03 Jun 2016 01:38:39
So it's looking more than likely each day that if we are signing a new CB it's going to be either Rudiger or Koulibaly who for me to be honest don't massively convince me. I'd prefer Christensen other both of them as he's much better on the ball. We need an experienced CB there to partner Zouma now and for me it's got to be one of Manolas or Bonucci (very unlikely I know), as they're both very good on the ball and have good experience. I may be wrong here but I just see a partnership of Zouma and either of Rudiger/ Koulibaly as too similar to work. What are you're thoughts?
03 Jun 2016 05:20:32
I don't know much about Rudiger. However, you clearly haven't seen much of Koulibaly and you certainly have the wrong idea about him. He's excellent on the ball and can pass better than most CBs. The only problem with him is that he's a bit of a risk taker (think John Stones) but he's solid in the tackle. I personally think a Zouma Koulibaly partnership would be brilliant.
03 Jun 2016 07:47:01
I think either of those defenders would be a solid purchase. But as Saim says above Koulibaly has the ability on the ball and would go well alongside Zouma.
I've read a few posts from people concerned that we're signing either Rudiger or Koulibaly instead of Bonucci or Manolas etc. That's a pretty big assumption that either Rudiger (who, as people have stated, is a regular with the World Cup winners and is coming off an excellent season with Roma) or Koulibaly would be the only CB we sign this summer. Patience people, we are going to see plenty of movement in and out of the squad this season and the CB position is one that may look very different come August.
03 Jun 2016 13:16:26
on koulibaly. if you're unsure read what maradona had to say about him.
03 Jun 2016 13:55:59
I'd be lying if I said I would rather have either of those guys over Marquinhos; however I think that statement has more to do with how I rate Marquinhos than the other two guys. Athletically both of these guys move very well which we clearly need with our lack of speed on defense. I haven't seen enough of either to really gauge how they are on the ball but at the same time the only centre half we have that I would consider to be good on the ball is JT. Just a side note but Koulibaly is an absolutely massive human being who would provide a heck of a target from set pieces.
03 Jun 2016 16:41:47
But wouldn't Koulibaly also be going to the AFCON in January with Senegal?
03 Jun 2016 18:18:04
That's a (known) downside to signing African Nations-eligible players. it hasn't stopped us before.
03 Jun 2016 19:40:09
Koulibaly is great. Not sure about Rudiger, let's watch him in the euros.