13 Aug 2014 13:17:45
Hey everyone, quick question for anyone. I'm not too familiar with Rojo apart from what I saw at the World Cup, but isn't he a LB or would LVG be looking to deploy him as a LCB?

Cheers in advance

1.) 13 Aug 2014
I'd only seen him play LB at the world cup but there's a 12min video on youtube, a lot of it showing him defending. He was playing CB in a lot of the games and noticeably the LCB in a 3 man defence. He looks really good at CB, strong, good in the air, quick and very comfortable on the ball.

2.) 13 Aug 2014
He is actually a centre back by trade, but is also quick and a good passer so has been played at LB by teams who don't have a great LB to play instead such as Argentina at the world cup.

But it is this flexibility that will make him perfect for the LCB role which is essentially a blend between the roles of CB and fullback. Which he is. There are a few rough edges that will require smoothing out such as his occasional poor decisions. But we are buying a player who isn't the finished article so that is to be expected.

3.) 13 Aug 2014
The great thing is that he is equally good at LB and CB. Playing left center back will require the player to sometimes be dragged wide with the right center back and sweeper center back being pulled in a bit and a midfielder dropping in as well. He will be more than comfortable doing that.

4.) 13 Aug 2014
From what I have seen (limited I grant you) I think he will be a step up as LCB as well as cover for LWB. However as he is being seen as another for the future (but first team starter now) I think we are crying out for a solid mature head in the centre of the 3. Question is if we can't get the big time players (Benatia/Hummels) would someone like Vlaar who is towards the 30yr bracket with a view to this year only be worth a punt. Also, in hindesight should we have kept Rio, if fit this back 3 sweeper role allowing the other 2 to cover the ground seems to be right up his street?

5.) 13 Aug 2014
Thanks for the update guys. Sounds like just what we need