06 Jun 2017 01:50:41
Talking about the fullbacks, it does seem a little strange everyone (including myself) has been critical of Clynes end product and aerial ability in defence, yet were all hoping for a new LB (including myself) when Milner has done a very good job there.

From my perspective I'm hoping a new LB creates the left footed attack that would give us the ability to whip in dangerous crosses and get behind defences on the left (and stop Milner from always having to cut inside - a particular problem because Coutinho plays exactly the same way), and then we can move Milner over to RB ahead of Clyne.

Is everyone else thinking the same?

Also worth noting however that if we do end up getting Salah, who is left footed and a winger, Milner at LB becomes less of an issue IMO. If we play Salah on the left side to create pace and width (as opposed to Coutinho who was more of an inside forward) then the dynamic would change quite a bit and there is less urgency to bring in a left footed LB unless we can find the right one. Clyne has to be changed regardless though.

1.) 06 Jun 2017
06 Jun 2017 02:34:28
yup. for me, we are missing genuine pace down the left flank as well. I can't remember which game now, but it was one of the latter games of the season where moreno came on and was able to get behind the defensive line purely down to his pace. But the other key factor that changes when you have genuine pace down the wings is the midfielders start to look for that run, the kind of run where all the midfielder has to do is split the CB and fullback and then you're of. it is something that City do expertly with the pace they have coming from their wingers on both sides.

2.) 06 Jun 2017
06 Jun 2017 03:27:25
I think it would be best to buy a left winger because there aren't many available that are more composed on the ball than Milner. Ideally we would prefer an upgrade on Moreno that's reasonably priced and somewhat young. Robertson has less upside than Sessegnon but he would be ready now rather than someone unproven in the prem. Really like the look of Solanke and don't think we need an investment at striker now. Salah is also a tasty option. If we can finalize business there and purchase a centerback I think we have a squad that can challenge for the title.

3.) 06 Jun 2017
06 Jun 2017 04:04:52
Milner did an okay job far from very good. Not only going forward. He was hopeless in defending for quite a few times especially against pacy wingers. I think it should be top priority to replace both LB and RB.

4.) 06 Jun 2017
06 Jun 2017 04:05:16
It would still be a short term fix imo. Shifting milner to right won't solve the puzzle. We blindly believe he would all of a sudden start crossing better but the reality is he is very poor. He takes all the corners with his right foot and they are terrible.
We need two new full backs. Let's not do the same mistake over and over again ( shifting players out of position ) .
Just coz someone works hard doesn't become good full back!

5.) 06 Jun 2017
06 Jun 2017 04:08:24
Good point.
In an ideal world, I would love to have 2 new full backs.
One in each flank.
It is a pity that Moreno doesn't work out, Clyne not the kinds of full back we need, and Milner has his shortcoming.
And TAA in my opinion is also not quite there yet.
I would probably sell Clyne and Moreno, with Milner and TAA as back up.

P. S. thought Moreno should have been more a chance against the lesser team, ahead of Milner, and see if that's what we need, that is speed, a bit more skill going forward and ability to go to the byline and cutback or crosses. Now we never know.

6.) 06 Jun 2017
06 Jun 2017 05:01:23
SC - was really basing that on the period where Milner played on the right under Rodgers. his delivery from the right was excellent and instrumental in a number of goals (albeit we had Benteke in the box) .

I think he's far better crossing from the right when he's on the move (and got runners to hit, and space to aim at between defence and GK) than at set pieces which is a very different skill.

Defensively I think he's learnt a lot since he started at LB and would be sound. and a perfect option as a more mature player to bring TAA through underneath.

7.) 06 Jun 2017
06 Jun 2017 09:08:12
I agree with Zimbo, Milner's in-play crossing is far better than his set-piece delivery, and can see him delivering wicked balls across the 6 yards box for onrushers. Plus, it's important we don't stifle TAA's chances.