Ekotto

[talkshowhost86]

I disagree, it's not good news at all. BAE has many strengths, but his weaknesses are preciselt the ones that undermine AVB's preferred way of playing. There's no room for him in an AVB side as far as I'm concerned!

If AVB says differently doesn't that mean that he thinks BAE can fit into his preferred way of playing?

As I said, I think it was the general perception that this was the problem, that BAE fundamentally wasn't cut out for an AVB team etc etc. But that was a pretty stern defence of BAE by the manager and suggests that he thinks he fits into the system fine. There's no real reason for him to be defending a player so staunchly in the transfer window if he wants to sell him, particularly when we have another left back coming back from a successful loan period.

Obviously even if AVB did want to sell BAE I wouldn't expect him to say, 'yes we're selling him because he's crap', but I also wouldn't expect him to defend him so much.

 

[mpickard2087]

I thought he'd be off this summer, and tbh kinda hoping its the case. Good middle third player but doesn't excel at either end of the pitch but the way we have played I think we need someone who can bomb forward, provide width and be a greater threat. I'd be willing to sacrifice a little bit of defensive nous if they contributed going the other way.

 

[sloth]

If AVB says differently doesn't that mean that he thinks BAE can fit into his preferred way of playing?

As I said, I think it was the general perception that this was the problem, that BAE fundamentally wasn't cut out for an AVB team etc etc. But that was a pretty stern defence of BAE by the manager and suggests that he thinks he fits into the system fine. There's no real reason for him to be defending a player so staunchly in the transfer window if he wants to sell him, particularly when we have another left back coming back from a successful loan period.

Obviously even if AVB did want to sell BAE I wouldn't expect him to say, 'yes we're selling him because he's crap', but I also wouldn't expect him to defend him so much.

He also said differently about Friedel and about Defoe, and has since been proved wrong on both. By proved wrong I mean despite praising both to high heaven he's in the end chosen the players most of us would have insisted fitted his system better.

I also think there's nothing to be gained by saying BAE's surplus to requirements unless and until we get a replacement, and much to be gained by saying as he has, this is because if he doesn't get a replacement and BAE stays he has kept the player motivated and engaged.

But basically BAE clearly and definitively does not fit AVB's system, in the same way, and to the same extent that Friedel didn't, and even if the truth were a scenario in which AVB thinks differently, then the only response is he's wrong.

 

[only1waddle]

I think AVB knows only too well our attack needs sorting and will keep the defence the same for a season. Rather than actively trying to shift Benny they will probably make a decision IF a good bid is made. I think this would be a decision based on the number of changes upfront, keep the defence the same and rotate Rose/Benny.
I can see AVB living with this next season, far more than the lifeless displays some of our forwards have shit out at times.

 

[dontcallme]

We had a lot of players coming and going last season. This season I hope for more stability. A couple of key signings and keep the majority of our squad players.

If AVB thinks BAE has a future at Spurs then I'm happy to see him stay. Hopefully Rose can be considered competition for him though.

 

[sloth]

I think AVB knows only too well our attack needs sorting and will keep the defence the same for a season. Rather than actively trying to shift Benny they will probably make a decision IF a good bid is made. I think this would be a decision based on the number of changes upfront, keep the defence the same and rotate Rose/Benny.
I can see AVB living with this next season, far more than the lifeless displays some of our forwards have shit out at times.

We had a lot of players coming and going last season. This season I hope for more stability. A couple of key signings and keep the majority of our squad players.

If AVB thinks BAE has a future at Spurs then I'm happy to see him stay. Hopefully Rose can be considered competition for him though.

I think FBs are key to the way we aspire to play, as such I'd be amazed if we don't replace BAE this summer.

 

[only1waddle]

I think FBs are key to the way we aspire to play, as such I'd be amazed if we don't replace BAE this summer.

I think the same regards how we intend to play, i just wonder whether AVB looks at the situation regarding our strike force and wants old Dan to concentrate on that first, maybe a possibility that he wants a player who is expensive (Coentrao?) and see's the only way for that to happen is to sell Benny and Rose, combine the fee's for one player and pick another up on a free, a Riise style signing as backup, that would cause enough of a headache to sort out..
If Ekotto goes i would take a guess it will be later on in the window, once the strike force is assembled (cue nervous disbelieving laughter)..

 

[dontcallme]

I think FBs are key to the way we aspire to play, as such I'd be amazed if we don't replace BAE this summer.

You might be right.

I like BAE. I think he's a good, but not great, defender and he's very comfortable going forward. I think he can be a good player for us this season and I don't think he's the kind to cause trouble if Rose got in ahead of him.

Play BAE next season and we have a decent left back. If Rose proves as good as Sunderland fans rate him then we have a player with the attributes suited to AVB's formation and needs.

Buying a left back now just pushes Rose further back in the pecking order and for me he's the kind of player we need to develop and give an opportunity in the team.

For the coming season I want us to buy a striker, quick winger and a playmaker. Minimal changes for me and left back certainly isn't an issue unless someone who fits perfectly becomes available.