Yes we need two, no doubt
We Need Two Full Backs
- Thread starter jderbyshire
- Start date
I have been one of Shaw's staunchest defenders on here throughout, but ... no. He is just done I think. Lost all ability to cross, lost all explosivity, and he gets a bunch of unnecessary yellows.
I’m not convinced we have a single defender who is more than a squad player at this stage. Pretty much all of them would be good squad players but that’s it.
Ideally we’d get two new fullbacks and centre back this summer but that’s not realistic and I’d prioritise a RB and a LB.
Desperately. I think we need a CB too but it’s absolutely clear we need two defensive signings this summer.
Dalot is not good enough and Shaw is physically fecked. This is Shaw at his best, he’s playing for a World Cup spot and he gets 8/9 days between games.
I actually like Mazraoui and up to me he’s the RB I’d keep and I’d sell Dalot but that looks impossible because somehow he finds himself as a coach’s favourite despite being bang average.
Dalot is not good enough and Shaw is physically fecked. This is Shaw at his best, he’s playing for a World Cup spot and he gets 8/9 days between games.
I actually like Mazraoui and up to me he’s the RB I’d keep and I’d sell Dalot but that looks impossible because somehow he finds himself as a coach’s favourite despite being bang average.
Right back is not a priority. On the left it looks bad though unless we plan to use Dorgu there again
We desperately need a left back. We can go another season with Dalot/Maz combo on the right, or an attacking Amad version, but Shaw is done.
You don't even have to watch the likes of Nuno Mendes, Gvardiol or Balde......just go and watch what Truffert does for his team and the work it takes for a proper marauding left back to see what we're missing.
If Real don't want him, bring back Alvaro. Or get Hall.
You don't even have to watch the likes of Nuno Mendes, Gvardiol or Balde......just go and watch what Truffert does for his team and the work it takes for a proper marauding left back to see what we're missing.
If Real don't want him, bring back Alvaro. Or get Hall.
Most peoples description of type of left back they want to replace shaw...is literally describing dorgu...and we have two young prpmising lb...baffles me why we are targeting the left over rb.
Someone describes dalot as a good squad option like oshea...fair comment, id still rather we kept bissaka as the squad option personally...and regardless of bench options, id still proritise replacing dalot over shaw in a first eleven too....he might not be explosive or attack minded now but he is still a competent defender...Dalot always makes errors in games and always found it a myth what he offers going forward too
Someone describes dalot as a good squad option like oshea...fair comment, id still rather we kept bissaka as the squad option personally...and regardless of bench options, id still proritise replacing dalot over shaw in a first eleven too....he might not be explosive or attack minded now but he is still a competent defender...Dalot always makes errors in games and always found it a myth what he offers going forward too
He's not anywhere close to John O'Shea or Phil
Neville as a player though. They were miles ahead in every department.
He's a dreadful footballer, always has been and always will be. He's not improved a single aspect of his game in 8 years.
We need a left back to compete with Dorgu. Shaw should not be an important player in our squad next season. He definitely shouldn't be given another contract either. We have to finally move on from him.
He plays with no intensity and doesn't even cross the half way line to attack.
He plays with no intensity and doesn't even cross the half way line to attack.
Doesn’t seem like INEOS see an issue with RB this summer which is worrying because it's huge weakness. We should definitely test the water with a bid for Kayode, however can't see it happening. I remember Vanderson was watched by us in the past but don't know if we are still interested.
I would like to think that Diouf is gonna be one of our targets in terms of LB, still feel that Hall is the best one in the league but Newcastle will want big money. I still can't decide whether Lewis-Skelly could play a similar role for us as O Reilly for City, unsure what his aerial ability is like compared to him.
I would like to think that Diouf is gonna be one of our targets in terms of LB, still feel that Hall is the best one in the league but Newcastle will want big money. I still can't decide whether Lewis-Skelly could play a similar role for us as O Reilly for City, unsure what his aerial ability is like compared to him.
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Funny seeing people complaining about Shaw while we have the likes of Dalot here. The guy can’t defend, shoot or pass. He sure can duck out of the way of shots though.
Personally I want to upgrade both
We have to. Shaw is done and Dalot has proven to be mainly useless. Two strong new FBs would help our game so much
If Dalot is so crap what are we all saying about Mazarouri then? 
It would be nice if we could get a left and right back. But I think that would be too much to do in 1 window. Maybe two years of Champions league allows you to spend how we want to spend.
But a left back is key. I would be looking for a top tier player for that position - it will change the style of football we play and help our attackers too.
It would be nice if we could get a left and right back. But I think that would be too much to do in 1 window. Maybe two years of Champions league allows you to spend how we want to spend.
But a left back is key. I would be looking for a top tier player for that position - it will change the style of football we play and help our attackers too.
I agree, but not sure about who we can get that is top tier. Personally, I’d be looking at the highest potential 18-23yo out there, and get them to job share with Shaw next season whilst they bed in.If Dalot is so crap what are we all saying about Mazarouri then?
It would be nice if we could get a left and right back. But I think that would be too much to do in 1 window. Maybe two years of Champions league allows you to spend how we want to spend.
But a left back is key. I would be looking for a top tier player for that position - it will change the style of football we play and help our attackers too.
Bit surprised that so few are mentioning Dorgu at LB. He is primarily a LB that also played winger for Lecce because he was solid offensively. Endless stamina, great aerially, quick, strong, and a much improved cross. He is not going to be a LW for us full time. He's left footed, and he's not good enough attacking to be a winger at that level. Could be a perfect LB, though.
I certainly think it's worth a go. Short of signing somebody like Lewis Hall, I don't think there are many attainable left backs who would significantly improve on what we have. I think the Man City and Arsenal matches at the start of Carrick's stint (and possibly Newcastle on Boxing Day) have convinced a lot of people that Dorgu is a winger, but I agree he'd have a lot higher ceiling at full back.
