We still need another defender.
By: Brian | July 30th, 2007We received some promising words from Rick Parry today, apparently we’re not done spending. That’s a relief because we still need to strengthen our back line and picking up a player at just about any spot there will do wonders for us. Right now, we only have six quality backs with Hyypia as our main centre back back-up and Arbeloa backing up everyone. One injury and we’re screwed, well, until Fábio Aurélio gets fit.
I’m still hoping we give up on Heinze, though it’s not looking like it. Apparently Leighton Baines is either going to Everton, Manchester United, or is staying put at Wigan. He was a childhood Everton fan, so I’m not sure what his feelings are towards Liverpool, but I’m going to guess they aren’t positive. It looks as if Giorgio Chiellini is more likely to head to Sven and Man City, if he leaves Juventus. So if we don’t get Heinze, which I am still not thrilled about, than what other options do we have?
Are either Threlfall, Darby, or Paletta ready to be first team regulars? I don’t think so, in fact, I think it’s time we let Paletta go. Threlfall and Darby both seem promising, but need some polishing. Either or both of them could be ready as early as next year.
I don’t know really who else is available. I’m sure plenty of players are, if we are willing to over pay for them, but that’s not Rafa’s style. If I could have any defender in the world right I’d probably take John Terry, but I know that’s just not realistic. Ricardo Carvalho would be another dream pick-up, but also just a dream.
Unless some unforeseen player comes out of the woodwork, I think ultimately, we’re just going to have to hope that we don’t have any serious injuries and when Aurelio returns, he’s ready to play.
Going to the Liverpool game? Find out how to get to Liverpool and where to stay near Anfield.
Buy tickets to Liverpool games.
Category: Team News
Tags: Alvaro Arbeloa, Chelsea FC, Everton, Fabio Aurelio, Gabriel Heinze, Gabriel Paletta, Giorgio Chiellini, John Terry, Juventus, Leighton Baines, Man City, Manchester United, Ricardo Carvalho, Ricky Parry, Robbie Threlfall, Sammi Hyypia, Sir Alex Ferguson, Stephen Darby, Sven Goren Erikson, Team NewsSubscribe
|
Print
|
Share
      |
Comments
-
i happen to think that we are fine for full backs, and havin not seen too much of aurelio and arbeloa am not completely convinced they could cover for sami carra and agger, you are very right that we need cover for these positons. phillip mexes would be ideal and probably not too much and how about materazzi? there are as you say plenty of players out there but who would fit the bill, one plus side of the possible heinze deal is he can cover at both left back and centre back and as he is a quality player would provide real competition for riise.
Posted from
United States
-
Yeah, scott, I seem to always forget that Heinze can play at centre back as well. Still, I don’t think United will let him come to us and I also don’t think he’s the same player he was two years ago.
Materazzi would be interesting, but I don’t think he’d leave Italy. Ditto for Mexes, who we’d have to pay an arm and a leg for to pry him away from Roma. Not going to happen.
Aurelio and Arbeloa show flashes of brilliance and are athletically capable of being very good. Their problem lies in their lack of discipline. They tend to get caught too far up at times with no cover. Rafa is going to have be either very peculiar about his line-ups or very stern with Arbeloa and Aurelio, or we might get a burnt.
Posted from
United States -
Another possibility, i think would be to promote and start bedding in one of our young defenders, the spanish lad miki roque, i’ve heard great things about him and he can also cover all the way along the back 4.
Posted from
United States -
Roque has played a couple of times for the first team this preseason and he just doesn’t look ready. He makes a lot of positional mistakes and seems to lack the composure to make the proper play.
If I had to put our young defenders in order of what I believe to be their readiness for the first squad:
1. Emiliano Insua (age 18) - I totally forgot we had this kid. I think he might be ready to be a first squad regular, the area he needs to work on though, is his clearances, everything else looks solid
2a. Stephen Darby (age 18) - has the composure, skills, and maturity, but needs to get stronger, is a definite possibility to play this season if needs be
2b. Robbie Threlfall (age 18) - unlike Darby, he appeared to be physically equipped, but doesn’t seemed as disciplined as his fellow teammate
3. Gabriel Paletta (age 21) - He drives me absolutely nuts, one minute he’ll make a brilliant play and act like he’s been on the first team for years and the next minute he’ll get caught out of position or make a bonehead pass. I don’t see Rafa keeping him around after next season if he doesn’t get his shit together
4. Miki Roque (age 19) - see above
Others -
James Smith (age 21) - I honestly don’t know to rate him because the only time he’s been out on the pitch I don’t really notice him, which isn’t exactly a bad thing for a defenderLee Peltier (age 20) - out on loan to Yeovil Town, seems to be a promising attacking back who can also play the midfield
Godwin Antwi (age 19) - out on loan to Hartlepool United, not sure if I’ve ever seen him play
Jack Hobbs (age 18) - Rafa seems to want to use him as a defensive midfielder, for all the hype, he’s been unimpressive all the times I’ve seen him
Ronald Huth (17), Mikael San Jose (18), Martin Kelly (17) - all seemingly too young, Huth though looks as if he could be a beast, the other two I have no idea
I guess it really depends on how Rafa valuates Insua when the team returns from Asia. If he thinks Emiliano’s ready, then all the talk of needing another defender is not that important.
Posted from
United States
Comments are closed
Home 
