I think Kiko should be next off the block at LB, he's not looked too uncomfortable there when he's played there in the past (occasionally actually looking really good), whereas you can always tell with Ngakia at LB that it's not his natural position
But then we lose quite a bit of Kiko's significant contribution going forwards; I don't think that trade-off is worth it.
Perhaps, although how much marauding forward has Kiko done in the last three games where Sarr has been absent? Besides, Ngakia isn't exactly a clogger, and if anything he's a better defender than Kiko at RB, but at LB he's pretty horrid
Odd that your post has to be what alerts me to a new Athletic article on us but thanks! That's very interesting, and frankly very damning for them/him to be coming out that strongly. But, then again, it's an interesting thought - we, to a man/woman, can universally see how bad Rose is/was, but think about it internally, within the club. We have a team of analysts (presumably) whose jobs are literally to go through the performances, highlight mistakes and where improvement is required. There are team video sessions where the game is played back, and we will have access to the absolute highest level of statistical analysis coming from the technology available. Imagine being one of those coaches/analysts, and taking in Rose's performance last night, with all the weight of evidence in front of you. It must be almost comical, as well as unnerving, because you wouldn't be quite sure how to even start relaying that to the player. There is no possible way the club aren't entirely aware of just how catastrophically bad that was, and clearly it's too much to ignore at this point.
If only there had been some indication that this incredibly overweight man who had not played for over a year may not still be capable of playing top-level football.
An interesting piece in The Athletic today alluding to the club needing to find a left back before January in the out-of-contract market due to the poor form of Rose and injury to Masina. I didn’t really pick up on the fact to how bad Rose was during the match, but I’ve watched the entire game again on Sky and wow…..,how did I miss it. That was one of the worst performances I’ve ever seen by a Watford player. On par with Micky Quinn for hopelessness. Constantly out of position, putting in lame attempts to tackle. He was absolutely rubbish. I can’t believe how I didn’t pick up on it when I watched the game live. He’s gone massively backwards since Ranieri arrived and can no longer be considered an option anymore.
He was bad (though I like you didn’t notice it that much at the time). But I think he actually put in his best performance for us against Chelsea so I am not sure it’s been this clear downward spiral of which this is the nadir. Instead, he has generally looked suspect and yet occasionally shown glimpses of quality that made one wonder if it is worth persevering with him.
Alarming that the prospect of another free agent signing is under consideration when you consider that they won't have played for ages! The best two available at the moment (according to Transfermarkt anyway!) seem to be two 29 year olds who were at Bordeaux last season in Swiss international Loris Benito (was in their Euros squad, and made one appearance off the bench at the Euros), who actually started the season at Bordeaux but left after four games for some reason, (hopefully not a serious injury, and perhaps a sign that he's in some kind of shape?) and Maxime Poundje who seemed to be Benito's backup last season before leaving in the summer. Judging by that brief bit of info, Benito might be OK, certainly doesn't seem world-class or anything, but someone vaguely competent and fit would improve us at the moment
He's been fine against the lesser teams, or in games where we've been on top for most of the game like Chelsea or United, but against Liverpool, City and even Arsenal, he's been woefully exposed. We won't be playing those teams every week, but seeing as he's still not looking fit at all, you have to worry about his ability to get through all these games coming up now
My thoughts exactly. He can get away with his lack of fitness against the weaker teams in the league, because skillwise he's a good player and probably better than most players he has to play against, but that just doesn't fly against the best teams in the division. After yesterday's showing, he'd only be slightly less effective against the likes of Man City if he was off the pitch. In fact, the team might be better off because at least they'd know no one was over there and could set up to combat that, instead of leaving a huge hole on the flanks. Rose would be a massive asset to use if fit and motivated, he's a great player. Unfortunately, he's clearly not fit or motivated; the former is obvious and the latter became clear after he made no attempt whatsoever to chase the man who had got past him. Even if you know you don't have the fitness to catch him, you should be looking to get in position to potentially clear rebounds, etc. instead of getting overtaken by passing snails. That lack of effort is inexcusable.
He has lost his pace, therefore if he was to play against Palace, lets hope he doesn't have to mark Zaha!
I’d rather we don’t sign a free agent and push the boat out and bring in a quality loan LB in January. As we have seen with Rose and even with Nkoulou when players arrive having not played much football for a long period of time it takes them some time to get up to speed. Rose - as poor as he has been on certain occasions - is surely a better option than players like Poundje or Benito who have never been any great shakes in their career and will need time to get to grips with football again. Let’s just get someone good in on Jan 1.
I agree. Signing a free agent this close to the window will not be a good idea. They will have to get up to speed and time that's achieved the window will be open anyway. For me, the best thing the club can do is play Kiko on the left, where he's actually very good. It doesn't affect the link up with Sarr, as he's injured and we can play Ngakia on the right. Job done.
That’s right he has been on the bench a couple of times and started a couple of pre season friendlies, why not start him against Brentford on the left and if it doesn’t work get him off, will just cost us one sub but must be better than Rose was last Saturday! Watching the goals back I didn’t appreciate how Rose was heavily involved in all three Man City goals.
It was a fair punt, and we’ve seen glimpses of proper quality, but it’s looking quite obvious his heart isn’t in football anymore. A shame, because there’s clearly an excellent player in there somewhere. Time to move on.
It could be an option, but I would start with Ngakia on the right and Kiko on the left as that has worked ok in the past. However if that is not working bring on Morris on the left and switch Kiko back to the right. IMO that is the best option as at least Kiko on the left has been tried and tested and has worked reasonably well, and of course Ngakia has also held his own in his natural position on the right but has not performed so well when used on the left. Furthermore here's a wildcard if he is fit Semma has played LB for us as well in the past but I can't remember how successfully.
Why do people assume that Rose is going to be dropped because we're looking to bring in a new full back? CR70 may be planning to play him at centre back oe even midfield where his tackling and passing ability would be an asset. Apart from one or two unfortunate - but easily forgivable - errors, Rose has been very impressive. So far, he is my player of the season.
Not really. He's not the player he was but I don't think he's anywhere near as bad as people are saying. I like him
