25 Jun 2015 18:57:08
Hi Ed 001, fantastic job here! I have been reading your posts for a while. I have read how you feel about Clyne being another Johnson. How do you rate Cédric Soares? who is a lot cheaper than Clyne. Do we need to spend all that on a guy, who is keeping the spot warm?
{Ed001's Note - I don't think he is as bad as Johnson, he is defo a step up, but I am worried that he will struggle if he is not given the same protection he had at Southampton. Before he joined Saints, lots of clubs looked at him and then did nothing over fears of his ability to defend. It is difficult to see how that will have improved considering he was given such excellent protection in Saints' system, but I really hope I am wrong.
As for Cedric Soares, I have not seen him play sorry.}
25 Jun 2015 19:07:44
Lucas can give decent protection if he plays
25 Jun 2015 19:21:20
Last season, Clyne and Zabaleta were the 2 fullbacks who made the most tackles on average per game. The difference between Johnson and Clyne is Johnson couldn't be arsed to defend and even when he could he wasn't any good at it. Clyne can defend and is good at it. As ed says, they need the right protection, but don't all defenders? A poor midfield will make any defence look poor (as we have witnessed over the past few seasons).
Red Rum
25 Jun 2015 19:30:40
I reckon that if we play 4-2-3-1 then Milner will play wide right, thus gibing Clyne considerable protection.
Just my thoughts!
25 Jun 2015 19:35:42
Ed001, would you say if Clyne were to come in that would spell the end of manquillo at the club? Not that he played much of a part anyway.
I can see wisdom being used as right back as a squad player and Flanagan at left back if he can get fit.
{Ed001's Note - we were already exploring options to end Manquillo's spell with us.}
25 Jun 2015 20:36:20
I love it . As a Saints fan you lot have bought another mediocre player from us allowing us to strengthen at the same time.
Thanks to Jaamie Carragher for turning Clynes head toward you lot . Cheers Brenda!!
25 Jun 2015 20:39:54
I think as a unit if the press is on from the forwards as it could be with say bacca firmino and u got Milner Henderson coutinho etc , it houses teams in more anyway . So the need for a dm might not be as desired as such although u wouldn't say no
25 Jun 2015 20:45:32
I bet you wasn't saying that Clyne was mediocre last season.
25 Jun 2015 21:00:43
As if there's a saints fan trying to take the piss, how we have fallen lol
25 Jun 2015 21:02:28
Nothing wrong with the old glen Johnson!! Top bloke and cracking player. Was a bit half arsed for last couple years tho but before that great rb.
25 Jun 2015 21:10:55
Has he really been that bad? I have watched him, I know he does get caught out a lot. He does like to wonder a bit much. But with some good coaching, that can be worked on. He can improve his defensive skills. He does have the potential. Would you say Clyne has the potential to improve into a better defender?
{Ed001's Note - yes, hopefully he will get that with us.}
25 Jun 2015 21:54:31
With Brendan teaching him the art of defending anything is possible.
25 Jun 2015 22:08:24
Ed, if we were to play Ilori and Sakho/Lovren and Lucas at DM (if Rodgers wakes up) that would go someway to alleviate the gaps made by Moreno and Clyne getting so high up the pitch given the pace of our CBs.