Soto

[Craig_H]

Where have I generally dismissed players over 30??
I have specifically said we shouldn't have 2 centre backs the wrong side of 30 because neither of them can turn and they are both slow.
There is nothing general about that comment.

Again Craig, why try to bring Gary Mac into this?? it's not relevent because we aren't discussing players in any position over the age of 30 and comparing how they performed are we.
If you you don't have concerns that we have Carra, Skrtel, Soto and Konchesky as Roy's 1st choice back 4 (there were whispers about Johnson being dropped before the injury) then fine, say that and stick to your opinion.

My opinion is that back 4 lacks pace and composure in possession and if it didn't have Pepe playing behind it would definately have us rooted in the bottom 6

Don't try to twist discussions by trying to compare Soto with Xavi and Gary MacAllister as that is really pointless and you're either trying to pick a fight (which you get accused of a lot) or you are just displying an alarming lack of appreciation for the points other posters try to raise

You can say that we shouldnt have 2 CBs who are immobile/slow etc, which is fair enough - but the age is irrelevant IMO. If a player's good enough, the age doesnt matter. If, as a combo, you think 2 players arent a good enough pairing, then fair enough again. But i dont think the age is an issue either way.

I'm not trying to 'pick a fight' and it really annoys me when people come out with that kind of idiotic comment - as if i cant just disagree with them, i HAVE to be 'picking a fight' - it's pathetic.

As for Carra, Skrtel, Soto and Konchesky - i dont mind the first 3, and i dont rate Konchesky at all. Nothing to do with their ages though.

And the reason i keep mentioning that, is because you're quite emphatic about 'the wrong side of 30' argument, when i dont think it matters at all, if they're just good enough - which i think Kyrgiakos is.

If you think any given pairing or back four isnt good enough for reasons of pace, mobility, turning circles etc, then no worries - but your posts seemed to be making it about their ages.

[Lee]

Only because everyone's expectations were rock bottom.

I can't see for the life of me how we progress and evolve as a football club with a 30 year old as 4th choice in any position.
I'll happily admit Soto is playing well now but that is more a damning inditment on our play and circumstances that we are relying on him.

Yeah expectations were low, especially as he was Hyypia's replacement. I didn't expect Torres to score 50+ goals in his first two seasons either. What our expectations were and how he's doing now doesn't really matter.

Man U with Evans or Smalling
Arsenal with Djourou
Chelsea with Mancianne
Tottenham have a lad called Caulker who is going to be a really good player
Man City played a young lad earlier in the season but can't remember his name.

I'd have Soto over Evans, Smalling and Djourou.

Mancienne is absolutely ****.

Caulker is going to be a good player? So was Cherno Samba mate.

This Soto-bashing is piss poor. Just because he's a tad older, played for some inferior clubs, comes from an unfashionable country, isn't called Kyrgiakosinho and looks more like a rugby player, does not make him a **** player.

He's a good player. And better than most third / fourth choice centre halves in the League. Better than most second choices too probably.

[Buzzo]

Another mammoth performance yesterday from the big fella, arguably our player of the season so far. I love his attitude, and the spirit he brings to the team is priceless, and certainly a few of his colleagues could learn from the determination and focus he has applied.

Not a flair player, or glamour signing, but a good old fashioned CB whom there is definitely room in the game for. I would stick with him against Chelsea. Just tell him - "Soto, stop Drogba!" - he seems to relish a challenge and is capable of muscling up to Drogba. The last time I recall us playing Drogba well was when Agger had his best game (in my opinion)) for us against Chelsea in the Champs League Semi Second Leg (no, not that one) after being given the run around in the first leg, a performance Soto may have to match. We can all watch on as Drogba resorts to his histrionics and throwing himself to the ground like a fairy.

Another one of the ****e signings, highlighting the paucity of talent left at your disposal Mr Hodgson?

[RichC]

Another mammoth performance yesterday from the big fella, arguably our player of the season so far. I love his attitude, and the spirit he brings to the team is priceless just now certainly a few of his colleagues could learn form the determination and focus he has applied.

Not a flair player, or glamour signing, but a good old fashioned CB whom there is definitely room in the game for. I would stick with him against Chelsea. Just tell him - "Soto, stop Drogba!" - he seems to relish a challenge and is capable of muscling up to Drogba. The last time I recall us playing Drogba well was when Agger had his best game (in my opinion)) for us against Chelsea in the Champs League Semi Second Leg (no not that one) after being given the run around in the first leg, a performance Soto may have to match, we can all watch on as Drogba resorts to his histrionics and begins to throw himself to the floor like a fairy.

Another one of the ****e signings, highlighting the paucity of talent left at your disposal Mr Hodgson?

been excellent for us so far this season, just seems to get on with it.

Don't think Drogba would enjoy 90 minutes against Soto!

