Joe Bennett

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There was only one occasion when fat man Holt beat him in the air; the gut wrenching 92nd minute when Guzan came flapping. He wasn't great, but considering their plodders targetted him, he didn't do too badly.

[Lastfootstamper]

I've only seen norwich on MOTD, but a difference I noticed from sunderland was how often he seemed isolated. The support he received from Delph previously didn't come on Saturday. Personally, I don't care who the full-back is, leaving them isolated is a recipe for disaster. He also appeared to be dragged inside a fair bit, leading me to believe the communication across the back four isn't all it could be; Vlaar ain't all that, so maybe Baker should be more vocal, he plays left-side, he should be more aware of what's going on over his shoulder, and let his teammates know about it.

All that said, I do think we have a cracking footballer in Bennett. Whether his future lies in the number three shirt remains to be seen. As much as I hate to use him as a comparison (again), I seem to recall Bale was a pretty shit full-back. Perseverance shall pay dividends, I have no doubt.

[supertom]

I've only seen norwich on MOTD, but a difference I noticed from sunderland was how often he seemed isolated. The support he received from Delph previously didn't come on Saturday. Personally, I don't care who the full-back is, leaving them isolated is a recipe for disaster. He also appeared to be dragged inside a fair bit, leading me to believe the communication across the back four isn't all it could be; Vlaar ain't all that, so maybe Baker should be more vocal, he plays left-side, he should be more aware of what's going on over his shoulder, and let his teammates know about it.

All that said, I do think we have a cracking footballer in Bennett. Whether his future lies in the number three shirt remains to be seen. As much as I hate to use him as a comparison (again), I seem to recall Bale was a pretty shit full-back. Perseverance shall pay dividends, I have no doubt.

The communication thing is key. That's where we've lacked a Laursen. In all honesty, our defence under O Neill wasn't fantastically organised by any stretch, but we had Laursen, or later Dunne, who knew what they were doing and get keep the backline held together. Okay, so Dunne didn't really care about being here and his effort dropped significantly under Houllier.
What we need is a quality centre half, with enough experience at a top level. If not Premier league, then an equivilant standard. Someone who can organise things. Keep the young lads sharp and alert. Vlaar is not that. Baker is never going to be that, and I think long term, isn't good enough.
I also think with a dominent centre half who is vocal and commands his box, and Guzan wouldn't be rushing out to take affirmative action in the 93rd minute, and almost drop us in it.
Lescott could be that player. Otherwise I'm sure there's plenty of quality scandanavian centre halfs we could get or someone from the Bundesliga.
Next season, I would be worried if Baker or Clark were a first choice. I also think we need another fullback to push Bennett. The jury is still out on him. In terms of ability, he's got it. It's his footballing brain and positioning that is a problem. Those can be improved upon. That said, it amazes me with footballers sometimes, just how many moronically pointless free kicks and pens they give away.
Bennett and Lowton both need to work on their upper body strength too. My Mrs took one look at Bennett and asked me why we were playing a 14 year old.

[Mister E]

I've only seen norwich on MOTD, but a difference I noticed from sunderland was how often he seemed isolated. The support he received from Delph previously didn't come on Saturday. Personally, I don't care who the full-back is, leaving them isolated is a recipe for disaster. He also appeared to be dragged inside a fair bit, leading me to believe the communication across the back four isn't all it could be; Vlaar ain't all that, so maybe Baker should be more vocal, he plays left-side, he should be more aware of what's going on over his shoulder, and let his teammates know about it.

All that said, I do think we have a cracking footballer in Bennett. Whether his future lies in the number three shirt remains to be seen. As much as I hate to use him as a comparison (again), I seem to recall Bale was a pretty shit full-back. Perseverance shall pay dividends, I have no doubt.

The communication thing is key. That's where we've lacked a Laursen. In all honesty, our defence under O Neill wasn't fantastically organised by any stretch, but we had Laursen, or later Dunne, who knew what they were doing and get keep the backline held together. Okay, so Dunne didn't really care about being here and his effort dropped significantly under Houllier.
What we need is a quality centre half, with enough experience at a top level. If not Premier league, then an equivilant standard. Someone who can organise things. Keep the young lads sharp and alert. Vlaar is not that. Baker is never going to be that, and I think long term, isn't good enough.
I also think with a dominent centre half who is vocal and commands his box, and Guzan wouldn't be rushing out to take affirmative action in the 93rd minute, and almost drop us in it.
Lescott could be that player. Otherwise I'm sure there's plenty of quality scandanavian centre halfs we could get or someone from the Bundesliga.
Next season, I would be worried if Baker or Clark were a first choice. I also think we need another fullback to push Bennett. The jury is still out on him. In terms of ability, he's got it. It's his footballing brain and positioning that is a problem. Those can be improved upon. That said, it amazes me with footballers sometimes, just how many moronically pointless free kicks and pens they give away.
Bennett and Lowton both need to work on their upper body strength too. My Mrs took one look at Bennett and asked me why we were playing a 14 year old.

I agree with a lot of what you say - or I at least understand where you're coming from - but I think the jury is out on both of these guys. I'd like to see what the close-season reflection time and personal development does to each of them.
I'm a fan of CC but I do think Baker may have progressed beyond him this season and - with more composure and some passing-the-ball lessons - he may be a very good CB next season. I remember Jonny Evans and Spurs' Dawson (to name a couple) who were flaky in their early games but both have come out on the other side of their early development and become reasonably accomplished. Even Cahill was somewhat flaky ...

