Black Adder
Rarer than an eclipse.
Looking forward to the reaction when we play a game with:
Young - Smalling - Jones - Lukaku?
Looking forward to the reaction when we play a game with:
Young - Smalling - Jones - Lukaku?
I'd say we'll have more issues with lack of pace if Maguire and Lindleof are going to be the starting duo. Shaw is fine as a defender, makes the odd mistake but so do others and it's just brushed off as they're fan favourites.Agreed.
AWB looks so much better than Shaw, that’s the level we should aim for. He’s the weak link in that back 4.
Assuming Maguire and AWB settle in, we’ve got the strongest defence we’ve had since Ferguson left.
Shaw was double player of the year last year and all of a sudden he's the weak link.I'd say we'll have more issues with lack of pace if Maguire and Lindleof are going to be the starting duo. Shaw is fine as a defender, makes the odd mistake but so do others and it's just brushed off as they're fan favourites.
It's less a downer on Luke Shaw, who had a good - not great - season but more a reflection of the extra quality around him. And I reckon Shaw can still improve plenty, especially going forward.Don’t understand the sudden downer on Luke Shaw, Lindelof aside you’ve got next seasons england defence. It’s a massive mark up for you between them Maguire and awb will save a fair few points and Luke Shaw was last years player of the season for you!
I won't be surprised to see Smalling end up at Newcastle by the time the transfer dealings are done. Either him or Tuanzebe as a part of a swap plus cash deal for Longstaff...but our first 4 defense looks as solid as anyones with Maguire and AWB coming in...
Why?Not at all.
The moment one of them gets injured, we are immediately back to a disjointed defence...Shaw -- Lindelof --- Maguire --- Awb
De Gea
This thread might backfire on me, but honestly I am really excited to see how this defence functions. If our full backs can increase their offensive output, we should have a fluid buildup from the back next season. I feel optimistic right now.
Yeah Shaw doesn't deserve this stick. In fact he may be the best ballplaying defender in that back 4. We just take for granted his ball carrying and passing. AWB may be a better tackler but he's got nothing on Shaw's on ball abilityShaw went from our POTY to our weakest starting 11 defender
Levels.
My post was in no way a slight to Smalling. I just see him as the one to make way. Jones just signed a new deal and Smalling is the one with some value that a club like Newcastle might want. Sometimes you have to give up a player to get a player, and if we really want Longstaff I can see him as part of the deal seeing as he just went from a starting position to a squad player...I have seen consistent and persistent abuse on Smalling, who for a few seasons unfortunately has been our ONLY consistent CB. When we have Rojo and Darmian warming the bench and never play even when fit, Jones being fit every 3 months for 2 months, and Bailey - OK leave him alone for the time being. Smalling is our LEAST problem and we definitely need him as 3rd choice CB, unless you think the club will spend another 60m for a backup CB....
Maguire will be the left center back and Lindelof the right center back. But yes, it is very exciting to finally see some proper defenders in our back 4. Add to that Tuanzebe will be able to come in as well.Shaw -- Lindelof --- Maguire --- Awb
De Gea
This thread might backfire on me, but honestly I am really excited to see how this defence functions. If our full backs can increase their offensive output, we should have a fluid buildup from the back next season. I feel optimistic right now.
But the jury is in on AWB and he's fine, considering to date he's played 1 Prem season at Palace and that's it? AWB is at the same stage as when Shaw left Southampton to join us, a very promising talent. Time will tell whether he can handle the step up.Very excited. Looks a very good defence although I think the jury is still out on Shaw.