22 Jun 2017 19:53:35
No idea if the rumours are true but if Ben Gibson is available for less than £20mill he has to be just as good a buy as Van Dijk if not better.

1.) 22 Jun 2017
22 Jun 2017 20:04:41
Apart from the fact he's nowhere near as good in the air, or on the ball, or in the tackle, or as physically imposing, or as quick, then yes. Why not chuck £20m at a very mediocre player who isn't an improvement on any player currently at the club. Personally I'd rather give Gomez a chance than waste good money on Gibson as Gomez is a better footballer.

2.) 22 Jun 2017
22 Jun 2017 20:14:51
What on earth has Gomez done to show he is better?

Gibson was a shining light in a very poor Boro team. He is calm on the ball, he reads the game very well and he is a very intelligent footballer. Exactly what we need, a level head, unlikely to make mistakes.

Gibson will be an excellent CB for years to come.

I'm not saying Van Dijk won't but he'll also cost 3x as much.

3.) 22 Jun 2017
22 Jun 2017 20:52:43
Not sure we watched the same player. Gibson was in a team that sat back and defended all the time and let's be honest, Boro were awful and there were no shining lights in that team, the idea that he reads the game well is a bit of a fallacy, given that he was never really in a situation that required much more than getting bodies behind the ball, he also lost a lot headers for a centre back and really isn't great in the air (given our record on conceding from crosses, that isn't good), in the two games against us he was pulled out position, didn't win headers, didn't make tackles, was quite slow and looked anything but a good centre back. Gomez is taller, physically more imposing, better in the air, quicker and actually a very good footballer. He's been unlucky with some rotten injuries and I'd much rather give him the chance than throw money at a player who is a mid table player at best.

4.) 22 Jun 2017
22 Jun 2017 20:57:27
Red dawn I agree I think Gibson could do well with us. Let's hope we get some good additions and push on from our 4th position.

5.) 22 Jun 2017
22 Jun 2017 21:47:19
Agree to disagree then I think.

I thought Gibson was excellent all season and the fact that he has had to fight against the claims of nepotism due to who his uncle is shows he has the mental strength to succeed as well.

That being said I do rate Gomez as well and would love him to be considered ahead of Klavan for this season.

6.) 22 Jun 2017
22 Jun 2017 21:53:45
We need a centre back who is quick, strong and dominant in the air. Gibson doesn't posses any of these properties.