Ongoing Defensive Frailties

[RussellC]

He won our Player of the Season so he wasn't that bad.

http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article175761.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/stephen-ireland-861001261-175761.jpg

[PeterWithesShin]

He won our Player of the Season so he wasn't that bad.

http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article175761.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/stephen-ireland-861001261-175761.jpg

The difference is the quality of competition. Chris Herd would have been my choice that season. Followed by Robbie Keane who only played a few games. Which sums up how poor the choice was.

Last season Guzan had to beat Benteke to win it. There were probably 5 or 6 players more worthy based on their performance over a season last year than Ireland when he won it.

[Clampy]

He won our Player of the Season so he wasn't that bad.

http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article175761.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/stephen-ireland-861001261-175761.jpg

There wasn't exactly much choice that year.

Guzan was excellent last season, along with Benteke, he played a massive part in us not going down.

[Mister E]

He worries you a lot because he came for 1 ball and missed it?

No, he worries me in general. I don't think I've ever seen him confidently control his box when we've been defending a set-piece.

For me, the issue about set piece defending is about how well the keeper is communicating what he thinks he needs, and how well the key defenders (CB) then execute that.
Last season we saw too many occasions where it appeared the CBs was not carrying out the tasks expected of them - or, Guzan wasn't getting his communicating right. It wasn't helped in the first half of the season by injuries and tactical switches by PL.

[Dante Lavelli]

Around the time he signed his new contract there were stats posted in here where I'm sure it said he'd claimed more crosses than any other keeper.

I agree on the communication thing though.  I once played in a side where the keeper was in his forties and he used to shout and organise the whole team.  It made such a difference.  Impossible to say whether guzan has stopped doing that but you do seem to hear his booming voice less often.

[Salsa Party Animal]

If we had Martin Laursen and Paul McGrath in out central defenders today (both are 28 years old) and would you think they will go great job in our team. I think yes and McGrath is excellent at reading and timing and Laursen is so brave and willing to commit himself and not too reckless.

Baker need to look at Laursen game and learn from him and Clark to follow McGrath (or Southgate).

[Ron Manager]

If we had Martin Laursen and Paul McGrath in out central defenders today (both are 28 years old) and would you think they will go great job in our team. I think yes and McGrath is excellent at reading and timing and Laursen is so brave and willing to commit himself and not too reckless.

Baker need to look at Laursen game and learn from him and Clark to follow McGrath (or Southgate).

Eh!

[PeterWithesShin]

[frankmosswasmyuncle]

Say again?

[dave.woodhall]

A 28 year old Laursen & McGrath would be the best partnership in football. Baker and Clark would indeed learn from them both.

[TimTheVillain]

Baker? Vlaar isn't great in the air but Baker is pretty good.

Bakers physically strong in the air. He could be big success this season. Ron Vlaar doesnt excel at any aspect of his defensive game.

Is Vlaar club captain ?

If so, that could be a problem as he isn't a nailed on starter.

[frankmosswasmyuncle]

Can't see PL NOT starting with Vlaar, but I think Okore and Baker will emerge as our best partnership as the season progresses. A bit more nous and experience for Baker and more game time for Okore will hopefully see them develop into a really strong pairing.

[Concrete John]

Can't see PL NOT starting with Vlaar, but I think Okore and Baker will emerge as our best partnership as the season progresses. A bit more nous and experience for Baker and more game time for Okore will hopefully see them develop into a really strong pairing.

I think our long term pairing may well turn out to be Okore and Donacien.

[frankmosswasmyuncle]

Can't see PL NOT starting with Vlaar, but I think Okore and Baker will emerge as our best partnership as the season progresses. A bit more nous and experience for Baker and more game time for Okore will hopefully see them develop into a really strong pairing.

I think our long term pairing may well turn out to be Okore and Donacien.

Was very impressed with Donacien pre-season. He was the only decent thing to come out of the Luton game - and even then he was playing out of position at full-back. Very quick and athletic with a calm head on his shoulders. They could be a great combination - robust defenders, quick and good on the ball too.

[Dante Lavelli]

Wouldn't be surprised if Vlaar is used as the experienced pro this season, essentially a vehicle to allow Okore, Clark and Baker to get experience and then he will be sold back to Holland next season.

Really think Donacien should be sent off on loan this season.  He's very unlikely to play so a season loan would do wonders for his progression compared to U21 football.