[supertom]

Clark and Baker may prove useful still, and certainly could be good as back up options. That said, if our defence is to improve we most definitely need a top signing in the middle. Then Baker, Clark and Vlaar (who's not done enough to be the main man) can fight it out for the other spot.
Actually, the one I think who could benefit the most from us finding a new Laursen is Clark. He's got plenty of ability, he just needs a strong leader next to him. Curtis Davies looked a hell of a lot better whenever he played next to Laursen. When Laursen wasn't there, Davies looked like an accident waiting to happen. Had Laursen stayed another year or so injury free, at this point, Davies might have been a totally different player altogether. As opposed to plodding along in the 2nd tier now.

[Risso]

If we stay up, then the defence need a huge overhaul in the summer.  We don't have any central defenders who can be relied upon.  If we get a good, dominant player in, ie a Mellberg/Laursen/Southgate type, then any of Clark/Vlaar/Baker may come up to scratch, but all three of them have been hopeless this year.  Clark just doesn't look like a defender to me, whereas Baker does but lacks Clark's quality.

[Tuscans]

If we stay up, then the defence need a huge overhaul in the summer.  We don't have any central defenders who can be relied upon.  If we get a good, dominant player in, ie a Mellberg/Laursen/Southgate type, then any of Clark/Vlaar/Baker may come up to scratch, but all three of them have been hopeless this year.  Clark just doesn't look like a defender to me, whereas Baker does but lacks Clark's quality.

I would go along with that. Vlaar ball watches and lets his man go far too easily. Clarke on the other hand gets too close, is turned or gives away a free kick that usuall costs us. And with Bennett I can't see on the basis that he has an ok cross on him but with all his other downfalls, ie. defending, then he might be the next Bale!!
One 28yr old + CB and LB for me next season is a must...if we stay up.

[Karl Bridges]

I would disagree with the people writing him off. I think it takes time to adjust to playing at the top level. Even Ashley Cole wasn't great defensively when he started out, it came with experience. Not that I am saying in a few years JB will be one of the best LB's in the world, just that his game will become more rounded.

[ozzjim]

I think people forget how dodgy Baines was for a long time too, until he really kicked on. Everton played Lescott at left back a lot in front of him. I think full back is the second most important, and definitely the hardest position to play in the modern game. I think a player like Naughton would be a good signing to give full on competition for both full back spots. Shedding Lichaj and Stevens, and signing 2 new, better full backs would be good.

[supertom]

I think people forget how dodgy Baines was for a long time too, until he really kicked on. Everton played Lescott at left back a lot in front of him. I think full back is the second most important, and definitely the hardest position to play in the modern game. I think a player like Naughton would be a good signing to give full on competition for both full back spots. Shedding Lichaj and Stevens, and signing 2 new, better full backs would be good.

Ash Cole wasn't a brilliant defender when he started out. He was quite suspect for his first few years at the Goons. That said, though Bennett has potential, I'm not saying he'll turn out to be the next Ashley Cole. He can improve greatly though.
The key is having a top class centre half who can help these kids during the game.

[pauliewalnuts]

If we stay up, then the defence need a huge overhaul in the summer.  We don't have any central defenders who can be relied upon.  If we get a good, dominant player in, ie a Mellberg/Laursen/Southgate type, then any of Clark/Vlaar/Baker may come up to scratch, but all three of them have been hopeless this year.  Clark just doesn't look like a defender to me, whereas Baker does but lacks Clark's quality.

I wouldn't so much as say a huge overhaul as - like you said - a dominant centre half is what we really need. Baker and Clark, I thought, really struggled together, but stick them alongside a decent, experienced centre half and it improves things immediately.

I am still far from convinced by Joe Bennett. I am not saying we should move him on or anything, he may turn out to be good enough - and has looked the part far more often the last few weeks - just that I don't fancy risking another season with him as our only viable option at left back.

[TheEgo]

Go out and buy Ashely Williams and stick him next to Bennett and he will be just fine. He's young, naive and raw and needs some leadership next to him on the pitch (as do the others) Vlaar isn't the man to lead us (it doesn't appear that way anyway) we need a real PL experienced CB to give the others chance to grow into the role. Do you think Williams is gettable? Liverpool bound?

[john e]

There was only one occasion when fat man Holt beat him in the air; the gut wrenching 92nd minute when Guzan came flapping. He wasn't great, but considering their plodders targetted him, he didn't do too badly.

I have never said one bad word about Bennett even when we were getting trounced by everyone in December, so I wouldn't class myself as a Bennett nocker, in fact I have always believed this group of payers have great prospects if we stick with them

But on Saturday he was an absolute lability, some of the silly things he was doing were just mindless in a important game like it was,
I'm all for sticking with the youngsters but if he plays like that again he could cost us our premiership place, nothing to do with ability, just stupidity in his case

I know you are like me a Lambert lover, but how you can say 'he didn't do too badly' against Norwich when he was a disaster just waiting to happen is beyond me

[barrysleftfoot]

 When Bennett has a bad one, he has a nightmare.

 Having said that, i think he has played well recently.He plays well for me when he starts well, played well against Walcott, and Lennon in the 1st game.
 He is only 21, and it is first season in the Prem.He has pace, good feet, good cross, he lacks concentration, and strength, they will both come.The comparisson with him and ACole is a good one, he has the same strengths/weaknesses as ACole, and if he turns out to be half the player of him, then i will be pleased.

 Thought Eric played well when he came on Sat as well.

[eastie]

I am a fan of Bennett and think he will be a quality player for us , however he was poor at Norwich and could have been sent off .