Pau Torres

[Dogtanian]

So I can see how it's confusing for some, as it's now time to think that Mings has now been put in as an important squad player but not as a first choice, as for all I can see, the signs are that Pau will be the defensive leader.

But are you taking into account Mings’ leadership skills? I think Mings and Torres together could be our strongest pair, if one of them can adjust to the right.

I think Mings played right-sided for England alongside Maguire, didn’t he?

[Pete3206]

It's called having a strong squad with lots of quality options and contingency for injuries. If you want to be club competing at the top end, you have to move on from stop gaps like Callum Chambers.

[john e]

Pau Torres will be first choice because he’s been bought in specifically to play football out from the back
That’s one of his main skill sets and the reason Emery wanted him

Our other central defenders can’t play that way so he’s brought someone in who can
He’ll play 90% + league games in my view when he’s fit, unless he ends up being a bit rubbish

The question remains as to who will play alongside him
Like Rizzo says I think and hope it will be Mings, but we haven’t really seen what Diego Carlos can do yet so that may or may not change

In my view the central defensive changes will come in our cup campaigns

[Drummond]

I can see a back 4 of

Konsa Mings Torres Moreno

at times next season. Particularly giving Moreno licence to push forward. The other three have pace and an ability to read the game and make last ditch tackles too.

[Hookeysmith]

I can see a back 4 of

Konsa Mings Torres Moreno

at times next season. Particularly giving Moreno licence to push forward. The other three have pace and an ability to read the game and make last ditch tackles too.

I think that is spot on. Looking at the pathetic headed clearance attempt by Carlos against Walsall for thier goal I think he is the weakest of the 4 CB'S have

[Clampy]

I can see a back 4 of

Konsa Mings Torres Moreno

at times next season. Particularly giving Moreno licence to push forward. The other three have pace and an ability to read the game and make last ditch tackles too.

I think that is spot on. Looking at the pathetic headed clearance attempt by Carlos against Walsall for thier goal I think he is the weakest of the 4 CB'S have

Wasn't that the young lad Feeney?

I think Carlos needs a bit of time to be honest.

[Risso]

I could possibly see Carlos going out on loan to be honest. He needs to play regularly to get back up to speed and that isn't going to happen here this season.

[Risso]

I can see a back 4 of

Konsa Mings Torres Moreno

at times next season. Particularly giving Moreno licence to push forward. The other three have pace and an ability to read the game and make last ditch tackles too.

I think that is spot on. Looking at the pathetic headed clearance attempt by Carlos against Walsall for thier goal I think he is the weakest of the 4 CB'S have

Wasn't that the young lad Feeney?

I think Carlos needs a bit of time to be honest.

No, Carlos messed up his header, and the ball then landed at young Feeney's feet who seemed to sort of kick it against himself which presented the chance to the Walsall player, who took it. Not a big deal, these games are for blowing the cobwebs away.

[Clampy]

Ah, ok. I didn't catch all the game and missed their goal. I heard it was an error and saw Feeney's name mentioned.

[Gareth]

I think come Newcastle there is every chance that Konsa and Mings will still be the centre backs…Torres will need a time to get used to team mates and Carlos has yet to be tested against any proper opposition since his injury.  That’s the beauty of having two existing centre halves who are up to it, plenty of time to arrive at best combo

[Risso]

Ah, ok. I didn't catch all the game and missed their goal. I heard it was an error and saw Feeney's name mentioned.

It was a shame as Feeney had played quite well until then.

[PeterWithe]

He’ll go out on loan and that’s the right thing to do, decent with the ball and sees danger well but, nowhere near being ready physically.

[Bobby Boy]

I can see a back 4 of

Konsa Mings Torres Moreno

at times next season. Particularly giving Moreno licence to push forward. The other three have pace and an ability to read the game and make last ditch tackles too.

I think that is spot on. Looking at the pathetic headed clearance attempt by Carlos against Walsall for thier goal I think he is the weakest of the 4 CB'S have

I'd be concerned if we end up playing Konsa at right-back in anything other than an emergency. He is a decent centre-back but his distribution is average at best. It was noticeable how many times he had the chance to thread fairly easy balls through the lines into the midfield in games at the back end of last season but instead opted to play the ball to the right back.

Mings, by contrast, was playing some really astute balls into the midfield which initiated attacks.

To be honest if we don't buy another specialist right-back then I'd say we'd be risking the opportunity to make further progress next season.

[john e]

I can see a back 4 of

Konsa Mings Torres Moreno

at times next season. Particularly giving Moreno licence to push forward. The other three have pace and an ability to read the game and make last ditch tackles too.

I think that is spot on. Looking at the pathetic headed clearance attempt by Carlos against Walsall for thier goal I think he is the weakest of the 4 CB'S have

I'd be concerned if we end up playing Konsa at right-back in anything other than an emergency. He is a decent centre-back but his distribution is average at best. It was noticeable how many times he had the chance to thread fairly easy balls through the lines into the midfield in games at the back end of last season but instead opted to play the ball to the right back.

Mings, by contrast, was playing some really astute balls into the midfield which initiated attacks.

To be honest if we don't buy another specialist right-back then I'd say we'd be risking the opportunity to make further progress next season.

I agree with Bobby boy

[Pete3206]

Konsa cannot play as right back for the same reason Mings can't play left back. Neither have the required speed or mobility to get up and down the flanks to compete with opposing wide players.