If we start the season with Dorgu, Shaw and someone like Mazraoui capable of deputising there, I'd rather see the money go towards a right back who can give us more going forward on the other side. Dalot is a good athlete but can't be the summit of our ambitions in that position. I've lost count of the number of times good chances have gone to waste from falling to Dalot in dangerous areas.
I don't know what the future holds, but right now, Dorgu should be no more than a backup LB. He might develop greatly, but his defensive awareness and positioning is questionable. He's not first choice for the national team either.
The CL semis also showed us the levels required to be a top class full back. We've got nothing like that in our team.
That being said.. There are other positions in the team that should be dealt with first.
The CL semis also showed us the levels required to be a top class full back. We've got nothing like that in our team.
That being said.. There are other positions in the team that should be dealt with first.
Yeah the problem is I can't see there being much left to upgrade a fullback after the midfield rebuild
I really like the ATM leftback, Ruggeri. Shut down Lamine Yamal over in the QF and did a pretty good job vs Saka and co.
Was bought last year from Atalanta, for under 20mm, maybe see if Simeone wants to book a profit?
Was bought last year from Atalanta, for under 20mm, maybe see if Simeone wants to book a profit?
Wonder how much they would want for him, still think Hall top target but probably sign Brown/Diouf. Hoping that we are keeping tabs on Kayode at RB but won't be until January 2027 at the earliest. Maybe the Vanderson thing will suddenly materialise as been linked for a few years.
I think Hall, Kadioglu and at a push Brown depending on price are main options for LB.
Possibly Raum if we prefer a cheaper shortterm solution.
Brown looks a good attacking option and allrounder, but think he’d need to adapt physically to the PL.
Kadioglu is interesting as whilst not primarily an overlapper, he offers similiar direct playmaking to Martinez. He seems a 7/10 player.
I havent seen much of Truffert, his main strength seems to be defensive, blocks, difficult to get past.
Possibly Raum if we prefer a cheaper shortterm solution.
Brown looks a good attacking option and allrounder, but think he’d need to adapt physically to the PL.
Kadioglu is interesting as whilst not primarily an overlapper, he offers similiar direct playmaking to Martinez. He seems a 7/10 player.
I havent seen much of Truffert, his main strength seems to be defensive, blocks, difficult to get past.
Didn't realise we are interested in Kadioglu
Theres been a few links recently but not top tier.
We followed him while ten hag was here.
We need two new fullbacks, I'd prefer Truffert and Kayode. if a team is on the verge of buying kayode this summer, then we have to put in a bid, we cant miss out on talent like that anymore.
Two are needed but unlikely. I assume we go with Dalot and Maz next season
Maz is a terrible full/wing back he's much better as a defender in a 3.
New right back plus Shaw/dorgu is the way to go. Can't see us getting two full backs with the other areas we need to spend big in.
Feels more like new LB
Prefer a rb, i like Wesley at Roma. Personally Dorgu, shaw and diego leon all good though none perfect.
Paying lijely Lewis hall fee seems foolish though...if we are going all out for top keft backs id test Barcas need for cash with Balde or go for Nathaniel Brown....think both are better and significantly cheaper than hall...one of those two and Wesley for £80/90m be really shrewd business....but as someone else mentioned rb doesnt seem an issue...bar cm for me its our biggest...much rather we were signing a better value for money 2nd cm choice in europe AND a rb...than seemingly no rb and possobly spending 50m+ on a cm that isnt likely to start if mainoo ans 1st cm signing shine
Paying lijely Lewis hall fee seems foolish though...if we are going all out for top keft backs id test Barcas need for cash with Balde or go for Nathaniel Brown....think both are better and significantly cheaper than hall...one of those two and Wesley for £80/90m be really shrewd business....but as someone else mentioned rb doesnt seem an issue...bar cm for me its our biggest...much rather we were signing a better value for money 2nd cm choice in europe AND a rb...than seemingly no rb and possobly spending 50m+ on a cm that isnt likely to start if mainoo ans 1st cm signing shine
Exactly. Need to give Dorgu a run at LB to see if he could be the answer there. Plenty of depth with Shaw and Mazraoui as well. RB should definitely be the priority.
What makes you put those two above Hall just out of interest, be very surprised if Barca let Balde go
I would too but financially a chance. Sure he said we rew the only other side he would play for before as well. I just think they are both better breaking forward and have more guile in the final third and still astute defensively.....but more than anything, cost less surely
Balde looked a real prospect but his injury record isn’t the best.
Yeah that's a very valid point
Amass too - Unless Shaw is sold I can't see us buying at LB. Shaw, Dorgu, Leon, Amass, all LB's and Maz can play there too. RB is a much higher priority after the CM rebuild, and a LW, and a back up striker, and maybe a CB who can stay fit......
Club seem to have pushed RB until 2027 unfortunately
I think we desperately need a new RB, but with the current holes in the squad I would rather upgrade in those areas, as we don't have the quality or numbers than fix a position we currently have 2 for.
Hoping we go for Kayode when time is right
Probably right but i dont think we need to spend a fortune on midfield...its numbers rather than quality we are short of. Really think one big cm signing, two quality fullbacks and 3-5 quality but value signings is achievable and the ideal window....but it seems the direction is putting most of our money on 2xcm, left back....tho i think theres going to be 2/3 quality signings...stills feels like we are over addressing certain key areas without solving others. Think theres so many good reasonably priced younger players to add to 2/3 really promising youth players to build a squad...but really lb, rb, cm are the main positions if dorgu considered lw...that lack quality in our first eleven and improve it most