Keeper & Defence

[Acker79]

I think Gus prefers to avoid loanees, unless they're here for the long run. I think if he gets someone short term, it will be a signing like Bridcutt, where the player is actually ours for a few months, hoping to earn a permanent deal, then he becomes invested more.

 

[B.W.]

Ankergren's weakness is undoubtedly crosses but the key is his defence's understanding of the situation and the comparison I would draw is with Kuipers. Michel destroyed the confidence and effectiveness of his defence who never knew whether he would come for a cross or not but always knew that he would blame them for any misunderstanding. Casper doesn't go near any cross outside the narrow confines of his six yard box and the line of his goalposts. His defence know this and know exactly what they are responsible for dealing with. Casper's "time-wasting/dribbling" is crucial to our game of drawing teams forward and committing them to leaving space that we can exploit. As long as he and his defence are comfortable and confident with ball at feet the possibility of error is not increased.

Brezovan comes for crosses which means that when he plays both he and the defence must adapt and that requires a much greater verbal dialogue and time to settle so if he comes in it will take a game or two at least to settle. Ditto Poke. However as long as Casper is fit and on top of his game neither can exppect to play more than a few games in the cups all season. With the best will in the world that is the same situation as with most clubs and if the judgement overall is that we are okay to go with what we have I'm not going to argue. If it comes to it we can get a loan keeper in at short notice so I'm not going to worry.


I am much more concerned with cover at centre back at least until el abd and Elphick are back. I'm sure Dunk has promise but it would be a big risk to go into the season with him as a starter and no cover. Like others I think he should be going out on loan when possible (when Adam or Tommy are fit) to get games and experience.
Greer may not be the fastest but his positional and organisational strengths outweigh that and I thiink he will continue to be massive for us. What we do need urgently is someone with experience at Championship level to start the season. They need to be fast and flexible and able to cover at full back if needed as the season progresses. And we will need to buy in my view because a suitable loanee is unlikely to be available for the big kick-off.

I couldn't agree more with your analysis, except that I would expect 2 defenders to come in... an experienced CB, and a full-back to compete with our current first-choice FBs...

 

[KneeOn]

Poke showed amazing professionalism by not having a hissy fit over his lack of game time, Brez has proved him self trustworthy of Gus's trust. I think both Brez and Casper (the two likely to get games) are more than good enough keepers to have. I'd like fullback cover though, in case Painter or Calde get injured.

 

[B.W.]

I'm pretty sure Gus said he is after a CB AND a FB now (recognising that there is a good chance BOTH Elf and El-Abd will NOT be available at he start of the season)...

 

[Biscuit]

Any on field success is always built from a strong presence at the back. At first we had Cullip and now we have Greer. It's so important we pick up a quality centre back that's been there and done it. They cost though but it's money well spent in my book. It's also great experience that can rub off on younger players like Dunk, much more valuable for him to learn a craft well than being dropped in the deep end and being expected to swim.

If we sign a quality, quality centre half then with the squad we've already got I'd really fancy us to impress this year.

 

[The Wookiee]

Ankergren's weakness is undoubtedly crosses but the key is his defence's understanding of the situation and the comparison I would draw is with Kuipers. Michel destroyed the confidence and effectiveness of his defence who never knew whether he would come for a cross or not but always knew that he would blame them for any misunderstanding. Casper doesn't go near any cross outside the narrow confines of his six yard box and the line of his goalposts. His defence know this and know exactly what they are responsible for dealing with. Casper's "time-wasting/dribbling" is crucial to our game of drawing teams forward and committing them to leaving space that we can exploit. As long as he and his defence are comfortable and confident with ball at feet the possibility of error is not increased.

Brezovan comes for crosses which means that when he plays both he and the defence must adapt and that requires a much greater verbal dialogue and time to settle so if he comes in it will take a game or two at least to settle. Ditto Poke. However as long as Casper is fit and on top of his game neither can exppect to play more than a few games in the cups all season. With the best will in the world that is the same situation as with most clubs and if the judgement overall is that we are okay to go with what we have I'm not going to argue. If it comes to it we can get a loan keeper in at short notice so I'm not going to worry.


I am much more concerned with cover at centre back at least until el abd and Elphick are back. I'm sure Dunk has promise but it would be a big risk to go into the season with him as a starter and no cover. Like others I think he should be going out on loan when possible (when Adam or Tommy are fit) to get games and experience.
Greer may not be the fastest but his positional and organisational strengths outweigh that and I thiink he will continue to be massive for us. What we do need urgently is someone with experience at Championship level to start the season. They need to be fast and flexible and able to cover at full back if needed as the season progresses. And we will need to buy in my view because a suitable loanee is unlikely to be available for the big kick-off.

Very good post ! I agree totally

 

[DT Withdean]

Spurs have signed Brad Friedel to compete with Gomez for the No 1 spot so would suggest that if Gus thinks we need a keeper on loan at some point he will ask about Cudicini.

No, to replace him as no.1.
Gomez might make some spectacular saves with a parachute roll encore to add effect, but the countless errors aren't good enough for a top-8 team goalie.

 

[BensGrandad]

No, to replace him as no.1.
Gomez might make some spectacular saves with a parachute roll encore to add effect, but the countless errors aren't good enough for a top-8 team goalie.

In which case Gomez would be no 2 so Cudicini will still not get a look in and at his age that is no good to him other than for his wages.

 

[Biscuit]

Why are we still talking about goalkeepers and it's clearly a CB we need!!

 

[B.W.]

Why are we still talking about goalkeepers and it's clearly a CB we need!!

This... and a full-back...