But that then would create a situation where we are trying something that may not work whilst weakening us at LB. It’s just another square peg in a round hole. Still can’t fathom why they are grooming Wilmot into a CM personally given the current make-up of the squad. I’d rather the club just scout and identify technical CB’s of a better standard than what we have - from what Giraldi and Duxbury said last week, that process has started but January wasn’t the time to secure what’s wanted. I’m okay with that as long as it’s done in the summer. We don’t need to be pushing Masina inside as that just means we have a very rookie CB learning the position and creating a need for a new LB. At the event last week, Scott said the squad is complete for positions. It’s taken 3/4 years. It’s now about recycling what we have for better.
None of our centre backs are good enough for top 6 squad teams but in the terms of actual defending it's not that that would stop some of them. Centre backs these days have to be able to play football, not just defend. This what makes it more surprising that Wilmot isn't being groomed for a centre back slot, god that sounds terrible!! None of the others have much passing ability an option to get forward with the ball which Maguire did so well at the World Cup. Cathcart is currently head and shoulders above the others but I couldn't choose between the others at the moment. Mariappa is in possession currently and in fairness has played well recently. Britos is knackered against anybody with pace an movement much like Prodl if he's still alive. Kabesele, despite his occasional lapses in concentration is the most natural centre back we have but lost form horribly after a promising start to the season.
Gracia is very loyal to his players and so Mariappa is keeping his place due to the team having numerous clean sheets and that only seems fair. That said, I think all of us see him as back-up and last season I think he was 6th cab off the rank initially so everyone knows the main position is CB that needs an upgrade. Willmot may get his debut in Udinese's next match due to the sending off last weekend but I can't see what benefit there was in sending him out on loan as he was coming very close to the 1st team and like others here, I see him as a ball playing CB and from what I've seen a future England CB. Sending him out has also weakened our FA Cup team so unless he gets game time in Italy it was pointless. Masina has played CB before btw and I thought when we bought him and as the season progressed that we may use him as the left side of a back 3 if we play that system, which is still a possibility. if we do somehow get European football then that will encourage our main targets to sign.
Is anyone signed up for the Hampstead FB page? A flurry of new kitchen installations in NW3 might be a clue to the whereabouts of our lederhosen hero.
Given what Giraldi said last week, I think Wilmot was further away from being anywhere near a regular for the first XI than you might think. And it was clearly stated that the club see him as a CM - which I am still just as confused as you by. I’m sure there’s thought behind it I guess... But Giraldi said he’ll get more game time there than here - so you’d think there’s some sort of agreement in place.
Got a high stat mark for this one though. 7...…... TIMES ROLLING ON THE FLOOR IN AGONY (and apparently we actually got £45m for him)
There I was, merrily packing away my shopping this morning when the lady on the till said " I saw you at the Watford game with your snake". The other shoppers looked quite confused! I told her he was available to work for a reasonable fee and that he had his own basket.
