Kostas Manolas

[lucio 5,418]

12 minutes ago, the wes said:

I'm all for signing VVD but Southampton are not willing to sell him has for cahill he needs upgraded big time 

we already have comfortably superior players than cahill in ake and christensen

[xPetrCechx 13,570]

Not better than Cahill.

[Leif 6,006]

I don't understand in which world Christensen - Azpilicueta - Luiz is not enough. Cahill & some sideman would be alright back ups.

With Alex Sandro probably coming in, this'd mean targeting an elite right back, instead of shifting Azpilicueta there again (which won't end well; he's proven himself to be a centre back. He never offered much going forward, and he's fine defensively - but he shines as our spine.)

I hate the idea of Azpilicueta as the right back, with Cahill - Manolas/Christensen - Luiz being our centre backs. (I presume we aren't changing to a back 4 next season.) That's a laughable centre. But nothing is pointing to us upgrading over Moses - it seems we'll simply revert to our less succesful ways. Not pragmatic at all given our wealth.

[Rapkun 668]

He's a good defender. I'm not sure why people are acting like he's worse than Djilobodji. Honestly though I was hoping for better but we could certainly use him for a year if no better alternative is available. The only downside is we might not sign anyone else later because we would be loaded. I think we have a good set of CBs in David Luiz, Cahill, Christensen and Azpi but we need someone to take us to the next level. Manolas will improve us but not make us great. Anyway as long as Christensen gets to play regularly i'm fine. That kid could be the real deal.

[Magic Lamps 11,692]

2 hours ago, Leif said:

Cahill has strength above that of Manolas; he shows more determination & never say die attitude; he's far, far more lethal in the box; he already understands our system; and that's enough to say this would be a stupid signing. Neither of them have very good tactical nuance, technical ability, pace, or awareness. Neither are good enough for us, but one's really, really, really not good enough.

That is harsh on both but particularly Manolas. He is extremely quick for a defender and has decent tactical ability and positional awareness. I think him and Cahill are about on par with Manolas still being at an age where he can improve as a defender. 

[Leif 6,006]

And vs. Madrid he's all over the place, don't let the upbeat music fool you - play some sad violin music instead and tragedy is more obvious. A headless chicken who can't do anything but put it out for a throw in or lead the ball to a Madrid player - 

 

 

[Leif 6,006]

Useless every single time Porto are near their box, nevermind the goals themselves - 

 

[Leif 6,006]

Even the way he uselessly turns his head like he's shaking off a flea is like Cahill

 

[Leif 6,006]

Lack of awareness & determination; let's both goals happen while just standing

 

[Leif 6,006]

Nowhere to be seen when the ball is right beside him, again, like Cahill

 

[Leif 6,006]

The worst player on the day. Not 1 positive trait shown, but plenty of negatives

 

[Leif 6,006]

An own goal even Cahill wouldn't do