New right back...?

[kris90210]

First off, I'm a big fan of Arbeloa, and this has nothing to do with last nights mistake. He's been great this season. Contributed with a few assists and you can count this mistakes he's made on one hand. Very steady, solid player.

Ok, here's where Im going with this. Rafa loves Dirk Kuyt. He's kindof won me over too. With his big stupid face, and his greasy blonde hair. He's developed into a very good wide player for us. His teamwork and his work rate are world class. Rafa cant praise him highly enough. Torres put a lot of his success last season down to his game intelligence. So, while I can see Rafa going for someone to compete with Dirk on the right this Summer, I dont think he will make it a priority - because he just bloody loves Dirk Kuyt.

Now then. With Arbeloa and Kuyt we are decidedly solid down the right. With Kuyt's work rate I just wonder whether we could afford to bring in a right back with a far more attacking game than Arbeloa. What a shame we didnt manage to sign Alves all those years ago - thats the kindof player I'm talking about.

A player like that would add a new attacking dynamic to our side. Especially against the weaker sides who play 10 men behind the ball.

The trouble is that these players are rare! I can only really think of:
- Alves
- Ramos
- Lahm
- Bosingwa

Anyway, what do you guys think? Am I forgetting anyone?

[Elvoz]

i havent seen the game on tv yet but i thought carra was as much to blame as arbeloa for the 2nd goal

was he ?

[BFG]

There's Glen Johnson depending on how you rate him. Would be in our price range though whereas the others you mentioned would be pushing it. I'd take a punt on him. He may have defensive weaknesses but we can play Arbeloa if we need to keep a solid back 4.

[Kenneth]

If Kuyt stays on the right, I agree we could be positive with our RB choice. I think Degen was supposedly pretty attacking, but he's a cripple. We don't need a replacement for Arbeloa, who has had a very good season but we probably do need another option in that position.

[BFG]

i havent seen the game on tv yet but i thought carra was as much to blame as arbeloa for the 2nd goal

was he ?

More so imo.

Arbeloa lost the ball but it was a hospital pass from Carra as Arbeloa was facing his own goal with someone right behind him.

[Reece]

i havent seen the game on tv yet but i thought carra was as much to blame as arbeloa for the 2nd goal

was he ?

Hmmm it's a tough one. He heads it to Arbeloa, and then moves over to the right fully expecting Arbeloa to collect the ball and give it back to him (which he should have done). However when Arbeloa loses the ball, Carragher is now out of position leaving the big gap for Arshavin to exploit.
Harsh to blame Carragher though really I think.

[Reece]

More so imo.

Arbeloa lost the ball but it was a hospital pass from Carra as Arbeloa was facing his own goal with someone right behind him.

I don't agree. Not much wrong with Jamie's pass, but Arbeloa stood waiting for the ball to arrive at his feet. One of the first things I was taught as a kid was "go to the ball!" (not that it helped me much mind ).

[einar]

There is no doubt that the pass was not the best so it is easy to argue that they are both to blame.

On the other hand I´m sure Rafa is going to bring in another right back if Darby is not given a chance. I just hope he will be more attacking minded then Arbeloa.

[Reece]

There's Glen Johnson depending on how you rate him. Would be in our price range though whereas the others you mentioned would be pushing it. I'd take a punt on him. He may have defensive weaknesses but we can play Arbeloa if we need to keep a solid back 4.

Depending on how much money we have to spend in the summer, I'd be more than happy with Johnson. It's not a priority area though for me really, so I'd prefer the money to be spent elsewhere first.

[Angryred]

Lahms a leftback! Ramos cant defend! Bosingwas's overated!
Alves would be perfect...but there are cheaper alternatives out there so you can be sure that our scouting department have been working overtime!

Note to Scouting dept...any more reports on players like Degen & you will be looking for alternative employment! When a player has a sicknote reputation, you stay well away from now on!

That should do the trick, eh?

Pity we can't clone players from yesteryear!...Jones, Nicol or Kennedy!

[kris90210]

I don't agree. Not much wrong with Jamie's pass, but Arbeloa stood waiting for the ball to arrive at his feet. One of the first things I was taught as a kid was "go to the ball!" (not that it helped me much mind ).

agree with that - he dawdled on the ball and was punished for it

[kris90210]

Lahms a leftback! Ramos cant defend! Bosingwas's overated!
Alves would be perfect...but there are cheaper alternatives out there so you can be sure that our scouting department have been working overtime!

Note to Scouting dept...any more reports on players like Degen & you will be looking for alternative employment! When a player has a sicknote reputation, you stay well away from now on!

That should do the trick, eh?

Lahm can play both right and left

[MrMichael]

There's Glen Johnson depending on how you rate him. Would be in our price range though whereas the others you mentioned would be pushing it. I'd take a punt on him. He may have defensive weaknesses but we can play Arbeloa if we need to keep a solid back 4.

Was most definitely the strongest linked RB in the last window or two. I would say it is fair enough, in the absence of any further information, to assume he could well be a potential target.

I'm really unsure about him.

[einar]

I´m quite exited about the prospect of rotating Arbeloa and Johnson. He could just be the perfect attacking right back for us.

[MrMichael]

Lahm can play both right and left

Iirc he plays left back mostly, but is right footed.


edit - in before Reece