Player watch: Toby Alderweireld

[Gbspurs]

That would be fine if Eric didn't have a good first season with us, but he did and all of a sudden he could be pushed down the the pecking order to make room for a new signing? Personally I don't like that approach, nothing against Toby, I think he's a good player, but rather have Eric starting at centre back especially after his good first season with us, meaning he now has a bit of experience in the PL and should in theory get better.

Onions I guess.

Dier was never really first choice CB. I'm just guessing as I don't have the stats but it feels like he played RB more often in the PL than CB.

Point is that everyone will have a chance to stake a claim next season as we will again play loads of games.

 

[Mark_147]

I'd be pretty miffed if I was dier if this one came off.

We had one of the worst defensive records last season in the premier league so no one should be surprised the club are looking at new defenders.

 

[Joshua]

That would be fine if Eric didn't have a good first season with us, but he did and all of a sudden he could be pushed down the the pecking order to make room for a new signing? Personally I don't like that approach, nothing against Toby, I think he's a good player, but rather have Eric starting at centre back especially after his good first season with us, meaning he now has a bit of experience in the PL and should in theory get better.

Onions I guess.

Dier will get plenty of games, we play 50-60 games a season and Poch seems to love him so I wouldn't worry about him. Not having proper competition for his place would be even worse for his development I think.

 

[mark87]

We had one of the worst defensive records last season in the premier league so no one should be surprised the club are looking at new defenders.

Which we have addressed with the trippier and wimmer signings, not saying that will resolve the issue, the main problem last season was no protection for the back four, again something we are looking at in trying to get Schneiderlin.

 

[Xeeleeyid]

Which we have addressed with the trippier and wimmer signings, not saying that will resolve the issue, the main problem last season was no protection for the back four, again something we are looking at in trying to get Schneiderlin.

It wasn't. I don't think what I saw last season was teams getting through our midfield countless times running at our cornerbacks and full backs. In fact I saw quite an effective team pressing ethic and screening in midfield undone by numerous howlers of individual errors by our defenders.

 

[mark87]

Dier will get plenty of games, we play 50-60 games a season and Poch seems to love him so I wouldn't worry about him. Not having proper competition for his place would be even worse for his development I think.

You also need to look at the mentality side of it, firstly he wasn't picked for the u21s and now he could be pushed down to just starting Europa league and cup games after an impressive debut season with us, all within a few months.

I'm all for good squad depth, but there's something about this one that just don't seem right.

 

[ARMASPUR]

I'd worry about how good any centre back in the world would be for us until we learn to actually defend as a team. With the lack of protection our midfield offers, it would make any centre back look suspect.

 

[HoltbiusMac]

Dier was never really first choice CB. I'm just guessing as I don't have the stats but it feels like he played RB more often in the PL than CB.

Point is that everyone will have a chance to stake a claim next season as we will again play loads of games.

11 times at CB, 14 times at RB http://www.football-lineups.com/footballer/55465/?t=1275&s=31

 

[Joshua]

You also need to look at the mentality side of it, firstly he wasn't picked for the u21s and now he could be pushed down to just starting Europa league and cup games after an impressive debut season with us, all within a few months.

I'm all for good squad depth, but there's something about this one that just don't seem right.

Southgate left him out of the squad because of spite for when he dropped out earlier in the season to stay with Spurs and train in my opinion. Dier wasn't expected to play as much as he did this year, and if it turns out he's better than Alderweireld if and when he joins he'll still play. Not signing anyone who's serious competition or rotation option and pinning all our hopes on him would be a mistake I think!

 

[mark87]

Southgate left him out of the squad because of spite for when he dropped out earlier in the season to stay with Spurs and train in my opinion. Dier wasn't expected to play as much as he did this year, and if it turns out he's better than Alderweireld if and when he joins he'll still play. Not signing anyone who's serious competition or rotation option and pinning all our hopes on him would be a mistake I think!

For rotation we have Fazio, I know he had a few dodgy games for us but he's still a decent player and could provide competition for Eric now he's had his first season in English football.

 

[fecka]

Hertyid on COYS regarding Alderweireld:

"I'm not sure it's as close as Duncan makes out."

 

[Joshua]

For rotation we have Fazio, I know he had a few dodgy games for us but he's still a decent player and could provide competition for Eric now he's had his first season in English football.

Still need some convincing on Fazio, Alderweireld is an upgrade and would settle quickly considering he's had a season in the prem and would be playing alongside one of his best mates in Vertonghen.

 

[Joshua]

Hertyid on COYS regarding Alderweireld:

"I'm not sure it's as close as Duncan makes out."

That's still implying it's on though?

 

[fecka]

That's still implying it's on though?

Sure sounds like it. It's also in line with Ari Golds ITK that he's a player to watch from now on.

 

[mark87]

Still need some convincing on Fazio, Alderweireld is an upgrade and would settle quickly considering he's had a season in the prem and would be playing alongside one of his best mates in Vertonghen.

Don't doubt Toby would be an an upgrade but I dunno, I'm not sure about it, think it could have an adverse effect on dier.

 

[Mouse!]

Massively torn on this.

I don't think he's great, but with Verts he could form a partnership better than the sum of it's parts.

However, ditching Fazio after just his first season in the PL - when he wasn't even that bad - sends out all the wrong messages.

And if we are to get rid of Fazio, then surely Veljkovic is next in line for a shot at the big time after leading Serbia to the u20 World Cup?

 

[GetSpurredOn]

I only expect us to go into the season with 4 CB's then Velkjovic as 5th choice.
Dier & Fazio
Vertonghen & Wimmer
Seems odd to spend several million pounds on a 5th CB given how many times we saw Kaboul play this season as ultimately 5th choice. If Alderweireld was coming in to replace Fazio, maybe, but seems odd after only one season. Only guesswork on my part though.

 

[Jmun]

After having one of the shittest defences in the league last season we can't afford loyalties.

 

[THFCSPURS19]

http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/sport/football/Premiership/article1571653.ece

Duncan Castles (can't remember if he's reliable?) claiming Alderweireld has told friends he's close to joining Spurs.

I really want this to happen.

But, unfortunately, Duncan Castles is a really shit journalist. Dammit.

Edit- Castles also says we bid £20m for Kondogbia, and we know that isn't true (as per JJ)

 

[Joshua]

I really want this to happen.

But, unfortunately, Duncan Castles is a really shit journalist. Dammit.

Edit- Castles also says we bid £20m for Kondogbia, and we know that isn't true (as per JJ)

Castles seems to split opinion from what I've seen, some swear by him and some like yourself would say he's useless haha. I dont really know to be honest, but there's some positive ITK to back him up it seems.