Tyrone Mings

[LeeB]

Man City and Liverpool centre halves do very little defending and it's usually against an attack stretching to get to a rare forward ball. Stick them in our defence and watch the "errors" mount up.

See exhibit A : John Stones

And also his preferred partner for England, Harry Maguire, who was probably thinking when he joined Man Utd he'd be able to put his feet up and boss it, and instead found himself driving the clown car.

[Simon Page]

Should have said, OB's comment that "there aren't many better or less error prone in the league" is exactly where I am. I might be as hyperbolic as those who think there are few more error-ridden ones and how he wouldn't get into a Top (insert figure here) team, but suffice to say I have confidence in Mings to be a top performer for us way more often than not.

I also agree with Lee B on Alan Smith. Late 80s/early 90s Arsenal specialised in players who were widely considered ordinary but were actually extremely skilful and effective.

[Risso]

Diego Carlos was a key part of the best defence in Europe last season, (other than either Liverpool or Man City), so when he's up to speed I think he'll be excellent. I understand why Gerrard wants to play somebody next to him who's more comfortable on the ball than Mings, whose poor distribution is just as big a problem as his numerous errors. I'd just have gone with Chambers rather than Konsa, who makes lots of errors but isn't as good defensively as Mings.

[LeeB]

And regarding that Darren Farley bloke, I really can't stand him, as funny as a kick in the bollocks and he looks like he wears the same pants every day.

[chrisw1]

Diego Carlos was a key part of the best defence in Europe last season, (other than either Liverpool or Man City), so when he's up to speed I think he'll be excellent. I understand why Gerrard wants to play somebody next to him who's more comfortable on the ball than Mings, whose poor distribution is just as big a problem as his numerous errors. I'd just have gone with Chambers rather than Konsa, who makes lots of errors but isn't as good defensively as Mings.

People talk about Mings poor distibuton, but he seems to take on the responsibility whenever he plays.  How often did we used to play out through Konsa?  Chambers plays a bit more, but still the vast majority of outballs went through Mings.  Suggests to me he's probably more accomplished / confident on the ball under pressure than the other two.

[Simon Page]

Diego Carlos was a key part of the best defence in Europe last season, (other than either Liverpool or Man City), so when he's up to speed I think he'll be excellent. I understand why Gerrard wants to play somebody next to him who's more comfortable on the ball than Mings, whose poor distribution is just as big a problem as his numerous errors. I'd just have gone with Chambers rather than Konsa, who makes lots of errors but isn't as good defensively as Mings.

We see Mings very differently, with the only certainty being we can't both be right. However, whether he plays Mings or someone else, the proof will be in whether it works. It really didn't on Saturday, hopefully it comes good over the next few games. I do agree Carlos was a good signing.

[villadelph]

TalkSport reporting that he's showed up late for training more than once already?

[N'ZMAV]

TalkSport reporting that he's showed up late for training more than once already?

if that's true then I back Gerrard - that's not acceptable.

[Ads]

Man City and Liverpool centre halves do very little defending and it's usually against an attack stretching to get to a rare forward ball. Stick them in our defence and watch the "errors" mount up.

I dont buy that. The way Liverpool play makes VVD often the last man consistently. He's the best in the league at recovery, especially when turned, something Mings can't do.

We don't isolate our centre halves so dramatically like Liverpool do. Allison and VVD are the reason they stepped up. Individual brilliance.

[Risso]

TalkSport reporting that he's showed up late for training more than once already?

Where have they said that? If true, then that changes things a bit.

[Steve67]

TalkSport reporting that he's showed up late for training more than once already?

Where have they said that? If true, then that changes things a bit.

Unless it's Gobby Agbonlahor saying it for effect. 

[BC Villain]

For someone who was a relatively late starter due to injuries etc., Mings is an outstanding defender.  Yes he makes mistakes, but so do all defenders  - his just seem to get highlighted more.  If we hadn't signed him when we did then we wouldn't have got promoted and be where we are now, and he deserves a lot more respect than he gets at times.  This is why it makes it all the more worrying that our manager is effectively throwing him under the bus.  Mings has already done enough to earn our respect and deserve patience - Gerrard hasn't and he seems intent on taking apart a lot of the good things that we have built over the last four years for no good reason that I can see.

Not only is he outstanding on the field, he's a model pro and class act off it too.  Always conducts himself well, very articulate (and not just on football matters).  You never see reports about him rolling round gutters and being a prat like another of our former captains.

Yes he's prone to the odd calamity, but show me a player who isn't.

The whole thing should have been dealt with privately and without fuss.  Instead, Gerrard has chosen to blow it out of all proportions.

[Abbeyfealeavfc]

It is hard to escape the feeling that for whatever reason, Mings does get scapegoated both for us and for England.  As pointed out in various articles, our record when he doesn't play is markedly worse, and England's record when he plays is incredible - something like 2 goals conceded in 16 games.

For someone who was a relatively late starter due to injuries etc., Mings is an outstanding defender.  Yes he makes mistakes, but so do all defenders  - his just seem to get highlighted more.  If we hadn't signed him when we did then we wouldn't have got promoted and be where we are now, and he deserves a lot more respect than he gets at times.  This is why it makes it all the more worrying that our manager is effectively throwing him under the bus.  Mings has already done enough to earn our respect and deserve patience - Gerrard hasn't and he seems intent on taking apart a lot of the good things that we have built over the last four years for no good reason that I can see.

Agree 100%

[cdbearsfan]

TalkSport reporting that he's showed up late for training more than once already?

Where have they said that? If true, then that changes things a bit.

Got as far as "TalkSport".

I'll be more interested when it's reported by a more reputable source like The Dandy.

[Ads]

People talking about Grealish, the berk, and get misty eyed sentiment for Mings, who if he received an offer to triple his pay, would agitate for a move. Why wouldn't he, its his career and he's no Totti.

The difference is, Captain Can't Handle His Ale, was worth somebody above us (way above us) breaking records for. Mings is not. He's not top half defender, much like a number of our squad aren't top half players.

I'm sure he's a nice fella, I mean, bar an incident of significant snidey behaviour which has marked his cards and he's played a big role in our recent history. He's a decent player. He's just not a top 8/7 centre half. He seems to have his head in a funk, he's not been metaphorically thrown anywhere and we need him back Saturday.