. He gives away the MOST fouls.
The stat he draws with sakho on his passing accuracy.
I should also mention that statistically he was almost universally better than the year before, and has shown statistical progression for three years (particularly on stats with the ball, passing, take on's etc)
But skrtel is at his peak, the others are not. They will improve, he probably will not now.
Lovren stats are pretty good considering it was his first year, he got a rough start and has been left horribly exposed due to skrtels penchant for wandering out of position, the fact he doesn't put many tackles in (and half are fouls, 75% of which conceed a free kick) and has a poor aerial duels % for an experienced player at his peak, competing at the top of the league.
I'm not saying skrtel isn't a solid player, but we will never have a top class defence with him in it.
His inability to effectively partner hyypia, carra, and agger demonstrates that, as they all worked perfectly well together otherwise.
As does the much lower win % over his career when he has played.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
So Lovren was better than Skrtel last season?
comment by There'sOnlyOneReds (U1721)
posted 4 minutes ago
If he shouldn't be our best defender but is, then surely we should be trying to replace the other defenders and not bashing our best one?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I would have thought that depends entirely on what your opinion is of Sakho/Lovren's potential. If you think they'll exceed Skrtel's current level then I can see why someone might want Skrtel to be the man that makes way.
Personally I have severe doubts about Lovren so would happily keep Skrtel. Wouldn't mind seeing him replaced in the starting line-up if we could find someone better to partner Sakho though.
At this point we don't however so he plays.
Am I right in thinking that Sakho didn't speak a word of English when he joined us?
That can't help and we didn't see too much of the lad alongside Skrtel in a four last season.
Fact is I severely doubt we're going to bring someone else in at CB so we have to get behind the lads and hope as a team they can all help each other.
If he shouldn't be our best defender but is, then surely we should be trying to replace the other defenders and not bashing our best one?
It's got so bad that the people who dislike him are admitting he's our best defender but still want him replaced as he apparently looks a better defender because he scored a few goals.
------------------------------------
Did you even read my comment? I never said he was our best defender and I even said I liked Skrtel, it's just I don't think he should be a starting CB unless in a back 3. Now unless we buy another CB, which I don't think we will do, then yes I'd prefer him to start ahead of Lovren but I just don't think he's good enough to be a consistent top four team player.
About the goals I mentioned case in point is the game against Arsenal last season where it was 2-2. Both of Arsenal's goals were his fault (out jumped by Debuchy for the first then lost Giroud for the second) but because he scored the last minute equaliser no one cared the goals were his fault in his first place.
About the goals I mentioned case in point is the game against Arsenal last season where it was 2-2. Both of Arsenal's goals were his fault (out jumped by Debuchy for the first then lost Giroud for the second) but because he scored the last minute equaliser no one cared the goals were his fault in his first place.
---------------------------------
Can't agree with that at all. yes he was out jumped by another player, but how many chances did the rest of the defence have to clear that cross? Two or three wasn't it.
Likewise with the Giroud goal. He wasn't picked up by Toure and Gerrard was strolling back watching the ball, not keeping an eye on the run. Skrtel was front post trying to intercept the cross. Those behind him needed to do better.
Those goals you highlight actually speak volumes about the complete inability to defend as a team. Too often the midifeld wasn't helping out and we still don't have an actual reliable CB partnership.
I think lovren is going to surprise some people.
I remember everyone trashing sakho this time last year, lovren clearly has the statistics to prove he can be a top signing for us.
Likewise with the Giroud goal. He wasn't picked up by Toure and Gerrard was strolling back watching the ball, not keeping an eye on the run. Skrtel was front post trying to intercept the cross. Those behind him needed to do better.
----------------
You might not say the first was his but he definitely played a part in the second. Gerrard was strolling back but Skrtel was actually occupying the space directly behind Toure so the cross would only have got to him in that position if it wa splayed at Toure and he missed the ball.
Link:
https://youtu.be/RLAETfuOK-I?t=3m2s
Do agree though that our defending as team has been pretty poor for a while now and it's not just Skrtel
comment by The Welsh Xavi (U15412)
posted 3 minutes ago
Likewise with the Giroud goal. He wasn't picked up by Toure and Gerrard was strolling back watching the ball, not keeping an eye on the run. Skrtel was front post trying to intercept the cross. Those behind him needed to do better.
----------------
You might not say the first was his but he definitely played a part in the second. Gerrard was strolling back but Skrtel was actually occupying the space directly behind Toure so the cross would only have got to him in that position if it wa splayed at Toure and he missed the ball.
