Hummels & Chiellini but more realistically Garay & Benatia.
Center Back Options
- Thread starter MkPaul
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In the latest episode of the United Hour Podcast, Nik (@Rood) and Imran (@Annihilate Now!) are here to discuss Amad saving our blushes in a win against Southampton as well as our now annual loss at home to Brighton. They discuss Amorim's post-match comments, revisit how mid-table we may or may not be, and discuss some transfer news.
I think it would make sense to get a Cahill-type option rather than spending a vast amount on a CB. LB and CM are issues which are top priority followed by a winger in my eyes. Smalling, Jones and Evans is a very good trio with potential to be first team players, with the only problem being injuries, which would be covered by this 'cheaper' option. The only question would be who.
Someone like Shawcross, Lovren, Vertonghen or Garay, Schar if looking to Europe (Younger but wouldn't cost loads i'd think). Just a solid player to have in the squad for a decent price.
Someone like Shawcross, Lovren, Vertonghen or Garay, Schar if looking to Europe (Younger but wouldn't cost loads i'd think). Just a solid player to have in the squad for a decent price.
Probably Martins Indi or Vertonghen
Only one CB for me. Have Michael Keane as 5th choice. Garay. Entering into the last year of his contract and possibly should be available for £15m. Don't want to spend too much on a CB.
Apparently last summer we were interested in Martins Indi. I think the fee was touted at around 8m. Seems a decent price for a 22 year old, versatile too like Vertonghen.
I really want to have a Smalling/Evans partnership next season, with Jones and another decent centre back as back up options. I honestly feel Smalling and Evans are good enough to start for us next season. Hope they're given a chance.
I feel the same. The only concern is the injuries I suppose.
I think we need 2 new midfielders regardless, so the question becomes "what happens to Carrick?". How he adapts to playing at centreback will decide whether he's first choice or fourth choice. Given that we're only going to be playing once a week next season, I think that 3 top prospects + 1 experienced head is more than enough. Particularly if the 2 midfielders ahead of them are quick enough to snuff out most danger.
It'd be the cheapest option and the most efficient use of the squad available. I wouldn't be surprised if LvG goes down this route, though I agree that Carrick can be prone to getting bullied.
Ye true, but knowing their luck, we'll buy a centre back, and Smalling and Evans will have an injury free season.
Hummels will be difficult to pry away but is an excellent option for any team. Benatia's agent was in Barcelona meeting with Zubi yesterday leading to speculation that he will be signed on Saturday
Laporte will be a fortune and few will be willing to take that risk but will depend on how the rest of the CB market pans out, I imagine. Musacchio will not come cheap from Villarreal and hard to imagine De Boer letting Veltman go anywhere. Schär would be a wise move as Basel are not known to be difficult to negotiate with and would come considerably cheaper than similarly rated young CBs
Apparently Dortmund have him lined up to replace Hummels if he decides to move on. Looks a very good player technically, hits a great set piece and has an eye for goal, could be a star of the World Cup.
Like he will have a choice. Money talks and Ajax cant resist good money.
Benatia said he wants out
I can understand Benatia. He's 27. Maybe his last chance to play for a big club and big money contract.
Like the player will have a choice when his contract is through 2018.
I guess you haven't been paying attention to the organizational changes at the club and directive to re-establish their place among the elite while emphasizing their academy. There's a youth movement afoot in Amsterdam and De Boer is leading the way. Joël has been at the club since he was 9 years old and newly promoted to the 1st team, money may talk but not all clubs have to listen
hahaha, nastasic is one of the most overrated centrebacks of his age group, he only looked decent for a season because he managed to not mess up too badly as kompany carried him, his positioning is awful, he's not strong, his tackling is average, he's not good in the air despite his size, and he's not exceptionally quick or tactically intelligent/responsive to make up for these failings. He's nice with the ball for a centreback, but saying he's on the level of Varane is hilarious, he's no where near varane in quality as a defender.
Just think to yourself, this guy is 'supposedly' one of the top shelf talents... yet he's going to be replaced by mangala, who's only 2 years older? does that make any sense? or is nastasic just overrated? I'm 100% convinced that it's the latter. Every time I've watched him at city I've only seen shortcomings and nothing exceptional talent wise.
The Schalke lad Kyrgiakos Papadopoulos has gone under the radar last couple of seasons due to injuries.
Missing out on the Greek squad for the World Cup due to a dislocated shoulder after only coming back from a couple of bad knee injuries.
If he got a full pre season the man could be a star in the Prem, he's a big, strong, tough centre back with Vidic style bravery.
Missing out on the Greek squad for the World Cup due to a dislocated shoulder after only coming back from a couple of bad knee injuries.
If he got a full pre season the man could be a star in the Prem, he's a big, strong, tough centre back with Vidic style bravery.
Would like to see us seriously considering Lovren at Southampton. Early season performances had him in team of the year by xmas and he's great on the ball. Laporte/Benatia/Vertonghen would all be excellent additions.
Van Gaal promoted Badstuber to the Bayern first team as he wanted a left footed defender. I think this may play a part in his thinking when looking for a centre back.