A question that came to mind watching Tommy Elphick's bro' playing for Worthing yesterday afternoon.
Which centre-back partnership would you choose to have right now?
Which centre-back partnership would you choose to have right now?
I would have Elphick and Goldson, Dunk on the bench
Cook and Elphick have started together just 9 times this season 2 wins 1 draw 6 defeats. the 33 games where they didn't start yielded 12 wins 8 draws and 13 defeats.
since 29th December Rotherham away (shudder) was the only match Goldson and Dunk didn't start together. 13 wins 4 draws, 4 defeats. Without both 12 wins 11 draws, 3 defeats
Love Tommy - he's a top fella but he's a way behind the other 3 IMO...
Would Bournemouth be likely to want to ship out the captain of the most successful side in their history (even if he's not always first choice)? Probably the more relevant question, to which the answer is almost definitely no.I was only thinking the other day if a big bid came in for Dunk or probably more so Connor Goldson would Tommy be interested in coming back? Would CH be interested in getting him back?
Would Bournemouth be likely to want to ship out the captain of the most successful side in their history (even if he's not always first choice)? Probably the more relevant question, to which the answer is almost definitely no.
As for the original topic, wouldn't say there's much to separate Cook, Goldson and Dunk ability wise - all naturally gifted footballers. Elphick a little way behind on that front, albeit has clearly adapted and evolved his game excellently at a higher level - and has the undoubted experience and leadership qualities over the others.
Would Bournemouth be likely to want to ship out the captain of the most successful side in their history (even if he's not always first choice)? Probably the more relevant question, to which the answer is almost definitely no.
As for the original topic, wouldn't say there's much to separate Cook, Goldson and Dunk ability wise - all naturally gifted footballers. Elphick a little way behind on that front, albeit has clearly adapted and evolved his game excellently at a higher level - and has the undoubted experience and leadership qualities over the others.
Was on the bench for 5+ games through late Feb - early April, although yes would've been in part them easing him back from that long injury layoff.Elphick has missed games with a bad ankle injury, not because he wasn't first choice.
Of the 4 Elphick is the weakest one, and also seems to injury prone now.
The other interesting issue is where does Uwe stand once he is fully fit given the form of Dunk and Goldson