Link:
https://youtu.be/RLAETfuOK-I?t=3m2s
----------------------------------------------------------------------
got my Toure and Sakho mixed up I think.
But my point is more that its easy to pick up on individual mistakes in the team, but as a whole we have defended very poorly under BR. We don't necessarily need the best CBs in the world, but absolutely do need to see two of who we have actually form a partnership. Its worrying that we haven't managed that.
As for Lucas, I think there's definitely a place for him in the team as I feel a DM is imperative to help cover once Moreno and Clyne join in with the attack. I do feel we could've strengthened in many defensive areas this year.
John Terry looked whack under Capello.
We play the way we play but really our system suits exceptional midfielders who are very comfortable in possession. Very.
We don't really have that and she it doesn't stick within two passes the cb's are in a 1 on 1 situation or worse.
Can as a DM is one of the worse solutions i could think of Positionally he isnt great and he also switches off when he's not on the ball. He should play as box-to-box imo
Anyway...its all down to tactics more than anything else. Couple bad tactics with terrible players. Skrtel is average, Lovren is gash, Sakho still has a lot to prove but is the best of a bad bad bunch. A quality DM will help but Rodgers also needs to tweak his tactics. We had it for a short while (even if it was against some weak teams), where Hendo & Allen/Lucas where more disciplined in their positioning and movement.
I honestly see something similar with Milner & Hendo.
But my point is more that its easy to pick up on individual mistakes in the team, but as a whole we have defended very poorly under BR. We don't necessarily need the best CBs in the world, but absolutely do need to see two of who we have actually form a partnership. Its worrying that we haven't managed that.
-------------------
Very true and whilst attack was definetly the priority this year, I am worried that once again we'll concede 50+ goals which really does need to be sorted out. Clyne should help but it's still a big problem we have as a team. Plus I never wanted to come across as saying Skrtel is terrible cause he's not, it's just I think he's not good enough to be a mainstay in a top four side which is what we want to be.
comment by The Welsh Xavi (U15412)
posted 47 minutes ago
But my point is more that its easy to pick up on individual mistakes in the team, but as a whole we have defended very poorly under BR. We don't necessarily need the best CBs in the world, but absolutely do need to see two of who we have actually form a partnership. Its worrying that we haven't managed that.
-------------------
Very true and whilst attack was definetly the priority this year, I am worried that once again we'll concede 50+ goals which really does need to be sorted out. Clyne should help but it's still a big problem we have as a team. Plus I never wanted to come across as saying Skrtel is terrible cause he's not, it's just I think he's not good enough to be a mainstay in a top four side which is what we want to be.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
He was a mainstay in a title challenging side and coveted by the eventual winners.
He was a mainstay in a title challenging side and coveted by the eventual winners.
------------------
And in Hodgson/kenny season when we finished 6th, then Kenny season when we finished 8th and finally the season just gone when we finished 6th. What's your point?
comment by The Welsh Xavi (U15412)
posted 12 minutes ago
He was a mainstay in a title challenging side and coveted by the eventual winners.
------------------
And in Hodgson/kenny season when we finished 6th, then Kenny season when we finished 8th and finally the season just gone when we finished 6th. What's your point?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
My point is you were wrong. As I stated, he was the mainstay in a title challenging team, therefore proving your comment wrong when you stated that he isn't good enough to be a mainstay in a top four team. I then added that the eventual winners of the league wanted to sign him.
Also this point about him scoring goals somehow elevating him in the minds of some people is ridiculous. He's scored about 20 goals in over 300 games.
Man city didn't want him the year of the title challenge Toor, don't distort facts, they wanted him after Kenny was sacked
They bought someone else and went on to have a more solid defence in the next three years.
And since when has man city wanting a player been a barometer of how good they are? Was jo or Robinho good enough for a title challenging team? City wanted and got them both!
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Is Lucas still the man ?
Page 2 of 3
posted on 28/7/15
But let's not let fact get in the way of opinion.
People on here are way too stubborn and self conscious to change their preconceptions based on actual fact!!
posted on 28/7/15
I like Skrtel but he is not and should not be our best defender if we want top four consistently. He looks better than he is because he's our only defender who can actually score from set pieces and he makes loads of last ditch sliding tackles even though that's normally because he's out of position in the first place.
posted on 28/7/15
Statistics are extremely subjective. For example the numeracy of the amount of tackles - does that mean that the opposition are targeting the weaker defender so more is coming their way. Fouls given- is that because he was stopping a clear goal scoring chance. I could go on to be honest.
posted on 28/7/15
I thought this article was about midfield??
posted on 28/7/15
Countinho's pass completion is absolute pash compared to Skrtel. Does this mean Skrtel is the better passer of a ball?
posted on 28/7/15
I don't think skrtel helps, skrtel makes himself look good, the way he flies in to tackles often leaves his partner isolated, and he often steps out of position to try to head/intercept the ball..
