Dossena

[Craig_H]

Ok then mate, as you've said he can, i'm going to have to change my mind.

[rudedog]

there certainly seems a few benefits for continuing to play Dossena on the wing

1. He is a decent crosser
2. He isn't always looking to cut inside
3. He seems willing and able to support attacks
4. He knows how to finish.
5. Once he has built up a head of steam, he isn't slow.
6. His defensive abilities would be an asset in providing more 'steel' to our left flank - Riera and Babel don't really do this.



However, as Craig has said - we have only seen 2 cameos of him in this role - is he fit enough to play even 60 mins on the wing, never mind a full 90? For me, its definately worth giving him a few more outings but until he proves his fitness and that he can do the listed positives on a consistant basis, I don't see him as a long term option.

Using Dossena as a makeshift winger would also probably crush whatever confidence Babel has regained recently.

[DannyMan2006]

After Babels performance against Real Madrid I'd have him over Dossena.

Dossena has done well when coming on against teams that are pushing up, but his inability to beat a man means he will not be a regular LW.

[Shaggy]

But he isnt remotely quick or skillful enough to be an effective 'winger' for a top side. He's hardly creative, is he?

Depends how you define 'creative'. Clearly you dislike the lad, and I am only putting it forward as a possibility but so far I haven't seen a single decent counter-argument, other than lame dismissals. He delivers a tremendous cross - nearly always in the 'corridor of uncertainty', bending away from a tempted keeper. He may not be a Messi but crosses like the ones he delivers 'create', therefore he can be 'creative' from the left. He is strong, offensively aggressive, takes risks going forward and gets into great positions. Just look at how he gambled and charged forward to latch onto Pepe's clearance for the 4th goal - how we have lacked that sort of attacking appetite and desire.

[Rich]

Depends how you define 'creative'. Clearly you dislike the lad, and I am only putting it forward as a possibility but so far I haven't seen a single decent counter-argument, other than lame dismissals. He delivers a tremendous cross - nearly always in the 'corridor of uncertainty', bending away from a tempted keeper. He may not be a Messi but crosses like the ones he delivers 'create', therefore he can be 'creative' from the left. He is strong, offensively aggressive, takes risks going forward and gets into great positions. Just look at how he gambled and charged forward to latch onto Pepe's clearance for the 4th goal - how we have lacked that sort of attacking appetite and desire.

Please don't use 'corridor of uncertainty' makes you sound like Gavin "I've found Jesus" Peacock.

[Craig_H]

Depends how you define 'creative'. Clearly you dislike the lad, and I am only putting it forward as a possibility but so far I haven't seen a single decent counter-argument, other than lame dismissals. He delivers a tremendous cross - nearly always in the 'corridor of uncertainty', bending away from a tempted keeper. He may not be a Messi but crosses like the ones he delivers 'create', therefore he can be 'creative' from the left. He is strong, offensively aggressive, takes risks going forward and gets into great positions. Just look at how he gambled and charged forward to latch onto Pepe's clearance for the 4th goal - how we have lacked that sort of attacking appetite and desire.

That's pretty weak for you mate. How on earth do i 'dislike' him? My footballing opinions are purely that, there's nothing to do with personal feelings of like or dislike whatsoever. I like Kuyt, but i dont rate him that highly.

My counter argument that he'll struggle to beat a man isnt a lame dismissal.

Another counter argument is that, try as he might, he wouldnt really provide much decent cover for whoever is playing LB.

If he didnt play for us, and you'd seen the same levels of performance in somebody else's shirt, there's no way in hell you'd want us to sign him.

[Shaggy]

Please don't use 'corridor of uncertainty' makes you sound like Gavin "I've found Jesus" Peacock.

That phrase isn't one of Gavin's. You'll never hear me referring to 'POMO'.

That's pretty weak for you mate. How on earth do i 'dislike' him? My footballing opinions are purely that, there's nothing to do with personal feelings of like or dislike whatsoever. I like Kuyt, but i dont rate him that highly.

My counter argument that he'll struggle to beat a man isnt a lame dismissal.

Another counter argument is that, try as he might, he wouldnt really provide much decent cover for whoever is playing LB.

If he didnt play for us, and you'd seen the same levels of performance in somebody else's shirt, there's no way in hell you'd want us to sign him.

Sorry I meant dislike him as a player...don't rate him or whatever.

Maybe I wouldn't want to sign him based on his performances for us but the fact is he already plays for us and I think he offers enough going forward to warrant another season, with Babel's future possibly uncertain (it certainly should be) and Riera woefully out of form.

To say he's not skilful enough seems a bitdisingenuous given he scored a goal of great skill yesterday. His goal has passed almost completely without fanfare but it required great technique, skill and vision to take the ball first time, on the bounce and lob the keeper like he did. Tremendous finish.

[Craig_H]

That phrase isn't one of Gavin's. You'll never hear me referring to 'POMO'.



Sorry I meant dislike him as a player...don't rate him or whatever.

Maybe I wouldn't want to sign him based on his performances for us but the fact is he already plays for us and I think he offers enough going forward to warrant another season, with Babel's future possibly uncertain (it certainly should be) and Riera woefully out of form.

To say he's not skilful enough seems a bitdisingenuous given he scored a goal of great skill yesterday. His goal has passed almost completely without fanfare but it required great technique, skill and vision to take the ball first time, on the bounce and lob the keeper like he did. Tremendous finish.

No disputing the quality of his finish yesterday, it was superb.

I'll admit that there's a sense of curiousity in me, with regards to seeing him at left midfield, but when i mentioned skill, i was meaning in a creative sense and the ability to beat a man, get to the byline and deliver quality into the box where the defenders have to deal with the ball while facing their own goal.

I'm unsure about that aspect and whether he'd be able to deliver it, but i guess it's worth a shot. I dont expect to see him prove me wrong, mind