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J.Riddle 2:07 Sun Sep 18
Kouyate and Ogbonna as new Centre Back pairing

This is what I would do immediately. Desperate times need to act fast. Stick him as a centre back to partner Oggy. Kouyate did very well there when he played several games before for us at CB. He has played there before he came to us.

Collins, Reid and Noble should be given an extended rest.

This would give an opportunity to stick two defensive midfielders in Obiang and Nordveilt to sit in front of the defence and protect them, they need it and we need to tighten up and start keeping some clean sheets.

Iron2010 2:12 Mon Sep 19
Re: Kouyate and Ogbonna as new Centre Back pairing

Alf

You seem to like players with pace so i'd strongly suggest that Nord isn't for you.

Sir Alf 2:04 Mon Sep 19
Re: Kouyate and Ogbonna as new Centre Back pairing

Was on holiday last week so only caught some highlights.

Kouyate and Noble are at the heart of our problem defending but not alone by any means.

Are they being coached incorrectly (tactical plans) with them being asked to get forward to support front men along with everyone else? Are they not following instructions or maybe unclear on their roles?

Is the transition to possession based football really the root cause? We do not have the technique and pace across all areas of the team? Is it the lack of movement up front causing us to play "crab football" at snail's pace?

Probably some and all of the above?

I would say though that Kouyate does not seem to be suited to the DM role and / or its not instinctively something he does. He likes to run with the ball and its his strength. My biggest problem with him is his basic technique. For a midfielder he has a very poor first touch and control and is one of the worst when it comes to passing. I will be unpopular and say he is not ultimately good enough to play in central midfield longer term unless as a "spoiler" or he has to be yet another that is almost another striker along with Antonio, Lanzini and Payet to a lesser extent.

We give the ball away too much if we want to play a passing game. We are in many ways still moulded to the direct game that BFS implemented. Just an opinion mind :-)

One question... how was Nordveit defensively at RB? Did he look solid? I saw his crossing was dodgy and going forward he is limited but just wondered if he is perhaps the safest defensively for that role?

Iron2010 1:49 Mon Sep 19
Re: Kouyate and Ogbonna as new Centre Back pairing

That is definitely true Grumpster. But Antonio actually played himself up front on saturday. I also think that Payet needs all defensive duties removed and Lanzini needs to be given more. Kayoute and Noble have been nothing short of pathetic. In fact if it wasn't for all of the individual errors you could also defend the back four on the basis that they haven't had any protection.

It's incredible how badly we have started this year.

dealcanvey 1:47 Mon Sep 19
Re: Kouyate and Ogbonna as new Centre Back pairing

I agree, Last season Antonio's tracking back was incredible. This season he has goals on his mind.

Grumpster 1:38 Mon Sep 19
Re: Kouyate and Ogbonna as new Centre Back pairing

Entire midfield have been diabolical in helping out the defence Iron.

One of the Watford goals had our entire midfield in a line about 10 metres in front of their entire midfield. Zero awareness or tracking back.

Iron2010 1:34 Mon Sep 19
Re: Kouyate and Ogbonna as new Centre Back pairing

Grumpster 12:46 Mon Sep 19

The problem is that the full backs are not getting any protection. Antonio has been dreadful in this department.

j.a 1:32 Mon Sep 19
Re: Kouyate and Ogbonna as new Centre Back pairing

When I think about Kouyate, and his strengths and weaknesses, I always conclude that he could be a really excellent centre back. But will never be a really excellent midfielder.

Alex V 1:26 Mon Sep 19
Re: Kouyate and Ogbonna as new Centre Back pairing

Whenever I've seen Kouyate play centre-back I've been incredibly impressed. I actually said on here during that spell under Allardyce in 2015 when he played there that he could become one of the world's best players in that role. I still just about believe that, though obviously the clock is ticking on a switch of focus.

Where I disagree with others is that I think an on-form Kouyate is such a beast you could play him anywhere on the pitch and you'll still get a high level of performance. I think the problem with playing him as a DM is not that he can't do it, but that it's just not making the most out of his physical ability.

Grumpster 12:46 Mon Sep 19
Re: Kouyate and Ogbonna as new Centre Back pairing

Can only remember Kouyate playing well at he back once and would rather have Reid and Ogbonna there if fit.

Bigger problem seems to be the full backs who are offering no protection or are giving away stupid penalties.

Kouyate hasn't been playing that well in his proper position, so not sure why moving him to defence would then improve his form.

Need the players to step up big time, as Noble and Kouyate are lucky to be starting every week on current form and thanks to injuries, we're currently stuck with the defence.

Krap not Pu 12:42 Mon Sep 19
Re: Kouyate and Ogbonna as new Centre Back pairing

Definitely give it a go v's Stanley. Let us be brutally honest Reid has been pretty poop for a long while ....and Ginge looks shot.

Private Dancer 12:37 Mon Sep 19
Re: Kouyate and Ogbonna as new Centre Back pairing

Btw Eeire, if he was a conistent top level performer he would have cost more than he did and doubt he would be playing for us anyway as not too many of them players around. Noble has neve been that but has been amchoring our midfield for 10 years!

boltkunt 12:36 Mon Sep 19
Re: Kouyate and Ogbonna as new Centre Back pairing

Reid and Ogbonna if fit, are our first pairing.

If one or the other is injured, I'd have Kouate there and put Obiang in place.

Obiang is in my opinion our best defensive holding midfielde and should be playing more regularly.

Eggbert Nobacon 12:36 Mon Sep 19
Re: Kouyate and Ogbonna as new Centre Back pairing

Kouyate played centre back at West Brom once before

we let in 4 that day too

Alex V 12:31 Mon Sep 19
Re: Kouyate and Ogbonna as new Centre Back pairing

The other option at centre-back is Nordtveit, who we probably need back in midfield right now, but I think like Kouyate his best position is probably centre-back as well. It's not beyond possibility that in a year's time our centre-back pairing is Nordtveit/Kouyate with midfield replacements a priority next Summer.

Eerie Descent 9:01 Mon Sep 19
Re: Kouyate and Ogbonna as new Centre Back pairing

Don't agree Dancer, in the few games he has played there for us I think he has been excellent, he would be a monster of a centre half if played there all the time.

Private Dancer 7:00 Mon Sep 19
Re: Kouyate and Ogbonna as new Centre Back pairing

'The man does not have the weaponry to be a consistent top level midfielder, he hasn't got the skills or football intelligence''


Eerie - Swap 'midfielder' to centre back and you have exactly the same arguement.

Jasnik 4:13 Mon Sep 19
Re: Kouyate and Ogbonna as new Centre Back pairing

Is riddle fordstar what a knob.

Cheezey Bell-End 3:41 Mon Sep 19
Re: Kouyate and Ogbonna as new Centre Back pairing

Great idea. And put Antonio at right back.

master 12:10 Mon Sep 19
Re: Kouyate and Ogbonna as new Centre Back pairing

Vexed, your team? East to criticise but let's see what you come up buddy...

Eerie Descent 11:06 Sun Sep 18
Re: Kouyate and Ogbonna as new Centre Back pairing

You don't go to games, Vexed, and you're into cycling.

I'm being proved right about him as a midfielder, learn from me rather than keep getting annoyed.

master 6:04 Sun Sep 18
Re: Kouyate and Ogbonna as new Centre Back pairing

What would your team be Vexed?

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