Had this debate occured 2 seasons ago, I don't think anyone could refute your assessment of PL Left backs BC. Cashley was definitely top of the tree, Evra up there in second and Clichy proving to be a more than able replacement for Cole. At that time, Disco was error prone at times and complacent too. However, he'd only recently come back from an 18 month lay off that occured whilst he was 'developing' into the role at WHL.
Now is a different kettle of fish. Whilst he still has the odd lapse, they stand out because of their rarity. The fact that he inspires so much confidence in Spurs fans, and let's face it, as defenders go only King could ever claim that ability previously, speaks absolute volumes for his ability and development. We Spurs fans have always been a nervous lot when it comes to our defenders.
Now, when we look at his peers, there are none, IMHO, who anyone could state, with any degree of certainty, are significantly better that Disco. He has closed the gap over the last 2 years to the point where 'the best LB in the PL' is a fiercely debated point.
IMO, he is top 2 and has supplanted Evra. Cole maybe edges it but, as much as I detest the stain, I rate him as the best in the World in his position. He is the only LB out there though that I see as better than Disco, and even then not by much. This then puts Disco, in my eyes, as a truly World Class fullback. His errors are cited as reasons for him to be 'derated' (if there is such a word) but then you rarely see a true comparison with his peers, citing their errors as a true comparison. They all make them only his are FAR more apparent to us, and recalled so much more easily, due to the emotional impact they have on us as individuals. I've seen Cole drop some monumental rickets but can't cite the games as, in all honesty, I didn't give a shit ............ It wasn't for THFC.
Clichy I have seen make far more fundamental mistakes over the past 2 seasons. Constantly caught out of position, weak in the tackle and weak when challenging on the run. One of his greatest strengths was going forward and, in this, he fast became a nonentity under Wenger. Whether this will remain the case remains to be seen. I don't believe it will as I think Mancini will improve his defensive capabilities. Will he be better than Benny? I don't believe so but only time will tell there.
Evra? Has stagnated IMO and is showing signs of being a weak link at Utd. I don't have the stats to back this, but it seems to me that the Utd left flank has been targetted as a position to exploit quite successfully.
In a nutshell, I'm with the general consensus on here, that Disco Benny is one of the top players in the PL and massively underrated. He is a WC player with a WC attitude and long may he remain our first choice LB.
It will be a sad day when he no longer pulls on the Lillywhite.
I love his sexy fro. And his big face.
As far as impressing Spurs fans goes, you are talking about a forum where Dawson is still getting "favourite player" votes and a year ago was probably the most popular player on here and being touted as the future of this club for years to come by the consensus. Forgive me my distrust of the consensus some times.
I like Ekotto, as I have said on numerous occasions, including this thread, he has some very good qualities and I accept that upgrading him would not be easy.
I think in the middle third of the pitch he's as good as any, but at either end he is inferior to Cole, Evra or Clichy. Not by loads, especially where Clichy is concerned.
He has a deer face.
1) As far as impressing Spurs fans goes, you are talking about a forum where Dawson is still getting "favourite player" votes and a year ago was probably the most popular player on here and being touted as the future of this club for years to come by the consensus. Forgive me my distrust of the consensus some times.
2) I like Ekotto, as I have said on numerous occasions, including this thread, he has some very good qualities and I accept that upgrading him would not be easy.
3) I think in the middle third of the pitch he's as good as any, but at either end he is inferior to Cole, Evra or Clichy. Not by loads, especially where Clichy is concerned.
The day he goes we will emerge a better team
Does Benny just wander around London chatting to randoms and bumping into Spurs fans?
The man's a fucking legend.
Not for me, he's been pretty poor for a couple of years now.
I'd only put A. Cole as definitely better than BAE. Evra's regressed too much last couple of years for me.
I'd also put Enrique around the same level as BAE, I've been really impressed with him at Newcastle and now Liverpool. Baines is pretty good too, but that might just be me thinking that because he wins me so many fantasy points with assists and the odd goal.
No other left backs in the league even come close.
Why, I would be surprised(but delighted) if Rose gets any where near Benny's level.The only thing I hate about Benny is he is stopping Rose get a game who has also impressed at left back.
I just like Rose as a different type of LB very aggressive and fast its a good combination for a LB, don't get me wrong Benny is a Class act and is our No 1 left back, for no reason I just like rose as a player and would hate to loose him because he is not getting game time.Why, I would be surprised(but delighted) if Rose gets any where near Benny's level.
I just like Rose as a different type of LB very aggressive and fast its a good combination for a LB, don't get me wrong Benny is a Class act and is our No 1 left back, for no reason I just like rose as a player and would hate to loose him because he is not getting game time.
lad!
from his twitter... :rofl: