22 Mar 2022 19:15:28
Hey Ed001,
This isn't specifically Chelsea related, so I hope it's okay to post it here.
The other day I had a discussion with one of my mates, about whether or not positioning is more important than pace for a centre back. In my opinion good positioning can make up for a lack of pace, whereas bad positioning with pace will always leave gaps in the defence which can be exploited, my mate argued that a slow centre back wouldn't be able to keep up with pacey attackers, even despite of their positioning.
So I was wondering if you could help me settle this debate, since you obviously have better football knowledge than I ever will.
{Ed001's Note - positioning is the most important thing of all, Terry showed that as he lacked pace but he tended to be in the right place to deal with anything. If you have good positioning, then that would involve giving yourself a yard of space at times or getting tight enough to use the body to stop them getting up to speed at others. Pace is very much secondary imo.}
22 Mar 2022 21:09:13
Ed001, I am with you on that, positional awareness is far more important than pace for a centre back, just look at Silva. As far as midfielders and forwards go it depends but what is the key is football intelligence: skill, talent is only half of it.
{Ed001's Note - the thing is Silva has pace too but he rarely needs it because he is in the right place.}
22 Mar 2022 21:52:07
As always, thanks for the swift reply, and for agreeing with me.
{Ed001's Note - very welcome KTBFFH.}
23 Mar 2022 07:05:47
Ed001 are you referring to his name or have you finally seen the light?
{Ed001's Note - his name mate, sorry to disappoint you.}
24 Mar 2022 13:21:54
Well that’s a shame, I almost thought I had tricked you into switching your allegiance.
{Ed001's Note - that is the problem, thought doesn't come into football allegiances!}
25 Mar 2022 12:11:16
That's a fair point, but it was worth a shot I guess.