Defence the Priority?

[doctor_mac]

This is a sort of devils advocate thread, but I was wondering, given that we outscored everyone for the second season running, whether strengthening defence and midfield might be a priority this season? *feels the wave of sighs*

It could be argued that we thew away points this season because of tired defenders, or that we were forced to play defenders out of position. I know we had that horrendous run of draws, and the fact that we can't rely on SG and Torres to stay fit the entire season means we do need quality attacking players. However, the sight of Skrtel playing RB, a tiring Carra and Arby towards the end of the season, plus the fact that we are forced to play Lucas in far too many games means that shit hot sexy attackers mightn't be all that we need this summer. RB seems as much of a priority as anywhere I'd reckon.


Thoughts?

 

[manwithnoname]

Lucarse needs replacing. By anyone.

I'd also buy Glen Johnson, and if Drossena can be sold for any amount of money, buy a new LB too.

 

[Skullflower]

i'm fucking sick of this transfer window.

 

[Whitey85]

New fullbacks would be lovely. Especially a right back so Arbeloa can keep his arse warm on the bench.

 

[LadyRed]

[quote author=Skullflower link=topic=33949.msg881377#msg881377 date=1244034764]
i'm fucking sick of this transfer window.
[/quote]

Tell me about it.

 

[keniget]

Well, yeah, I think it's been generally accepted that RB needs addressing this summer, although it remains to be seen what Rafa has planned for Degen next year. Perhaps he might viewed as a "new signing"?

I do think the defence has left us with a few question marks though - they've not been as good as usual for a number of reasons.

The midfield wasn't at it's best in the beginning of the season with Masher woefully out of form and Lucas being Lucas.

We've had precious little cover at RB meaning Arbeloa had to play whenever fit.

And at CB, I think we're now seeing that Carra needs to be rested to keep him fresh. That doesn't have to be a regular thing as he's still our best defender, but at least once or twice. Personally, I think Rafa's reluctance to rest him was a bit unnecessary as Sami or Agger / Skrtel could have filled in ably in certain games.

 

[LadyRed]

[quote author=keniget link=topic=33949.msg881381#msg881381 date=1244034952]
And at CB, I think we're now seeing that Carra needs to be rested to keep him fresh. That doesn't have to be a regular thing as he's still our best defender, but at least once or twice. Personally, I think Rafa's reluctance to rest him was a bit unnecessary as Sami or Agger / Skrtel could have filled in ably in certain games.
[/quote]

Agree, I think he needs to be used far more sparingly. And not at all at RB.

There was a moment when Carra got drawn out against Chelsea in the CL and was one on one with Drogba. If there was any doubt before then, that moment confirmed why Carra should never play RB again.

Lack of cover has been so costly for us this season, namely against Boro when we had to play Skrtle there and ended up losing the game with both goals being results of moves from that flank.

We desperately need a new RB this summer.

 

[SummerOnions]

And random comments such as "I think we should sell about 30 youth players." will be frequent.