05 Jul 2020 11:46:00
I am interested about the arguments about our lack of a decent CB.
I think you will find that we have a good defensive record and we can get better. If we are playing a pressing game against poorer teams like Bournemouth it makes it more diffcult to defend. I think as much as suggesting we need a replacement for Mcguire it might be better to consider additional training for the defence and the appointment of a good defensive coach.

1.) 05 Jul 2020
05 Jul 2020 12:17:43
I'm going to risk the wrath of the lynch mob and state I think Maguire is an excellent centre back.

I'm genuinely worried if people don't think Maguire has significantly improved our team and think we'd be better off with the likes of Tyrone Mings or Lewis Dunk.

Maguire is physically imposing, brilliant in the air and composed on the ball.

He actually starts most of our attacks and creates space for our attacking players by stepping into midfield with the ball. He often plays some delightful cross field passes allowing us to switch the play getting us into dangerous attacking positions. The likes of Pogba and Fernandes can play higher up the pitch and as a team we are now able to keep much better possession of the football and sustain attacks more easily. I think people sometimes forget just how bad the likes of Smalling and Jones were in possession and often moves would break down before they even started. I think Maguire's composure and quality on the ball is often underestimated by many fans but I think it's importance cannot be undervalued.

We are beginning to look like a proper football team and Maguire is a big part of that.

I accept he has made some poor errors since the restart but for the majority of the season I think he's been a dominant and calming influence on the team.

Since the restart we have played a higher defensive line and attempted to press more aggressively. It's worked brilliantly in allowing us to dominate possession and be more of an attacking threat. On occasions we have looked vulnerable to the counter as Matic doesn't have the pace or mobility to cover aggressively when teams beat our press and Maguire obviously lacks pace and recovery speed. I don't think Lindelof is the quickest and he also lacks physicality so sometimes he can be bullied by strong and physical forwards.

This approach has made us a much more attractive team however and we now have the tools to break down stubborn defences but we definitely look more vulnerable to counter attacks. Against most teams we'll be ok but we may need a rethink when we face the better sides. I would expect an extra midfielder or even a centre back will come into the side against the better teams in order to prevent the counter and provide better defensive cover in front of the back four.

2.) 05 Jul 2020
05 Jul 2020 12:42:58
Maguire had some poor moments in a game we won well. He doesn’t have great pace and we knew that before buying him. Lindelof doesn’t have the physicality for this league. He’s a squad player for me. A pacy CB to partner Maguire would be a great signing. Bailly, Tuanzebe and Jones all semi permanently injured. Smalling and Rojos on the way out. Even if Teden Mengi gets first team opportunities we look short at CB.

3.) 05 Jul 2020
05 Jul 2020 13:17:38
dlib I agree with most of thst, positives outweigh the negatives, we had a very good defensive record of late especially as we are now as a team not sitting in and trying to play on the front foot, which will of course leave us a bit open and slow space . Fullbacks especially are starting in a very high position .
Since the restart there has been a couple of individual errors, really don't know what dome on the site expect after 100 days off and no pre season
But on the whole we have defended well as a team, while having an emphasis on playing attacking football.

4.) 05 Jul 2020
05 Jul 2020 13:34:15
It's Maguire's turn this time DLIB.
Some people always want to focus on the negatives.

We're getting results as well as playing wonderful football. Let's enjoy the moment.