14-10-2018, 08:09 AM
I think we all agree that we have potentially to good right backs at the club. I believe we also agree that Janko should currently be our number one right back. There is however some disagreement as to how far behind Darikwa is. Some argue that the is very little between the two players while others argue that Darikwa is showing promising positive development but that there is still some way to go before he can dislodge Janko. It also seems apparent that we all would take Byram back if that was a possibility.
Now, let’s move over to the left side.
Robinson: 6,5
Robinson is gradually getting there. He has the basis for being a good left back. He's more of a traditional left back than a wing back but he is learning to be more involved in the attacking play. My biggest concern about Robinson is his lack of pace and you only have to look at the right side of the team to see how important pace is. Both Janko and Darikwa has good pace and that helps immensely when tracking back or playing against a pacy winger. Very disappointed about his sending off against Middlesbrough. Will be interesting to see if that will have any consequences for Robinson's starting place.
Osborn (left back): 7
As we all know, Osborn isn't really a left back but because of his overall football skills and quick mind he has been able to comfortably slot into the left back position with relative ease. He should get a huge pad on the back for that and we should really thank our lucky stars for having such a versatile and hardworking footballer at our club. It's therefore very disappointing that we have some fans that seem to keep on slating him with a passion independent of what he's actually doing on the pitch. With all due respect, it is tempting to classify these fans as lacking the necessary understanding of football tactics and also lacking the ability to follow a game beyond the player who is having the football at his feet. A bit harsh maybe but I don’t have any other rational explanation. Every team mate and member of the coaching staff value what he brings to the team immensely and he has now played 133 consecutive games under 5 or 6 different managers. That is one achievement that really says it all.
So do you agree with my assessment and should we use the January window to buy one more left back?
Now, let’s move over to the left side.
Robinson: 6,5
Robinson is gradually getting there. He has the basis for being a good left back. He's more of a traditional left back than a wing back but he is learning to be more involved in the attacking play. My biggest concern about Robinson is his lack of pace and you only have to look at the right side of the team to see how important pace is. Both Janko and Darikwa has good pace and that helps immensely when tracking back or playing against a pacy winger. Very disappointed about his sending off against Middlesbrough. Will be interesting to see if that will have any consequences for Robinson's starting place.
Osborn (left back): 7
As we all know, Osborn isn't really a left back but because of his overall football skills and quick mind he has been able to comfortably slot into the left back position with relative ease. He should get a huge pad on the back for that and we should really thank our lucky stars for having such a versatile and hardworking footballer at our club. It's therefore very disappointing that we have some fans that seem to keep on slating him with a passion independent of what he's actually doing on the pitch. With all due respect, it is tempting to classify these fans as lacking the necessary understanding of football tactics and also lacking the ability to follow a game beyond the player who is having the football at his feet. A bit harsh maybe but I don’t have any other rational explanation. Every team mate and member of the coaching staff value what he brings to the team immensely and he has now played 133 consecutive games under 5 or 6 different managers. That is one achievement that really says it all.
So do you agree with my assessment and should we use the January window to buy one more left back?