Is the time right to bring Dunk back into the starting 11 ?

[BensGrandad]

I think trying to defend with only ten men against a very direct Bolton side, who were crossing ball after ball into the box was an absolutely massive ask.

Hence I think CH made a mistake bringing on Calderon not Dunk, who is better defensively when it was obvious they would push for an equaliser with their main threat being Madine, good in the air.

 

[sdmartin1]

I think trying to defend with only ten men against a very direct Bolton side, who were crossing ball after ball into the box was an absolutely massive ask.

I don't disagree, but it hasn't just been the Bolton game where we have struggled to defend aerially. In the Fulham game Smith was causing us all sorts of problems with direct play. Dunk is superb at defending positively and attacking the ball, which is also why he gets a fair few goals from corners.

 

[durrington gull]

Dunk in for me. His all round game is superior and I hope he is the future captain. My only concern is that an under the table agreement has been made with a prem club.

I still think Dunk may well leave in January if he is sitting on the bench - would be shame if so

 

[Cowfold Seagull]

Hence I think CH made a mistake bringing on Calderon not Dunk, who is better defensively when it was obvious they would push for an equaliser with their main threat being Madine, good in the air.

Possibly yes. Although maybe a better plan would have been to try to stop those crosses coming in in the first place. Perhaps that was what CH should have been trying to use Calderon for, to get closer to the man who was crossing the ball.

 

[Cowfold Seagull]

I still think Dunk may well leave in January if he is sitting on the bench - would be shame if so

No. Lewis is a loyal lad. He signed a long contract extension back in the summer, and is here for the long haul l'm sure. (or as sure as anybody can be in football!).

 

[Seagull kimchi]

I still think Dunk may well leave in January if he is sitting on the bench - would be shame if so

Agreed, I think that's why he's bench warming. Any team in the Champ would start Dunk right now.

 

[Sheebo]

Agreed OP, now is the time. Best centre half for sure...

 

[Tim Over Whelmed]

Stick him upfront ....

Seriously though I'd play him over Greer any day of the week

 

[Seagull kimchi]

Dunk is the elephant in the room, I personally believe he should be first choice. - thankfully we have a functioning back 4/5 but it will be interesting how things play out if suspensions or injuries come into effect.

 

[AZ Gull]

Has Dunk scored since Hughton took over?

Yes, once - in Hughton's first game, the cup match at Brentford.

 

[Thunder Bolt]

No. Lewis is a loyal lad. He signed a long contract extension back in the summer, and is here for the long haul l'm sure. (or as sure as anybody can be in football!).

Indeed. He'll have to fight for his place like every other player. Hughton has an unbeaten team, so far, so why should he change anyone, just because they want to play? Competition for places is a good thing. Dunk will get his chances.

 

[dazzer6666]

No. His time will come soon enough with suspensions, injuries and dips in form. Brilliant that we have 3 class, in-form CBs and another waiting.

 

[ferring seagull]

I would agree that we probably wouldn't have conceded the late goal against Bolton had h been on. I would have brought him on instead of Calderon to bolster our aerial power against Madine. I don't think it would have been too difficult to have moved Greer out wider. Dunk is our best at winning the ball in the air not always accurate with the distribution from it but he at least wins the ball.

At a time like that should we have considered having three centre backs ??

 

[ferring seagull]

FAST FORWARD to August 2016

Who would you be starting as our two central defenders, would it be D or G or H and do you think that we ought to be working on that ? NOW !