One of our recent friendlies had a typical example: lovren got pelters because we conceded, but skrtel had rushed out flying in to a tackle and left lovren against two men.
The days of blood and thunder defending are gone, you need a bit more intelligence in the modern game, we won't improve defensively as long as skrtel is our rb.
There are things he does very well, and he was great in a three because he could go about his business knowing he had cover.
-------------------------------
Completely agree about Skrtel in a four man defense. He does get caught out of position way too often and, as you said, makes himself look good with his urgent recovery tackles.
He was good in a 3 as he had plenty of cover, but in a 4 man defense then he will become exposed again. I did hope we were going to sign another centre back to partner Sakho (easily our best CB in a four man defense), but Rodgers will clearly give Skrtel the nod (at least that is better than Lovren starting though!).
Having Clyne at RB alongside him will help, but we really do need Lucas or Can to perform solidly at DM this year to give Skrtel added protection, as Skrtel is still, and always will be, a liability quite frankly.
We need a leader at the back and Skrtel is not is unfortunately, and Toure isn't up to it anymore on the field (although I'm sure he's a huge help off the field). We need a Hummels back there, but fat chance of that happening (unless Rodgers goes, Klopp arrives and has an influential word haha).
posted on 28/7/15
comment by The Welsh Xavi (U15412)
posted 34 minutes ago
I like Skrtel but he is not and should not be our best defender if we want top four consistently. He looks better than he is because he's our only defender who can actually score from set pieces and he makes loads of last ditch sliding tackles even though that's normally because he's out of position in the first place.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
If he shouldn't be our best defender but is, then surely we should be trying to replace the other defenders and not bashing our best one?
It's got so bad that the people who dislike him are admitting he's our best defender but still want him replaced as he apparently looks a better defender because he scored a few goals.
Then we have the old cliche which pops up oh yeah but no but yeah but, he only makes tackles as he was out of position in the first place. Even if that were the case, it's not, then what's the problem, as long as he solves the issue in the end, with the last ditch tackle?
posted on 28/7/15
comment by Introducing...The Fircoutinhoes!! (U1783)
posted 8 minutes ago
I don't think skrtel helps, skrtel makes himself look good, the way he flies in to tackles often leaves his partner isolated, and he often steps out of position to try to head/intercept the ball..
One of our recent friendlies had a typical example: lovren got pelters because we conceded, but skrtel had rushed out flying in to a tackle and left lovren against two men.
The days of blood and thunder defending are gone, you need a bit more intelligence in the modern game, we won't improve defensively as long as skrtel is our rb.
There are things he does very well, and he was great in a three because he could go about his business knowing he had cover.
-------------------------------
Completely agree about Skrtel in a four man defense. He does get caught out of position way too often and, as you said, makes himself look good with his urgent recovery tackles.
He was good in a 3 as he had plenty of cover, but in a 4 man defense then he will become exposed again. I did hope we were going to sign another centre back to partner Sakho (easily our best CB in a four man defense), but Rodgers will clearly give Skrtel the nod (at least that is better than Lovren starting though!).
Having Clyne at RB alongside him will help, but we really do need Lucas or Can to perform solidly at DM this year to give Skrtel added protection, as Skrtel is still, and always will be, a liability quite frankly.
We need a leader at the back and Skrtel is not is unfortunately, and Toure isn't up to it anymore on the field (although I'm sure he's a huge help off the field). We need a Hummels back there, but fat chance of that happening (unless Rodgers goes, Klopp arrives and has an influential word haha).
----------------------------------------------------------------------
He won our player of the season when we used a four man defence.
posted on 28/7/15
comment by Insert random username (U10647)
posted 53 minutes ago
Lovren made more tackles and interceptions per game than skrtel, as did sakho, toure made the same number of tackles, but 1/3rd of the interceptions.
Lovren won the highest % of aerial duels, 7% more thank skrtel per game, sakho won 6% less per game than skrtel.
Lovren falls down with the fact he gave the ball away 5% more, made more unsuccessful tackles (putting in more than 3 tackles a game to skrtels 2 as well as intercepting mote) and made 1/3rd more errors per game than skrtel.
