severnside gull
Well-known member
No. When I am in ultra-critical mode that is an area that needs addressing. We are lacking one speedy/mobile (obviously good in the air) centre back to complete the defence. We are very good at blocking shots but slightly weak in the air (Greer makes up for a slight aerial weakness by exceptional positioning: el Abd lacks that inch or two of height : Dunk is not always positionally the best and needs to strengthen his neck muscles: Elphick's fitness has yet to be proven) and maybe lack a little bit of pace/turning speed. Highly critical because you expect centre backs to be not quite as quick but if you want the very best................. I would love to have young Miquel on loan from Arsenal
That said we won't lose too many games to defensive mistakes if they play as they did last season. I felt that often the problem was that we gave the ball away in our third just as we broke out of defence so the players were coming forward and suddenly had to check and turn and try to regain shape without the space to work in. Hard to blame the defence when that happens and hopefully that will be a less frequent occurrence with Crofty in midfield to carry the ball away.
My starting side as it stands is:
Kuszczak
Bruno Greer el Abd Bridge
Bridcutt Crofts
Buckley Barnes Vicente
CMS
It will be interesting to see which of Noone or LuaLua get "first change" status as the player to bring pace against tiring defences.
Interesting too to see what the pecking order will be between Dunk and Elphick / Calderon and Vincelot, as defensive subs, and between Harley, Sparrow and Dicker in midfield.
As it stands we only have Agdestein in reserve as a striking option (unless Barker can step up) until Hoskins returns so that new striker is looking more and more urgent. Assuming we get who Gus wants I reckon they will take Barnes' starting place.
