Demichelis - A Liability?

[Mike J]

Great turn around for him. I was absolutely made up for him. Looked so happy at the end when he was mobbed. buzzing for him. Well done lad.

[ant london]

the new Didi Hamman.....incredible turnaround from no mark to vital player

[Twobob]

Immense today!

What little WHU had in our half he pretty much mopped up and brought it forward!

Great family man and a credit to Pellers

[Blue Since 76]

Just read that him and Kompany have started together in defence 20 times this season and of those we've lost only once. One of those stats which somehow sneak up and certainly backs up how good he's looked recently.

If he'd been fit at the start of the season, we may have won it a few weeks ago.

[dazby]

His wife at the end. Buff said.

[Slim]

Just read that him and Kompany have started together in defence 20 times this season and of those we've lost only once. One of those stats which somehow sneak up and certainly backs up how good he's looked recently.

If he'd been fit at the start of the season, we may have won it a few weeks ago.

Chelsea(h), Barcelona(h), Liverpool(a).

Or those stats are full of crap.

[Pretty Boy Lee]

Another one to admit I was wrong here.

Or probably more accurately just way too early to judge. My god he was awful early, but brilliant by the end. Fantastic effort to turn it around.

[sheikh it all about]

until we play decent opposition in europe and then he is shite.

Most match-goers and people on City forums have had the grace to admit they were wrong.

This guy deserves his winner's medal as much as anyone.

[kennyboy]

Iam tempted to say he has'n been tested much lately, and the pace is not all there. BUT
he has really steped up his game. Great watch and a worthy partner for Vinny.

[halnone]

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I think this belongs here.

[Blue Since 76]

Chelsea(h), Barcelona(h), Liverpool(a).

Or those stats are full of crap.

Sorry, should have said league games. And against Chelsea, Demi was in midfield

[bayblue]

This is like a catholic confessional....everyone (nearly) forgiving their "sin" of writing him off
Really pleased for him as he seems a great character and from all accounts popular with the squad and staff.
I was one of those who wanted Lescott to play; not sure of we would have been any worse if so, but totally prepared to give Demi a huge thank you for making a major contribution to our results and for strengthening the character and experience of the squad. Hope he stays around next season, even if as a no. 3.

[Ted Hughes]

I think part of the difference is that he's fitter. He is a yard sharper now than he was early season. So when he does try some trick, & fuck it up, or jump in for an interception & not quite get there, most of the time he gets a 2nd bite at it & redeems the situation. Early season, the oppo would just nick the ball off him, fuck off & score.

He is truly living upto the 'footballer' tag now too, wheras early season he just sprayed hospital passes, now he is creating attacks from deep, & it has the bonus of keeping Vinny more in check, so he gives the ball away less.

Imo, over the last 6 weeks, Demi has been the best cb in the Premier League.

[john@staustell]

I'd just like to point out I could always see he was a class footballer. But dumped in the PL from a zero/unfit situation he struggled a bit earlier on.

What really gets me is that so many people thought Lescott was a better bet, when he clearly looks like a baby rabbit in a headlight with the ball at his feet (at best). Made me despair of the forums.

[Ted Hughes]

I'd just like to point out I could always see he was a class footballer. But dumped in the PL from a zero/unfit situation he struggled a bit earlier on.

What really gets me is that so many people thought Lescott was a better bet, when he clearly looks like a baby rabbit in a headlight with the ball at his feet (at best). Made me despair of the forums.

Lescott was better than Demichelis on almost every occasion he played & was less of a liability on the ball. In recent weeks Demichelis has been excellent, but for a large part of the season, Lescott was better & should have been playing.

Persevering with Demichelis has worked out ok in the end, but it almost cost us the title.

[Blue Since 76]

I'd just like to point out I could always see he was a class footballer. But dumped in the PL from a zero/unfit situation he struggled a bit earlier on.

What really gets me is that so many people thought Lescott was a better bet, when he clearly looks like a baby rabbit in a headlight with the ball at his feet (at best). Made me despair of the forums.

Lescott did what Demi is now doing - make Kompany look even better. Lescott did it by being a typical British centre half, allowing Kompany to suddenly charge upfield or lunge in, knowing Lescott would still be there to make a tackle. We all know he can't pass, but he can defend and better than Nastasic could by the end of last season or Demi early in this one.

Demi is clearly the better all round player and, in retrospect, I think some of the early mucks ups were as much down to Kompany as him. Since the Hull game, Demi has taken charge of the line we hold. Beforehand, he'd push up and no one would go with him.

Hopefully, once Nastasic is fit, Demi can actually teach him how to defend.

[Ted Hughes]

I'd just like to point out I could always see he was a class footballer. But dumped in the PL from a zero/unfit situation he struggled a bit earlier on.

What really gets me is that so many people thought Lescott was a better bet, when he clearly looks like a baby rabbit in a headlight with the ball at his feet (at best). Made me despair of the forums.

Lescott did what Demi is now doing - make Kompany look even better. Lescott did it by being a typical British centre half, allowing Kompany to suddenly charge upfield or lunge in, knowing Lescott would still be there to make a tackle. We all know he can't pass, but he can defend and better than Nastasic could by the end of last season or Demi early in this one.

Demi is clearly the better all round player and, in retrospect, I think some of the early mucks ups were as much down to Kompany as him. Since the Hull game, Demi has taken charge of the line we hold. Beforehand, he'd push up and no one would go with him.

Hopefully, once Nastasic is fit, Demi can actually teach him how to defend.

The advantage of Demi over Lescott is that Lescott used to give VK the ball to be the main defensive 'playmaker' & cover behind him,, & Vinny in spite of one or two nice touches,is pretty crap at it.

Demichelis is taking on that role & Vinny covers for him now. Demi is miles better at it than VK.

[sheikh it all about]

Re Ted Hughes.

On the contrary, I believe Demi is a vastly better fit in footballing terms and has been a major contributor to our title run-in. Far more classy and constructive than Lescott.

[Ted Hughes]

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On the contrary, I believe Demi is a vastly better fit in footballing terms and has been a major contributor to our title run-in. Far more classy and constructive than Lescott.

Is there somewhere that I said Demi wasn't a major contributor to our title run in ?

I was under the impression I said I thought he had been the best cb in the Premier League in recent times ?

Perhaps I'm dreaming ? Just a second whilst I bang my head on the table.......nope I'm awake, looks like I did actually say that.

[sheikh it all about]

Is there somewhere that I said Demi wasn't a major contributor to our title run in ? I was under the impression I said I thought he had been the best cb in the Premier League in recent times ? Perhaps I'm dreaming ? Just a second whilst I bang my head on the table.......nope I'm awake, looks like I did actually say that.

You did indeed. Apologies. My post was intended to be in response to john@staustell's comments.