Areas to Strengthen: Left Back
18 Jun
The title-winning season is over and thoughts are already turning towards a new campaign, so what better time to assess which areas of the squad need freshening up and who might leave.
Left Back
Having joined last summer from Arsenal, Gael Clichy had a hugely impressive first season with the Blues, displaying his defensive solidity as well as contributing regularly further forward. His all action displays caught the attention and his fitness levels were the envy of everyone. There were some doubts about his defensive nous and concentration levels when he signed but he has proven he is solid at the back, adept at denying the opposition winger space to cross the ball and reliable with regards to his positioning. Going forward, he’s a bundle of energy, links up well with those around him and although he would benefit from work on his crossing, he was an excellent addition.
However, it is his understudy, Aleks Kolarov, over whom questions remain. Rumours have been rife of the Serbian leaving the club, with a couple of Italian and Spanish clubs supposedly interested in him, and if I were Roberto Mancini, I would be looking to sell immediately. Kolarov’s footballing attributes amount to being able to kick the ball harder than most. And that’s about it. A free-kick specialist he may be, as goals against Manchester United and Napoli last season proved, but there is not too much more to his game. Defensively he is a liability, constantly out of position, unable to stop any half-decent winger and he’s an obvious weak point in an otherwise solid backline.
Who we bring in remains to be seen. Clichy, deservedly, ought to start the new campaign as first choice but with Mancini’s penchant for rotation, a better all-round left back than Kolarov needs to be added.
A certain Gareth Bale fits the bill!!!!!
What a bargain Clichy has turned out to be. Look forward to more of him next season. Agree that Kolarov should move on, but I’ve read very little rumors of potential replacements. Probably because those stories aren’t as appealing as all the nonsense rumors of £50 mil strikers coming our way. I have a feeling that if Kolarov does go, his replacement won’t be a big money buy like a Jordi Alba, but more like a young up and comer like Savic was supposed to be. What do you think about selling/keeping Nigel De Jong? He was helpful towards the seasons end, but not the kind of player we need when Yaya leaves for another two months in the winter.
You cant honestly tell me that Clichy has more technical ability than Kolarov. Yes Clichy is much better defensively but to say Kolarovs only attribute is ‘kicking the ball hard’ is in-accurate and degrading. Kolarov is much better in possession, has better vision, finds himself in better attacking positions and crosses the ball (albeit with too much power at times) with much more accuracy.
I think both are important and key to next season, I think Kolarov would have been much more influencial than Clichy in the QPR game, both Zab and Clichy lacked the confidence and attacking ability of Richards and Kolarov in forcing space for the attacking players which very nearly could have been our downfall if it wasnt for Dzeko and Aguero late on.
I do agree if a decent offer comes up, Mancini should sell Kolarov in a heart-beat. I do not believe, we need to sign any LB ,considering Zabelleta can be a trustworthy back up for that spot, and instead we should try to promote some of our promising youth player into first team. You can not sustain a team only by buying.
As a massive fan of Kolarov (ask author to confirm) i still cannot disagree with ‘Martin’ more!