All in all on 6 stats compared lovren has the best statistics on 3 skrtel wins 1 and draws with sakho on 1
And toure wins the other category
It's worth noting that skrtels "win" is on unsuccessful tackles, but he also puts in the least numbers tackles per game. So that would be par for the course and even though he puts in The LEAST tackles per game. He gives away the MOST fouls.
The stat he draws with sakho on his passing accuracy.
I should also mention that statistically he was almost universally better than the year before, and has shown statistical progression for three years (particularly on stats with the ball, passing, take on's etc)
But skrtel is at his peak, the others are not. They will improve, he probably will not now.
Lovren stats are pretty good considering it was his first year, he got a rough start and has been left horribly exposed due to skrtels penchant for wandering out of position, the fact he doesn't put many tackles in (and half are fouls, 75% of which conceed a free kick) and has a poor aerial duels % for an experienced player at his peak, competing at the top of the league.
I'm not saying skrtel isn't a solid player, but we will never have a top class defence with him in it.
His inability to effectively partner hyypia, carra, and agger demonstrates that, as they all worked perfectly well together otherwise.
As does the much lower win % over his career when he has played.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
So Lovren was better than Skrtel last season?
posted on 28/7/15
comment by There'sOnlyOneReds (U1721)
posted 4 minutes ago
If he shouldn't be our best defender but is, then surely we should be trying to replace the other defenders and not bashing our best one?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I would have thought that depends entirely on what your opinion is of Sakho/Lovren's potential. If you think they'll exceed Skrtel's current level then I can see why someone might want Skrtel to be the man that makes way.
Personally I have severe doubts about Lovren so would happily keep Skrtel. Wouldn't mind seeing him replaced in the starting line-up if we could find someone better to partner Sakho though.
At this point we don't however so he plays.
posted on 28/7/15
Am I right in thinking that Sakho didn't speak a word of English when he joined us?
That can't help and we didn't see too much of the lad alongside Skrtel in a four last season.
Fact is I severely doubt we're going to bring someone else in at CB so we have to get behind the lads and hope as a team they can all help each other.
posted on 28/7/15
If he shouldn't be our best defender but is, then surely we should be trying to replace the other defenders and not bashing our best one?
It's got so bad that the people who dislike him are admitting he's our best defender but still want him replaced as he apparently looks a better defender because he scored a few goals.
------------------------------------
Did you even read my comment? I never said he was our best defender and I even said I liked Skrtel, it's just I don't think he should be a starting CB unless in a back 3. Now unless we buy another CB, which I don't think we will do, then yes I'd prefer him to start ahead of Lovren but I just don't think he's good enough to be a consistent top four team player.
About the goals I mentioned case in point is the game against Arsenal last season where it was 2-2. Both of Arsenal's goals were his fault (out jumped by Debuchy for the first then lost Giroud for the second) but because he scored the last minute equaliser no one cared the goals were his fault in his first place.
posted on 28/7/15
About the goals I mentioned case in point is the game against Arsenal last season where it was 2-2. Both of Arsenal's goals were his fault (out jumped by Debuchy for the first then lost Giroud for the second) but because he scored the last minute equaliser no one cared the goals were his fault in his first place.
---------------------------------
Can't agree with that at all. yes he was out jumped by another player, but how many chances did the rest of the defence have to clear that cross? Two or three wasn't it.
Likewise with the Giroud goal. He wasn't picked up by Toure and Gerrard was strolling back watching the ball, not keeping an eye on the run. Skrtel was front post trying to intercept the cross. Those behind him needed to do better.
Those goals you highlight actually speak volumes about the complete inability to defend as a team. Too often the midifeld wasn't helping out and we still don't have an actual reliable CB partnership.
posted on 28/7/15
I think lovren is going to surprise some people.
I remember everyone trashing sakho this time last year, lovren clearly has the statistics to prove he can be a top signing for us.
posted on 28/7/15
Likewise with the Giroud goal. He wasn't picked up by Toure and Gerrard was strolling back watching the ball, not keeping an eye on the run. Skrtel was front post trying to intercept the cross. Those behind him needed to do better.
----------------
You might not say the first was his but he definitely played a part in the second. Gerrard was strolling back but Skrtel was actually occupying the space directly behind Toure so the cross would only have got to him in that position if it wa splayed at Toure and he missed the ball.
