- Mar 21, 2007
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Got to be cut throat, we NEED to upgrade both fullbacks. We need pace and dynamism on the flanks, our current bunch don't offer those things.
So this debate has gone back and forwards at different times of the season and during the last few seasons.
I think we can all agree that when we had a fully fit Walker and Rose bombing on down both sides that is when we looked at our best. Since then we’ve sold Walker and his replacement Aurier has split opinion, and Rose got injured and threw his toys out of the pram and looks to be leaving.
So before the summer window I’m interested to see what the majority opinion is on our current full-backs.
Going by the fact that in the big games Trippier & Davies have started that seems to now be our 1st choice pair with Aurier and Rose back/ups and KWP’s a 3rd choice for each position.
I personally think we need to upgrade Trippier if possible and possibly Davies but not as concerned about him, the reason being that our full backs are so so key to the style of play Poch wants us to play.
On one hand if you look at stats I think KT & BD have created the most chances of any prem full backs this season and haven’t even started every game, BUT that is also down to the way we play putting a huge emphasis on them being given licence to get forward.
For me even in a back 4 the keys to the role of our full-back are: pace, creativity, physicality, ability to beat a man in final 3rd and get a good cross in, positional sense + ability to defend 1v1.
When on form Rose and Walker ticked all those boxes, Davies ticks most of them but lacks a little pace and Trippier although having improved greatly and whilst having a good delivery he does lack pace, defending ability 1v1 and physicality.
I’m hoping Aurier can step up next season s he has all the attributes to be the kind of full back we need but not so hopeful.
Also it’s all about balance, Davies isn’t so much of an issue if we have a pacey direct Son infront of him and a more pacey attacking full-back on the right hand side but when we have both of these playing in the big games we become slow, safe and predictable and this is why I think we need to seriously look at improving one or both of them.
Look at what Dani Alves used to offer for Barca, same for Evra for Man.U, Marcelo for Madrid,Alex Sandro for Juve, Lahm for Bayern, Cole for Ars/Chelsea, Alonso for Chelsea, Walker and Rose for us, they can all beat and man and would be a constant threat but can also defend very well.
The alternative is to sign a more creative CM and another attacking option similar to Lucas so we have more threats from different areas but if we want to maximise playing how we currently do then I think we should consider upgrading.
The other consideration is KWP, can be step up and give us what we need?
Will Rose actually surprise us all and stay next year, very unlikely IMO but if so then I think a combo of a fit and focused rose and Davies is fine for LB. Will we bring Sessengon in and could he be an option as an AM but also as an attacking LB if needed...
So what is the general consensus?
A rather outrageous opinion perhaps but currently I don’t think there is a top quality fullback in the Premier League. When you look back at the quality fullbacks we have had at just Spurs (Knowles, Kinnear, Beal, as an example) not one of the current crop of Premier League fullbacks compares.
I'd be more then happy to blow our load on top quality wingback dynamic power quick solid wingback who can get beyond in attack and defend.I wouldnt spend any money on fullbacks this summer. The current lot are serviceable and there is reason to believe KWP will be very good and we know Rose can be very good. Spend the money elsewhere.
If KWP is ready and we can get a decent fee I'd sell Aurier. Im not sure he can be coached.
I'd be more then happy to blow our load on top quality wingback dynamic power quick solid wingback who can get beyond in attack and defend.
is there any of those around the world that has all attributes?
Like today’s line up thenI like Trips and Davies but I prefer faster wing backs bombarding forward with 3 defenders and proper DM like Wanyama covering for them.
Agree the standard has certainly dropped. No-one in prem is near the levels of say A.Cole or G.Nev in their prime.I think you have a point, and it’s a factor not exclusive to the PL. Walker looks impressive for City, but when truly tested, he is still prone to defensive lapses.
Man Utd are fielding two wingers as fullbacks. Chelsea play a wingback system, partly I suspect, due to Moses and Alonso not being defensively sound enough.
On the continent, I’d say only Bayern’s pair (Kimmich & Alaba) and Marcelo (his incredible attacking play outweighs his defensive deficiencies) are of that “world class” level, with the next batch some way behind.
Completely Agree mateThink we need upgrades, full backs overall have been a let down this season, we've done well more in spite of them rather than because of them, they haven't been consistent enough as they have played well only in small patches.