17 Aug 2016 15:40:43
Just read on West Ham site Ed002 statement that he believes Darmian will be going back to Italy. Probably the Carlsberg of rumours (namely being more than accurate over everyone else) who do you think we'll draft in if anyone. Personal choice would be Fabinho.
17 Aug 2016 15:56:32
Why would it mean we will draft anyone in?
17 Aug 2016 16:49:45
Fabinho will come in.
17 Aug 2016 16:51:17
It's no secret that Darmian might be sold. Roma are interested. Might not get anyone else as mensah can play there and Tony V is doing a good job too.
17 Aug 2016 18:10:47
He also likes big players as full back, so I don't think we have seen the last of Smalling or Jones out there either.
17 Aug 2016 18:22:45
beast you could be right there.
17 Aug 2016 18:42:54
dont think smalling will play there. just because ivanovic played there for chelsea, it doesn't mean jose likes only big players there :P
if darmian does leave though, i would really love it if we re signed rafael. but that probably won't happen.
17 Aug 2016 19:02:49
If he goes to roma then we ill b getting manolas.
17 Aug 2016 19:12:22
Good shout that beast wouldn't be surprised to see smalling out there especially if fonte comes in .
17 Aug 2016 19:27:24
tot66
jm has stated the squad size so its assumed somebody goes then he would be replaced. Nothing set in stone but its a banter site!
There are several factors to indicate he would want someone in to cover that position:sorry for waking you up from 2015!
17 Aug 2016 21:01:42
Good god please no. I. can accept Smalling. and Jones as CB's but please not as RB. The odd game as an. emergency maybe but not Permanantly.
Just because Ivanovic does it does not mean ours can!
17 Aug 2016 21:27:27
Both played there under fergy.
17 Aug 2016 21:37:28
I hope neither Smalling or Jones get near the RB spot personally, not good enough on the ball further up the pitch imo.
17 Aug 2016 22:02:53
Azpilqueta terrible spelling. Is no giant Jose loved him at full back and Cole so don't panic smalling will not be playing full back.
17 Aug 2016 22:03:58
Yea Fergie played Smalling and Jones at right back, but that was when he started losing the plot somewhat with his overcommitment towards substandard players and playing them out of position.
This hangup with ivanovic at right back is a misnomer, the guy has actually been a class right back in his own right, not just a centre half filling in at right back.
17 Aug 2016 22:20:47
Ferguson started to lose the plot, by winning the title by 11 points .
Both players can play there if required as they have done for England .
The same way the cm blind can play cb or lb.
17 Aug 2016 22:22:04
Should also say, 2 weeks ago everyone was saying Tony couldn't play there.
17 Aug 2016 22:32:51
Good shout on Tony, jred. But I'm sticking to my guns on this one - Blind has proven to be far more proficient at full back than the other 2 for me. i'd be surprised to see them play there unless we had an injury crisis tbh.
17 Aug 2016 22:46:25
I remember all the Valencia haters only a few weeks ago. people scoffled at the idea of him staying and playing RB even though he's actually carrying on good form from the end of last season!
Would love Darmian to go and we get Manolas in return, but is that realistic, do we even hold interest in Manolas?
17 Aug 2016 22:52:45
Not everyone was saying that about Tony. Some of us were backing him for last couple of years. Like a lot if players he has his supporters and those that think he is not a top class rb.
Personally I think he falls below the top class rb bracket but generally he does a good job. He is strong fit always gives 100% is a good pro and is well with his place in the squad.
However if darmuan levees which seems likely I would advocate the signing of a top class rb.
17 Aug 2016 23:00:24
I think Jones and Smalling will play more times at RB than CB this season (in meaningful games) . Azpi was a right back but was switched to left back, they even signed a couple of very good left backs, but Azpi kept them out because Ivanovich was undroppable (despite deteriorating quickly) . Jose knows a lot of games are decided by set-pieces and being strong aerially is crucial attacking and defending. If Blind plays CB then height may be an issue for set-pieces and I bet Jose is thinking he has a lot of options for RB as it currently stands.
I said a few weeks ago Jones will be Jose's Ivanovich, let's see what happens.
18 Aug 2016 08:03:28
have to disagree beast ivanovic while very poor now was a very good defender in his prime and one of chelsea's best players in their title winning season, jones on the other hand can't make bench ahead of rojo currently.
18 Aug 2016 11:04:10
I wouldn't be completed agaisnt giving Smalling or Jones roles at RB if Valencia gets injured or his form dips.
I have always defended Valencia and Felliani and I hope both can have good seasons.
18 Aug 2016 12:05:50
Oh my goodness! Maze, Fellaini and Valencia? Seriously? 😄😄.
18 Aug 2016 15:59:17
I can't see smalling playing at RB this year but could see Jones, if Darmian left and no alternative was purchased and Valencia and TFM were injured/ unavailable. Now that's a lot of ifs and goes to show how desperate a situation we would have to be in for him to get the nod.
Personally, if Darmian and Young were to leave as the media suggest, then I would be more inclined to keep Rojo than Jones. Both can play CB and FB but neither are or will be first choice in either of those positions but I think with CBJ looking like a loan would benefit him more than TFM then Rojo would be a better option to hold onto. He is better offensively and has a little more composure when defending.
At the moment though they are both the weakest members of our squad in my opinion and would probably best to let both go along with Darmian and Young, keep CBJ in the squad, sign a RB (Fabinho if reports are right), and let TFM cover for a CB/ CM. I think that would give us the best balance and options.