Wigan

[Shaggy]

Most 'experts' would claim the best two right backs in the world are Maicon and Dani Alves....

[Craig_H]

Indeed. And that the best ever player in the world, is Gareth Bale...

[Lecter]

remember when he played upfront for a few games? seem to recall a hat trick against newcastle

Think he was either playing leftback or left midfield that day (this is the team that day I believe)

Grobbelaar
Gillespie
Venison
Nicol
Whelan
Hansen
Beardsley
Aldridge
Lawrenson
Barnes
McMahon

[wiw]

Come now

We broke defensive records with Alan Kennedy at leftback and he was hardly a great defensive player either

We also won league titles with Joey Jones, Barry Venison, Gary Ablett, Kevin MacDonald doesnt mean they are good players either

So did you want Alan Kennedy out of the team?

What are we discussing this for then?

[Lecter]

Well as i said, you either take a defensive fullback who gives next to nothing going forward - and then we whinge about having no width and struggling to break teams down. Or we have a Johnson, who gives a lot going forward, with width and creativity, but isnt the most solid at the back.

You pick one of those, or you manage to find one of the rare examples who can do both, and pay probably £30m or so, to sign him.

Again I see no reason why you couldnt opt for an Arbeloa type player who gives you a touch more balance

And he didnt cost us massive money

[red g]

Think he was either playing leftback or left midfield that day (this is the team that day I believe)

Grobbelaar
Gillespie
Venison
Nicol
Whelan
Hansen
Beardsley
Aldridge
Lawrenson
Barnes
McMahon

I am sure he went up front though or played a few games up there? but to be fair that as a long, long time ago !!!

[RichC]

Indeed. And that the best ever player in the world, is Gareth Bale...

Apparently has the best left foot in world football according to top pundit, ex world class footballer and manager extrodinare - Ian Dowie!

[Lecter]

So did you want Alan Kennedy out of the team?

What are we discussing this for then?

I've got to admit I wasnt a great Alan Kennedy fan (in defensive terms). Dont get me wrong I'm grateful for the goals he scored

Remember this is the player who Uncle Bob once reviewed his defensive performances with the phrase "I think they shot the wrong Kennedy"

[Craig_H]

Again I see no reason why you couldnt opt for an Arbeloa type player who gives you a touch more balance

And he didnt cost us massive money

Arbeloa's the defensive/solid one, who doesnt give you a huge amount going forward. Yes, he was OK going forward, but you wouldnt have called him an attacking/creative outlet or threat. Johnson (when he's playing well) is certainly that.

[danperkins]

remember when he played upfront for a few games? seem to recall a hat trick against newcastle

outstanding and so underrated:

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIlnh0ux8Ns"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIlnh0ux8Ns[/ame]

[danperkins]

As regards Johnson/Arbeloa etc i'm of the impression that a defender must be able to defend first and foremost, everything else is a bonus. Johnson struggles in that aspect and has done throughout his career. In saying that i hope he improves as we have spent a ridiculous amount of money on this guy and apart from his first 7 games in which he was superb he has been a pretty dodgy signing thus far IMO.

[Lecter]

Arbeloa's the defensive/solid one, who doesnt give you a huge amount going forward. Yes, he was OK going forward, but you wouldnt have called him an attacking/creative outlet or threat. Johnson (when he's playing well) is certainly that.

I'd take Arbeloa because I actually think he gave quite a bit going forward

Not as much as Johnson but not as little as some are suggesting

[Lecter]

As regards Johnson/Arbeloa etc i'm of the impression that a defender must be able to defend first and foremost, everything else is a bonus. Johnson struggles in that aspect and has done throughout his career.

Thats my philosophy as well

[danperkins]

Thats my philosophy as well

don't thin we are alone in that assessment either.

[wiw]

Carra at right back then?