29
Going to defend AWB here a little. We bought a specialist RB, one who is defensively brilliant, and is clearly more comfortable in a supporting role on that right flank.
Playing him at RWB is just tactical suicide for the right flank, we're relying on him being an attacking outlet, basically banking on the worst parts of his game, while nullifying all of his strengths. It clearly doesn't work.
AWB's best performances have been, in my opinion, when he has had someone like Mata in front of him, when playing in a back 4. Mata gives him that defensive support, he doesn't get overloaded constantly, and only has to provide a supporting outlet on the RW, and not be the primary threat.
Whether he's good enough or not is another thing up for debate, it's possible that he's not the long term solution. But surely Ole must look at him and realise that playing him as a RWB is just pointless?
He has had one good 2/3 of the season and has been one of the poorer performers ever since the restart.He has been one of our best players for the last 2 years...
Gets way too much criticism because he's not Dani Alves. Consistently one of our best players.
These are the thoughts I'm begging to think. One on one, he is probably best in the league, but his positional sense can go a bit wonky at times, particularly when expected to play as a Wing Back. I'm more than willing to give him time, but we need someone to regularly challenge him for now. Hopefully Williams can step up, got a lot of love for them both.An absolute Colossus man to man but he's pretty average defensively when not in isolation.
I really think it Is a coaching issue. They need to get the basics right with him in his positional play. That means he has to be trained not to come inside until he gets it right.
so because he said he hated defending when he was younger, thats it?
He will never be world class, but with excellent coaching (which is all he needs imo), it will be impenetrable. Minimal on offense but can be solid on D. But as with cafe, make one mistake and you're slated to no end
I really think it Is a coaching issue. They need to get the basics right with him in his positional play. That means he has to be trained not to come inside until he gets it right.
He's been off form since the restart of last season.He's been in a terrible period of off form recently. This one is no exception. I hope he finds form again soon, not like we have any good replacement for him.
He's not a great defensive right back though.What makes you think he isnt being instructed to do this? If it was something the coaches hate surely he'd be dropped or it would have been worked on already. And he didnt do it at Palace.
Most likely the CBs arent trusted to deal with the central players, which is why be bought a great defensive rightback for £50 million in the first place. So he's in there to be proactive with his tackling and ball winning in the most dangerous area, in the middle
He's not a great defensive right back though.
Great at slide tackles and when a tricky winger is running straight at him. He does nothing if the player doesn't have the ball and make off ball runs to get past him for a cross or shot.
It definitely seems tactical to me. He's always slotting in close to the centre backs when opposition teams have the ball on their right or in the centre. I would assume it's because Maguire and Lindelof both tend to jockey players running at them and give them space. It causes havoc for our defense as we usually don't have a player that will track back at right wing.What makes you think he isnt being instructed to do this? If it was something the coaches hate surely he'd be dropped or it would have been worked on already. And he didnt do it at Palace.
Most likely the CBs arent trusted to deal with the central players, which is why be bought a great defensive rightback for £50 million in the first place. So he's in there to be proactive with his tackling and ball winning in the most dangerous area, in the middle
Being the best at sliding tackles doesn't make you a great defender!Can you name 3 rightbacks who are great at that right now?
Being the best at sliding tackles doesn't make you a great defender!
A great defender doesn't make so many mistakes repeatedly like AWB has done since the restart.
I dont think he needs a kick in the arse or competition. He lacks competence. To solve his problems, he needs to acquire that competence. Only a good trainer can help him with that.He's been by far our worst player since the restart of last season. Ole should experiment with Lindelof in the right, or play Williams there to give a break/kick in the arse to AWB.
He has already made multiple mistakes last week alone, not sure what you've been watching if you think he's in the clear.He hasnt.
It definitely seems tactical to me. He's always slotting in close to the centre backs when opposition teams have the ball on their right or in the centre. I would assume it's because Maguire and Lindelof both tend to jockey players running at them and give them space. It causes havoc for our defense as we usually don't have a player that will track back at right wing.
He has already made multiple mistakes last week alone, not sure what you've been watching if you think he's in the clear.
I'm trying to think of one player in our team that has more tackles, blocks, interceptions, clearances and cut out crosses, and to be honest I can't. Ok so he's not the complete package, nobody can argue that. As you said, he can be caught out positionally at the back post and under the hight ball.
