center backs

most peeps on here would have jos and jose as thier first two , with young aaron as backup. we have read a few on here slagging off aaron ,I believe he has had 1 poor game (Leicester), but other than that I feel he has filled in for jose and now jos really well and is getting better and more assured, for me defenders mature more slowly because it is all about reading the game and experience. If you look at smalling and jones at manu, both potentially really good players, they both make silly mistakes. Whereas young strikers can make mistakes but they generally dont get as much **** as defenders.Anyway my point is, what do you think are thier strengths and weaknesses, and who work best together

 

Martin has improved massively since his little run in the side and despite one bad game (when everyone was poor) he has played very well

Don't forget he only made his league debut about 18/19 Months ago, look how far he has come in a short space of time

Fontes Strength - Tackling and Passing Weakness - In The Air
Hooivelds Strengh - In The Air Weakness - Pace
Martins Strengh - In The Air and Tackling Weakness - Inexperience

 

Evening bendit!

I think without doubt Jose and Jos make the best pairing and the safest in terms of confidence and quality but I also think Martin has done a really good job and will become a very good player for us.

By the way look out for the grammar police

 

I don't think Fonte is poor in the air at all.

 

I think it's no co-incidence that our dip in form is linked to injuries to fonte and Hoover. Martin is a talent but I think he makes the players around him nervous and we've made quite a few needless errors in recent weeks due to this.

Martin will only get better with time and I love his passion and commitment but I really can't see him with Saints in the long run.

You can see the team play with more confidence with Hoover and Fonte in the backline.

In summary I feel it's harsh to get on Martins back, but we definitely look a stronger unit when he has not played.

 

some people were brought up, I was brung up kicking and screaming. after i left glen eyre school, they changed the name to cantell- i think they were embarrased

 

I don't think he's poor, just not as strong as Hooiveld/Martin in that department

 

Inexperience = poor positioning, marking and teamwork. I like Martin but he does make me nervous.

 

I have full confidence in Arron Martin!!

 

As do I

 

For the record, I believe our dip in form started after the Brighton game. Hull at home we were poor, but won and it went from there onwards and a l;ittle bit downwards. Martin wasn't in the team then and didn't start until a few weeks after that.

As for part two, of course we look stronger with Jos and Jose - they are our first choice CB;s.

 

Most people do its just some new guy slating him making us all think he is hated by saints fans. It's stupid.

 

It really is tbh.

 

He is improving it is true but I am yet to be convinced.

 

I have high hopes for Aaron.

 

Also he is young english and talented. He could fetch a hefty price tag.

 

As someone stated on another thread, Pardew obviously saw potential in Martin and NA must do too to pick him. In his last two post match interviews NA has singled out Martin for praise for his performances. He's only been a Pro for a very short time therefore he is inexperienced but IMO he is getting better the more games he gets under his belt. NA stated today Jos will have to fight to get his place back when he's fit which is what he wants, so for him to say that Aaron Martin must be doing something right!!!

 

*centre. I don't mind mistakes in peoples grammar and am prone to a few myself its just when people use the American alternative that it annoys me.

 

Martin has the bascs of marking, tackling and heading pretty much nailed on. For a young player, I think that's the important bit. His shortcoming would be his composure on the ball. Jose and Jos each have 5/6 years respectively on Aaron, so have had tme to develop that composure under pressure. It's not easy to get that sort of experience, especially when you aren't first choice, so he needs to make the most of this opportunity.

 

Do people still think that we will look to bring in a CB on loan? Whether you think Martin is good enough to fill the boots of Jose or Jos or not, three CB's are not enough IMO especially considering that this is the time of year when injuries are all the more likely.
As much as I love the Man mountain, I would be more than a little worried if he were to start a league game for us and Seabourne is unlikely to make another appearance this season (I would suspect).

I would be very surprised if we don't bring in a CB. It will be interesting to see if we do, whether it be simply as cover or... to challenge Jose and Jos with the potential to sign on a permanent at the end of the season.