How much do we miss.....

[SouthAfricaRed]

We missed someone like Didi I know that

Even Traore h:

Aurelio is not the answer at LB. Maybe once he adapts to our Defensive system, but at present definately not. It's no coincidence that the 1st two goals came from our left side being exposed. Sami just doesnt have the pace to cover for the LB.

I hope we'll see Agger tomorrow night in place of Sami. As for LB, the choice between Warnock and Aurelio scares me

[SouthAfricaRed]

Back to the thread topic though, and yes I agree, we do miss Riise.

Although he may not be the best defender in the world, I do agree that he's greatly missed at left back at the moment. We had a stability about us when he was part of the back four and his latest setback is a huge disappointment - hope he recovers fully and quickly.

The reason why Riise does better is that unlike Warnock, Traore and Aurelio, he isn't caught out of position as often. That allows Sami to concentrate on his CB job. With the others playing, Sami must cover for them and he doesn't have the pace to do that

On Aurelio, I feel we should continue with him at left back as it's still early days for the lad, and he hasn't been given much time to settle yet, so give the lad a break. Once he learns the system and everyone else's game he improve. He's a quality player and one that brings a lot of experience to the side, so give it time I say!

Aurelio will do better with a faster CB covering him. Hopefully with Agger in Sami's position our defense will be more solid. The only other options are to play Agger at LB or three CB with two Wing Backs

[Wilko7]

Although Riise's defensive attributes sometimes get called into question, I remember seeing some stats through last season when we were defending really well until that dip in form. It was basically explained through our rotation of the left back position with Traore (suprise, suprise) having the worst stats, then Warnock and then a huge gulf between the number of goals conceded leading to Riise's inclusion in the squad.

Whether it is a matter of communication across the back-line or whatever I don't know, but statistically we concede less goals when JAR is playing. Go figure!

Agree with you. Riise improved immeasurably as a defender during last season.

[Taffy]

The reason why Riise does better is that unlike Warnock, Traore and Aurelio, he isn't caught out of position as often. That allows Sami to concentrate on his CB job. With the others playing, Sami must cover for them and he doesn't have the pace to do that



Aurelio will do better with a faster CB covering him. Hopefully with Agger in Sami's position our defense will be more solid. The only other options are to play Agger at LB or three CB with two Wing Backs

Agreed.

[crowy]

I thought the signing of Aurelio would help us find decent competition for Riise and suitable back up so that we wouldn't miss him that much but so far I've been unimpressed by Fabio. He's good going forward but his positional sense at the back is awful.

Hopefully it's just a case of him having to adapt to the EPL and he settles soon.

I havent been that disappointed at all. His communication with Sami doesnt seem the best, and they are getting in each others way a bit, but that takes time - Riise has improved, Fabio can.

But Aurelio goes in hard, is great going forward, and his set piece delivery is very tasty indeed - leaving Stevie free to go nuts in the box from free kicks etc. I like him in the team. He gives us a different dimension to Finnan - and thats what a TEAM is about. Having players of different qualities, who integrate together, to cover each others weaknesses, and play to each others strengths.