31 Jul 2016 20:06:00
Hi Ed001,
Do you have any idea about what is going on with the club's pursuit of a centre half, if there even is one? The latest that I read was that bid was lodged for Koukibaly but Napoli did not respond.
I can't believe that we are willing to, seemingly, blow stupid money on Lukaku but baulk at every single top centre half's asking price, when even Stevie Wonder could see we clearly need a centre half more.
It is actually beyond belief how the club have failed to recruit one as of yet. Surely, they have been made aware of what it would take to land one of the top centre halfshalfway on the market by now, Bonucci is out, but Koulibaly, Stones (at this time), Manolas, Mickey Mouse, just some top centre half who can come in and allow us not to rely on John Terry until he is in a Zimmer frame and who can partner Zouna long term with uncertainty surrounding Christensen.
{Ed001's Note - last I heard it was the priority. Stones is not a top centre half and he is 99% certain to sign for City. I do expect one to arrive, though I personally would give Christensen the chance to nail down the place.}
31 Jul 2016 20:35:17
Thanks for the swift response Ed001.
Makes you wonder why City are so desperate to sign him if they don't think he can turn in to one. I just thought that if there was any chance, we might go back in for him, considering beggers can't be choosers and the likes of Manolas and Koulibaly are looking difficult.
I guess Mustafi, Lindelov and De Vriji are viable alternative options as they seem to be cheaper, compared to others anyway, which is seemingly more the club's type nowadays unfortunately when it comes to defenders anyway.
Thanks again.
{Ed001's Note - Pep doesn't play with defenders, he plays with ball retainers at the back. It is all about keeping the ball, Stones is about as good as it gets in that respect in English football. Remember City are very short of English players, which limits their squad depth if they don't add a few for cover.}
31 Jul 2016 21:03:18
I agree he is yes but I am convinced that learning off John Terry and Antonio Conte could be just as much as beneficial for him as learning off Pep Guardiola in his development as an all round defender.
Granted, he is not there yet but what a prospect, given the right guidance. We had a similar situation with Luke Shaw where we thought he was too expensive, Filipe Luis and Baba Rahman later, we are back to square one where's we could of had a left back for ten seasons if we invested in him. The same applies to Stones.
We, unfortunately it seems, have similar needs to Man City in that we also need a defender who is capable of keeping the ball and who steps out of the defence. Also, we aren't exactly overflowing with English players also excluding academy players, with Cahill and Terry being the only regular starters. It is an issue that we too need to address also.
Thanks Ed001.
{Ed001's Note - I don't think he will learn anything about how to defend from Pep, myself. One thing Pep's sides always struggle with is defending. It is just that teams struggle to get enough of the ball to attack them usually. When they play sides of a similar level though, they are cut open at will by their opponents. So I am of the opinion that Stones would be better off not going to City, but players all want to work with Pep.}
31 Jul 2016 22:02:28
Yeah, it would be a shame to miss out but hopefully a top centre half arrives one way or the other. Hopefully Christensen comes back next season and competes also.
Thanks for taking the time Ed001.Have a good one.
{Ed001's Note - welcome mate, take care.}
01 Aug 2016 11:15:35
Toffee coming in piece, you said Stones could learn a lot from Terry and Conte bit don't you think he could learn a hell of a lot from Koeman? I'm disappointed in the lad, I thought as a 21 year old with a top class new Manager and a new majority shareholder who has promised to invest everything, he has to get us back near the top.
he would of gave us 1 more season. unfortunately these players think they deserve it now without earning it. £50 million is a stupid amount and I will bite there hand off if they offer it, but don't be surprised if he turns into another Rodwell. as ED said they need English players hence why they are really going for it. hope you have a good season and I look forward to the banter.
{Ed033's Note - Toffees, go to pieces quite easily, i hear.
02 Aug 2016 10:41:37
Some often even come with a hammer, Ed.
{Ed001's Note - did you borrow Ed025's jokebook?}
06 Aug 2016 11:49:03
If i was stones i would take a look at sinclair. Delph. Rodwell etc city come lately turn good English players to average ones.