Gus's centre back dilemma - now with added poll

[British Bulldog]

We've just played one of the worst teams in this division. Even then they created two glorious chances that they failed to stick away. Therefore, some perspective on yesterday is required.

I'd be surprised if Greer went from being captain to the bench. I'd also be surprised if Dunk was dropped, as he's quality and will be a Prem player eventually.

I'd play El-Abd at left back. He's got something about him, a scrapper.

I thought it was more a case of the way we played made City look poorer than they are, El Abd and Dunk had they're strikers in they're pockets from the off and the full backs and midfield nullified they're supply line hence the only shot they had on target all game was that free kick in injury time. And please say your joking about El Abd at left back? Have you seen him play there? It's about the worst position you can put him in. Gus realised that in his first game in charge at Southampton and his 1st tactical change was to drop Bennett back to help cover El Abd as he was getting pulled all over the place.

 

[Another Berkshire Seagull]

. And please say your joking about El Abd at left back? Have you seen him play there? It's about the worst position you can put him in.

Well said. El Abd hasn't the pace to go left or right back and gets done many times as a result. I think its a nice problem for Gus, but we'll probably settle with El Abd & Greer as the regular CBs

 

[Art Vs Science]

i actually think he was a tad unlucky to be sent off...it wasn't a deliberate act...and i believe greer has been one of out most consistent performers this season

It wasn't a deliberate act? 100 per cent deliberate. There is no point in being consistent with very poor discipline

 

[00snook]

i actually think he was a tad unlucky to be sent off...it wasn't a deliberate act...and i believe greer has been one of out most consistent performers this season

This

 

[Billy the Fish]

El Abd was quality yesterday. I think El Abd is Gus Poyet's greatest achievement at this club. Every other manager El Abd has had could only see a tough tackling no nonsence centre half and used him as such. Poyet saw a cultured footballer and has brought that out of him. He was great on the ball yesterday, not in the sense of what he did with the ball but the way he made space for himself and his awareness of where other players were on the pitch, Albion or City.

 

[SockMonster]

Tough decision for Gus but excellent to have three such high quality players. Personally I think it will be Dunk and Hall on Tuesday and then Greer will definitely return on Saturday. Who with? Either are brilliant but I have a feeling Gus will go with El Abd.

 

[BensGrandad]

What people seem to be forgetting is that Gus has gone on record as saying Gordon Greer is the best centre back in the division and that El Abd is the best defender at the club hence he will revert, perhaps not next week at Peterborough but soon after to the pairing that was so successful last season of Greer and El Abd with Dunk on the bench to keep them on their toes.

 

[JBizzle]

I love the fact so many people are narrow-minded enough to make their decision based on what they saw over 90 minutes yesterday rather than what has been happening all season. Big sexy Gordon is our captain, leader and, up until now, arguably our player of the season. He has to play and it's a tough choice between the other two. I'd back El Abd though.

I kind of agree and disagree. I agree that El-Abd probably shades it ahead if Dunk, I agree that Greer will probably walk back in. I do however think that Greer doesn't have a god given right to start especially as this is now the THIRD time in 1.5 years that he has missed 3-4 games down to his own stupidity and indiscipline. He is 100% a superb player and has been excellent but I think at some point Gus has to show Greer that sendings off for violent conduct every 6 months are not captains behaviour.

Not sure what point I'm trying to make here but Gus has always said the those in posession of the shirt should keep it until they slip.

 

[Ninja Elephant]

Greer and El-Abd. For me it's as simple as that, Dunk is only 19 and doesn't need to be forced into the side whatever the cost. He has had a lot of game time this season, time for a bit of a spell on the sidelines when Greer returns. Fantastic prospect, but Greer and El-Abd are the best centre back partnership here since Cullip + Another.

 

[Art Vs Science]

I love the fact so many people are narrow-minded enough to make their decision based on what they saw over 90 minutes yesterday rather than what has been happening all season. Big sexy Gordon is our captain, leader and, up until now, arguably our player of the season. He has to play and it's a tough choice between the other two. I'd back El Abd though.

Wanker. You are so far up your own Arse with your opinions stating everything you say as fact rather than bothering to just debate about anything at a sensible level. Every post you make is not just an opinion it also includes a snide swipe at anyone that had a different opinion to you, which ironically is an opinion full of utter shit.

 

[LamieRobertson]

It wasn't a deliberate act? 100 per cent deliberate. There is no point in being consistent with very poor discipline

u know this for sure ? imho it wasn't...i guess we will just hav to disagree and move on

 

[Art Vs Science]

u know this for sure ? imho it wasn't...i guess we will just hav to disagree and move on

Well he moved his arm out to the right off the ball which is an odd thing to do. Of course you are right we will never know for sure I guess but you can't do that in the modern game and not expect a player to make a meal of it.

 

[LamieRobertson]

Wanker. You are so far up your own Arse with your opinions stating everything you say as fact rather than bothering to just debate about anything at a sensible level. Every post you make is not just an opinion it also includes a snide swipe at anyone that had a different opinion to you, which ironically is an opinion full of utter shit.

With that reply u seemed to hav gone to the level u claim he is at....i think the thread header sums it up...it will b a selection issue if all 3 are fit and available come the bro game...i'm not sure playing el abd at full back is the answer....tricky one i would say ...certainly el abd has played very well since his return from injury and proved wrong some of those who doubted his ability to play at this level

 

[LamieRobertson]

Well he moved his arm out to the right off the ball which is an odd thing to do. Of course you are right we will never know for sure I guess but you can't do that in the modern game and not expect a player to make a meal of it.

yep...entirely agree with you...the saints player in question came off the pitch close to where i was sitting and was having a larf and a joke with the physio and certainly wasn't in the state he claimed to be minutes earlier...but then our own el abd..made bit of a meal re the lambert thing.....as u say traits of a modern game

 

[Art Vs Science]

It's the several yrs of constant side swiping that always crops up from TCB. Everyone Is entitled to an opinion but arrogance within an opinion is something else.

 

[cjwoolven]

Greer and El-Abd. For me it's as simple as that, Dunk is only 19 and doesn't need to be forced into the side whatever the cost. He has had a lot of game time this season, time for a bit of a spell on the sidelines when Greer returns. Fantastic prospect, but Greer and El-Abd are the best centre back partnership here since Cullip + Another.

Definitely this. Dunk is only 19, for him to be playing week in week out against decent oppo is gonna be tough for him. As much as id like him to play, you cant expect him to be as consistent, but he's proving me wrong so far.

 

[LamieRobertson]

It's the several yrs of constant side swiping that always crops up from TCB. Everyone Is entitled to an opinion but arrogance within an opinion is something else.

fair point

 

[maltaseagull]

This, plus his poor disciplinary record - needs a spell on the bench.

I appreciate that his red card was stupid but so far this season surely Dunk has the worst disciplinary record with 10 yellows?

 

[Lush]

Greer on the bench until El-Abd or Dunk have a poor game, unless Adam needs to be moved to full back.

That's how it's meant to work (and works in most other positions) - and will ensure that El-Abd and Dunk play at their best. If you're suspended because of your own stupid fault you have to wait until you get another chance, captain or no.