by urz13 »
24 Jul 2017 12:31
Hound urz13 Not to mention that despite our defence looking solid on paper, we still conceded 60+ goals last season. So I think we should welcome the opportunity to strengthen the defence.
Not dismissing either of your posts and both have valid points
On the 60+ goals - yes we did have issues - but towards the end of the season we were pretty much rock solid - as proved against Fulham and Huddersfield where we conceded one goal in almost 3.5 games
If we play 3-5-2, and lose Cooper, I think then yes, we could probably have another CB - though you are still telling 2 of McShane, Ilori, Moore, Blackett or this chap they are not playing each week. They are too good to be on the bench
If we play 4-3-3, we are likely not playing 3 of those each week
Maybe this shows that Stam does see Blackett more as a LB which would be a mistake imo.
That's true - but in the 352 scenario in which we lose Cooper (appears to be most likely come the start of the season) I think we look a bit thin without another CB.
Because the crucial thing is, although we'd have 5 CB's for 3 slots the chance of them all staying fit all season is low. Look at McShane and Ilori last season - both had injuries that kept them out for a long time (and McShane's could be a recurring one). You need cover for those scenarios. Whilst Blackett as 4th choice CB provides such cover, if Obita was injured/suspended he'd be playing LB leaving us no cover at CB apart from out of position players.
The way I see it is that if this guy is better than Moore/McShane/Ilori then he starts and we improve our defence, which is a good thing (no matter how much we all rate the aforementioned). If he's not better than them then he's good cover to have as a dedicated CB, as opposed to Blackett or Gunter/VDB/Evans. He's not played that many games in his career and he's not played at this level before so I doubt he'd be too annoyed about mainly being on the bench.