Mamadou Sakho

[Fosterbloke]

An absolute beast of a player and one of the most exciting transfers in a long time. I watched him a lot and I know that other teams will be ****ting themselves. He will start next week and he has all the qualities to succeed. Not just a money hungry individual. He has desire and mental strength

I hope he becomes our new Hyypia!

[little dave hedgehog]

honestly, sack ho sounds like an evening with slinky and an ugly woman.

[Fredo]

Think Agger has got a challenge on his hands now.

[BobTheCharmer]

Think Agger has got a challenge on his hands now.

The vice captain that everybody has frequently gushed over these past few seasons? I'm sure he's nailed on to appear on the team sheet, injuries permitting.

[Fredo]

The vice captain that everybody has frequently gushed over these past few seasons? I'm sure he's nailed on to appear on the team sheet, injuries permitting.

I can't see both of them in the same team.

[BobTheCharmer]

I can't see both of them in the same team.

It would appear they both favour the same position. However I can't see agger not being first choice and by the amount of praise and hype sakho has received in these parts I fail to see how he won't be playing. Therefore let's hope they can compliment each other.

[Fredo]

It would appear they both favour the same position. However I can't see agger not being first choice and by the amount of praise and hype sakho has received in these parts I fail to see how he won't be playing. Therefore let's hope they can compliment each other.

I think Agger will be off next year.

[BobTheCharmer]

I think Agger will be off next year.

Controversial. However his age and wages would suggest he'll figure high on the 'time to move on' list.

[Fredo]

He's been courted by Barca for a while now so I guess he'll succumb to their advances at one point. And if we get a big offer, he'll be 29 or 30 next year, we'll let him go.

Think Illori might be his direct replacement.

[Fredo]

To add to the discussion, Agger never really had great pace and the way Rodgers want to play doesn't really suit Agger long term, imo. That's why he's gone for two quick centre backs.

[Darkon]

Sakho isn't exactly a speed train neither, so not sure about that. I can see him wanting to play a type like Ilori against oppositions going deep, but against better teams I think we would do better with to positional good players like Sakho and Agger.

[dww]

Sakho isn't exactly a speed train neither, so not sure about that. I can see him wanting to play a type like Ilori against oppositions going deep, but against better teams I think we would do better with to positional good players like Sakho and Agger.

In general I think positioning and awareness is always more valuable than pace for centrebacks.

[Darkon]

True

But sometimes if you leave your line up around the middle pof the pitch, it can be very usefull having someone of Ilori speed to cover against counter teams. I think he will be a good asset, if he is as good a talent as said. But I will take a Hyypia/Agger type player any day

[Rich]

Spot on.

Anticipation and positioning are more important skills to possess than just pace for a centre-back. Having a very pacy player is like having a Get Out Of Jail Free card though, useful to have.

Hopefully Ilori can play as well as run.

[fah-q]

I think you need a combination; 1 big lump + 1 ball playing libero or 1 reader of the game + 1 speed merchant, etc.