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Really genuine question.

The game changed a lot in the past 10 years and imho, an era will end with those two fuckers from Juventus: Chiellini and Bonucci and even with Kompany.
Many of us grew up with different moments this game had, from Gentile, to Maldini, Costacurta, Blanc, etc. Sweepers and leaders.

The leaders from the back used to be rocks, really hard to be passed by opponents, however things changed and this might be our problem.
City is searching for something that doesn't exist anymore, that is why we have really big issues finding someone really top on the back. We've spent a shitload of money on defenders and really the only one that showed he is the real deal is Laporte, but even he is very different.

For the sake of the argument, Imho Van Dijk, which is at the moment good, overrated, but good, wouldn't start a game in the defence the rags had in the late 90s with Berg and Johnsen or Stam.

So, do you lot think there is anyone left out there that could fill the shoes of Komps?

Otamendi. The end.

The game is always evolving. You could say the same about center forwards to be fair.

Ronny Johnsen wasn't the best example though mate. I don't think he made 100 games in 7 years with the rags.

He was shite.

Pretty Boy Lee wrote:The game is always evolving. You could say the same about center forwards to be fair.

Yes, they score more, but the defence segment really is obvious.
We expect something from defenders that really have different qualities.

Kompany was a myth as well. ask carl

Koulibaly would be brilliant for us

X2.

bigblue wrote:Koulibaly would be brilliant for us

That guy at Napoli, the chairman, is a prick to deal with.
Koulibaly would cost €100 to €120m.
It's a mad amount for a guy who is 29 in June.
That seems like something the rags would do.

Is Ake worth going back for?

dazby wrote:Is Ake worth going back for?

I think he is a better option that the kid at Napoli. I don't get the reluctance to not play Garcia though. If we were to sign another CB that would limit Garcia's appearances even more than his current League Cup only existence.

I'd say that we need to replace both Stones & Otter so we should be looking at bringing Garcia through this season

salford city wrote:

dazby wrote:Is Ake worth going back for?

I think he is a better option that the kid at Napoli. I don't get the reluctance to not play Garcia though. If we were to sign another CB that would limit Garcia's appearances even more than his current League Cup only existence.

I'd say that we need to replace both Stones & Otter so we should be looking at bringing Garcia through this season

Totally agree with this. Otamendi, until Tuesday, had been fit and on the bench while a central midfielder played in his position. This is clearly a message that Pep doesn't fancy him anymore so why not play Garcia there and find out what we really have with him. It would also let us play Fernandinho in his proper position which would help both the defence and the attack. The amount of times Sterling was screaming for the ball in space on Tuesday but Rodri either couldn't see the pass or didn't believe he could make it when Fernandinho would have played the ball without hesitation.

salford city wrote:

dazby wrote:Is Ake worth going back for?

I think he is a better option that the kid at Napoli. I don't get the reluctance to not play Garcia though. If we were to sign another CB that would limit Garcia's appearances even more than his current League Cup only existence.

I'd say that we need to replace both Stones & Otter so we should be looking at bringing Garcia through this season

Agree with the last line, the thing is if we are playing well, the back 4 can get the cigars out, as we are plodding so we look shite at the back every-time we are asked to defend , slow build up, slow recovery of midfielders, I fear we could be run ragged by Leicester with Vardy and the pace they play at. Average teams with pace are causing us murders, hence the rags will go long ball v us.

Hazy2 wrote:

salford city wrote:

dazby wrote:Is Ake worth going back for?

I think he is a better option that the kid at Napoli. I don't get the reluctance to not play Garcia though. If we were to sign another CB that would limit Garcia's appearances even more than his current League Cup only existence.

I'd say that we need to replace both Stones & Otter so we should be looking at bringing Garcia through this season

Agree with the last line, the thing is if we are playing well, the back 4 can get the cigars out, as we are plodding so we look shite at the back every-time we are asked to defend , slow build up, slow recovery of midfielders, I fear we could be run ragged by Leicester with Vardy and the pace they play at. Average teams with pace are causing us murders, hence the rags will go long ball v us.

I was talking with a few of the boys about how the red shit will play against us on Tuesday. They'd score two of the three goals that they scored against Sheffield in exactly the same way against us. I'd hope that they'd be six down by that point though

There are centre halves out there. Obviously.
But not that many in the respect of a centre half that fits us. First and foremost a City/Pep centre half needs to be comfortable on the ball with a great eye for a pass. Straight off the bat that discounts probably 75% of potential players.

Theres a reason why Pep keeps playing Fern. Its his positional sense, calmness under pressure and his passing range. Personally, i feel we lack in the midfield with his absence there but thats my view. I'd sooner give Garcia a run out and see what he is made of. We either have a player or we don't but we won't know until we try.

Koulibaly at 29 and in the region of £90M is not the answer. Varane at Madrid would be a better fit for my money but how available is he. Imagine him and Laporte would synch nicely

nottsblue wrote:There are centre halves out there. Obviously.
But not that many in the respect of a centre half that fits us. First and foremost a City/Pep centre half needs to be comfortable on the ball with a great eye for a pass. Straight off the bat that discounts probably 75% of potential players.

Theres a reason why Pep keeps playing Fern. Its his positional sense, calmness under pressure and his passing range. Personally, i feel we lack in the midfield with his absence there but thats my view. I'd sooner give Garcia a run out and see what he is made of. We either have a player or we don't but we won't know until we try.

Koulibaly at 29 and in the region of £90M is not the answer. Varane at Madrid would be a better fit for my money but how available is he. Imagine him and Laporte would synch nicely

Agree, but we might have Pep for just 6 months, so the definition of a Pep player might not be the answer.
I swear, I really miss a barbaric Vinnie Jones type of defender.

Pisses me off pep doesn't trust Garcia or foden