Santiago Vergini

[ceefoo]

No, it's three... with Pique going the opposite way.

Pique out...Hummels in, Vergini in, Luiz in.

Another one jumping on the Confederations Cup bandwagon.

 

[Aryagorn]

Another one jumping on the Confederations Cup bandwagon.

I was surely not the one who started the Confed Cup bandwagon... But I am the heart and soul of David Luiz bandwagon. Just check out his thread

 

[Catorce]

Actually this guy looks to be good, but no idea of course as how he can handle the very best in La Liga and Champions League. One thing is a real pro: He is a real CB. No more Adriano-Song CB pairings please!

 

[impeh]

if hes free, might be worth picking him up as well as paying for another.

Then if he doesnt adjust so well its not quite as bad, and if he settles in then its more competition.

 

[Flavia]

Actually this guy looks to be good, but no idea of course as how he can handle the very best in La Liga and Champions League. One thing is a real pro: He is a real CB. No more Adriano-Song CB pairings please!

Ideally, after meeting the players and seeing the game against valerenga tomorrow, he'll ask for 2 cbs. One could be Vergini, and someone else, like Agger or Vertonghen. Just one I fear it won't be enough.

 

[Tomchin]

Haven't read through the thread yet, but how come he's a free agent? If he's a free agent, my first thought would be that he's not that great? Or did he turn down any contract renewals or something?

 

[nebeer]

True that. Pique might not be fit at all times as well. We should seriously stop converting CDMs to CBs. 2 new CBs plus Pique looks like sensible cover for the entire season. We play a lot of games anyways. There should be healthy competition between Pique, Vergini and the other CB.

 

[sabby]

Do you realize that different teams defend in different ways? Our central backs do NOT stay within/near the penalty box in most of the time. Actually, they spend a lot of time near the center of the pitch.

I do realize that and it is one of our problem. If the two CBs spend most of the time near our penalty box, our defense wouldn't be exposed like it was this season. For god's sake we already have two wing backs who are usually in the opponent half.

 

[darthvader7888]

I do realize that and it is one of our problem. If the two CBs spend most of the time near our penalty box, our defense wouldn't be exposed like it was this season. For god's sake we already have two wing backs who are usually in the opponent half.

The high line's not the problem. The problem is the lack of pressing and the 2 attacking fullbacks. Oh yeah, and the lack of pace (and overall quality) in the center of the defense. Replace Alves with Montoya. Bring back the pressing. Get a quality CB with pace. Problem solved.

We played a high line under Pep and it worked due to pressing and the presence of a defensive fullback in Abidal. And a better and faster CB pairing with an on form Pique and a Puyol who wasn't 35.

 

[Catorce]

If we do buy 2 CBs, please sell Mascherano or Song. Either one should be backup for Busquets and we can't have 6 CBs (Pique, Puyol, Bartra, Mascherano and 2 new ones).

 

[King Leo]

SONG = surplus

Mascherano is one a kind. His passes, tackles, understanding of the game makes him the great player he is. Too bad we didn't play him in his natural position. Moreover his diversity gives Tata more room for tactical changes.

 

[Fourteen]

If we do buy 2 CBs, please sell Mascherano or Song. Either one should be backup for Busquets and we can't have 6 CBs (Pique, Puyol, Bartra, Mascherano and 2 new ones).

Get out...

We've just appointed an Argentinian coach, so it isn't going to happen. Even Song leaving is highly unlikely.

 

[Catorce]

Well, then just start with 6CBs. Awful decision.

 

[Fourteen]

You drama queen.

 

[Catorce]

You drama queen.

Give me a good argument against having 6CBs in our squad.
The fact Song was purchased a year ago or that Mascherano, however much I like him, is Argentinian is not a compelling argument. A fifth CB is not that stupid since Puyol is injured half the time, but a sixth just does not make sense. Especially if we want to give some time to Bartra. If you don't want the latter, just sell him now. He won't develop himself by sitting on the bench or watching from the stands.

EDIT: Let's make it clear I am not trying to belittle your idea of Mascherano, I just don't see any argument for starting with so many CBs. I'd love for Vertonghen to come and another, tough and tall CB. But then either Song or Mascherano has to go...