Link:
https://youtu.be/RLAETfuOK-I?t=3m2s
posted on 28/7/15
Do agree though that our defending as team has been pretty poor for a while now and it's not just Skrtel
posted on 28/7/15
comment by The Welsh Xavi (U15412)
posted 3 minutes ago
Likewise with the Giroud goal. He wasn't picked up by Toure and Gerrard was strolling back watching the ball, not keeping an eye on the run. Skrtel was front post trying to intercept the cross. Those behind him needed to do better.
----------------
You might not say the first was his but he definitely played a part in the second. Gerrard was strolling back but Skrtel was actually occupying the space directly behind Toure so the cross would only have got to him in that position if it wa splayed at Toure and he missed the ball.
Link:
https://youtu.be/RLAETfuOK-I?t=3m2s
----------------------------------------------------------------------
got my Toure and Sakho mixed up I think.
But my point is more that its easy to pick up on individual mistakes in the team, but as a whole we have defended very poorly under BR. We don't necessarily need the best CBs in the world, but absolutely do need to see two of who we have actually form a partnership. Its worrying that we haven't managed that.
As for Lucas, I think there's definitely a place for him in the team as I feel a DM is imperative to help cover once Moreno and Clyne join in with the attack. I do feel we could've strengthened in many defensive areas this year.
posted on 28/7/15
John Terry looked whack under Capello.
We play the way we play but really our system suits exceptional midfielders who are very comfortable in possession. Very.
We don't really have that and she it doesn't stick within two passes the cb's are in a 1 on 1 situation or worse.
posted on 28/7/15
Can as a DM is one of the worse solutions i could think of Positionally he isnt great and he also switches off when he's not on the ball. He should play as box-to-box imo
Anyway...its all down to tactics more than anything else. Couple bad tactics with terrible players. Skrtel is average, Lovren is gash, Sakho still has a lot to prove but is the best of a bad bad bunch. A quality DM will help but Rodgers also needs to tweak his tactics. We had it for a short while (even if it was against some weak teams), where Hendo & Allen/Lucas where more disciplined in their positioning and movement.
I honestly see something similar with Milner & Hendo.
posted on 28/7/15
But my point is more that its easy to pick up on individual mistakes in the team, but as a whole we have defended very poorly under BR. We don't necessarily need the best CBs in the world, but absolutely do need to see two of who we have actually form a partnership. Its worrying that we haven't managed that.
-------------------
Very true and whilst attack was definetly the priority this year, I am worried that once again we'll concede 50+ goals which really does need to be sorted out. Clyne should help but it's still a big problem we have as a team. Plus I never wanted to come across as saying Skrtel is terrible cause he's not, it's just I think he's not good enough to be a mainstay in a top four side which is what we want to be.
posted on 28/7/15
comment by The Welsh Xavi (U15412)
posted 47 minutes ago
But my point is more that its easy to pick up on individual mistakes in the team, but as a whole we have defended very poorly under BR. We don't necessarily need the best CBs in the world, but absolutely do need to see two of who we have actually form a partnership. Its worrying that we haven't managed that.
-------------------
Very true and whilst attack was definetly the priority this year, I am worried that once again we'll concede 50+ goals which really does need to be sorted out. Clyne should help but it's still a big problem we have as a team. Plus I never wanted to come across as saying Skrtel is terrible cause he's not, it's just I think he's not good enough to be a mainstay in a top four side which is what we want to be.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
He was a mainstay in a title challenging side and coveted by the eventual winners.
posted on 28/7/15
He was a mainstay in a title challenging side and coveted by the eventual winners.
------------------
And in Hodgson/kenny season when we finished 6th, then Kenny season when we finished 8th and finally the season just gone when we finished 6th. What's your point?
posted on 28/7/15
comment by The Welsh Xavi (U15412)
posted 12 minutes ago
He was a mainstay in a title challenging side and coveted by the eventual winners.
------------------
And in Hodgson/kenny season when we finished 6th, then Kenny season when we finished 8th and finally the season just gone when we finished 6th. What's your point?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
My point is you were wrong. As I stated, he was the mainstay in a title challenging team, therefore proving your comment wrong when you stated that he isn't good enough to be a mainstay in a top four team. I then added that the eventual winners of the league wanted to sign him.
posted on 28/7/15
Also this point about him scoring goals somehow elevating him in the minds of some people is ridiculous. He's scored about 20 goals in over 300 games.
posted on 28/7/15
Man city didn't want him the year of the title challenge Toor, don't distort facts, they wanted him after Kenny was sacked
They bought someone else and went on to have a more solid defence in the next three years.
And since when has man city wanting a player been a barometer of how good they are? Was jo or Robinho good enough for a title challenging team? City wanted and got them both!
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