How good is this lad? Him Lucas and Can have transformed our defense. I think we haven't conceded a goal from open play in like 5 games? Reckon if Sakho carries on with these good performances to the end of the season and proves his fitness he's a shout for captain? When he came off midweek we looked a ton more vulnerable.. Sakho, ****ing boss.
Where will Lovren play? He's a LCB. And he won't displace Sakho. Going back to Sakho - the lad was quality last season but won't get the credit because he conceded 50 goals. Glad to see him finally getting recognition because he has great potential to become world class. He is constantly criticised for looking awkward on the ball but his passing and distribution is brilliant, and it starts many attacks.
I would consider Lovren coming in for Skrtel for some 'easier' games to see what a long break from the team has done to him and to see how he plays alongside Sakho and Can. Skrtel's playing well, but he's not exactly the mainstay future of our defense.
It's a shame Lovren hasn't settled as it would have allowed Can to push into midfield but at the moment, can't change that back 3. I know everyone keeps saying Lovren is a LCB but is he really? He's right footed so is far more natural for him to play on the right and when he's played LCB he's looked well out of it, especially in that back 3 where he's a lot wider. It'll be far more natural for him to tackle on the outside on the right hand side as well. Back to Sakho, he showed last season when he played he has quality. A lack of English and a dodgy defensice set up didn't let last year but this year he's progressed even more. He can tackle, big and strong in the air and although he often has 1 nervy pass a game, generally he's good on the ball. Quick, strong passes forward into midfield.
Always liked Sakho, liked him when he was at PSG and was happy to see us buy him at what looked to be and still looks to be a bargain price. You only had to watch France in the WC to see what he can do when in a settled back 4 and speaking the same language as everyone else. He's big, strong, quick (for a CB) and brave which are the stuff you want in a CB. The whole media persecution of him is ridiculous. Pundits are put off from his ungainly legs and awkward style so they can't looked past it and criticise him for not looking like every other player in the league, these pundits are idiots. Its not how you look doing something its how well you do it. They're also quick to pick up on any mistakes he makes, probably because they don't like him, when most of the mistakes he is making are because he's attempting to cover the mistakes of Skrtel and Gerrard, who are apparently above reproach.
Do any of you think Can, Sakho and Lucas could work as the central trio of a back 4and DM? Manquillo Can Sakho Moreno Lucas ?
I do love Sakho. Very ungainly, but a brilliant no nonsense defender. He will get reds with some rash challenges or a penalty or two, but thats his game, get rid or take them out.
Sakho - Beast mode activated Can - Beast mode activated Sturridge - Beast mode activated Sterling - Beast mode activated Coutinho - Beast mode activated
Mig does seem to be at least coming off his line a bit more in the past few weeks. Still a bit flappy at crosses but signs of improvement are there.
He's not been the nuclear disaster zone he was before getting dropped that's for sure, still lots to work on, he never looks confident and never inspires confidence in me
He's looked better since our defence has been settled and more solid? Any surprises? Not really... most keepers are better when they know the players in front of them. He's still shaky as hell with his feet but that's just something he has to gradually improve as the months go by.
Does any team other than Chelsea (and now United) have real competition for their number 1 keeper though?
Fair point. Quality goalies are few and far between, the good teams just buy the best ones with the least limitations, I'd still be looking at other options if I was in charge of recruitment
I'd be looking but then I'd be looking on all positions. I wouldn't put it as number 1 priority in the summer unless he has a shocker of a 2nd half of the season. Top priorities have to be a CM to "replace" Gerrard in an attacking force and one to be more defensive as well as competition/upgrade on Lucas. Then possibly a CB to play on the right to allow Can to move into midfield (that could then mean we only need 1 CM not 2).