[Fierce]

Σωτήρης Κυργιάκος

[Craig_H]

been excellent for us so far this season, just seems to get on with it.

Don't think Drogba would enjoy 90 minutes against Soto!

That'd be a brutal battle.

[RedReet]

Should be an interesting match up and a good indicator to see if Soto really can justify being a first team player, or if he is indeed a squad player suited to the Bolton’s of this world. I'm pretty sure Carra will be happy to playing RB for this game though.

Who’s the ref by the way, we’ll get destroyed if Drogba gets a free kick like Davies every time Soto makes contact with him.

[danperkins]

The real test is Chelsea for Soto, if they play us on the ground with Skrtel & Soto IMO we are in big trouble. Skrtel and particularly Soto are perfectly suited to play against likes of Blackburn,Stokes,Bolton,Wolves etc big sides that prefer long ball and physical approach. IMO those tactics are playing into our hands.

Against the likes of Chelsea/Arsenal/Mancs/City/Spurs etc teams that play good football and keep the ball on the deck, Soto and Skrtel worry me.

[Fredo]

The real test is Chelsea for Soto, if they play us on the ground with Skrtel & Soto IMO we are in big trouble. Skrtel and particularly Soto are perfectly suited to play against likes of Blackburn,Stokes,Bolton,Wolves etc big sides that prefer long ball and physical approach. IMO those tactics are playing into our hands.

Against the likes of Chelsea/Arsenal/Mancs/City/Spurs etc teams that play good football and keep the ball on the deck, Soto and Skrtel worry me.

Is there a hint of a contradictory statement there?

[sambirken]

Is there a hint of a contradictory statement there?

I don't see why?

[Buzzo]

The real test is Chelsea for Soto, if they play us on the ground with Skrtel & Soto IMO we are in big trouble. Skrtel and particularly Soto are perfectly suited to play against likes of Blackburn,Stokes,Bolton,Wolves etc big sides that prefer long ball and physical approach. IMO those tactics are playing into our hands.

Against the likes of Chelsea/Arsenal/Mancs/City/Spurs etc teams that play good football and keep the ball on the deck, Soto and Skrtel worry me.

I agree that Arsenal play it around a bit, but I think Chelsea can play quite direct to Drogba, as can Spurs to Crouch. Soto has made him self pretty much first pick at CB and I think he can rise to the challenge against the Chavs, he seems up for it at the very least just now. I wouldn't want him to play it too 'sophisticated' against Drogba anyway.

I think only Agger really tries to play out of defence the rest (Carra/Skrtel/Bombscare) pretty much just hoof it. Or at best play a rushed pass to a man under pressure.

[danperkins]

Is there a hint of a contradictory statement there?

What did you say to me on another thread:

Sorry for ranting like this but I think you should try to think before talking mate

Hmmm like i said maybe you should take your own advice, try reading posts too that might be a help

[danperkins]

I agree that Arsenal play it around a bit, but I think Chelsea can play quite direct to Drogba, as can Spurs to Crouch. Soto has made him self pretty much first pick at CB and I think he can rise to the challenge against the Chavs, he seems up for it at the very least just now. I wouldn't want him to play it too 'sophisticated' against Drogba anyway.

I think only Agger really tries to play out of defence the rest (Carra/Skrtel/Bombscare) pretty much just hoof it. Or at best play a rushed pass to a man under pressure.

Chelsea can play lovely football, aswell as having the option of using Drogba that way too, thing about Drogba is he is fantastic on the ground too, a true athlete, his pace is going to be very difficult for Skrtel and Soto to handle. I'm hoping that he gets involved in more of a physical battle, which IMO Soto and Skrtel are much more suited. As you said don't wanna be playing him too sophisticated.

Sure then all we have to worry about is Anelka/Malouda/Essien/Cole etc

Dreading this game, they have pace everywhere on the park and can score from so many different positions, as stats have shown if you take out Torres/Gerrard we are screwed as both of them have been involved in every goal scoring or assisting. But pace really worries me, we really really don't have any especially at the back, Soto/Skrtel/Carra & The Konch are all snails. Good oul Roy is gonna have to seriously get the tactics spot on. Big game for him, IMO we need at least a draw, actually i'd be delighted with a draw.

[Craig_H]

What do you think roy's gonna do to deal with this no-pace issue?

Our backline is going to be dragged back so deep, they'll be chatting to Pepe most of the game

[Rudo]

What do you think roy's gonna do to deal with this no-pace issue?

Our backline is going to be dragged back so deep, they'll be chatting to Pepe most of the game

We've had just as slow defences before, if not slower and never had a problem.
For a season or two we had a backline of:
Finnan, Carra, Hyypia and Riise...we used to keep loads of clean sheets although them 4 had a brilliant understanding

Now there's alot of chopping and changing with the defence and there's defo not the same level of understanding that we used to have with Finnan, Carra, Hyypia and Riise
They were the good old days