23 Aug 2018 18:47:15
Dear Ed's

Hope you all are having great time lately. I would be appreciated if you would share your view on the following.

The first thing is about our CB position. When Matip first came, I remember much of us were excited about his ability. He is calm, good in the air and is quite good on the ball. He made me think he would develop into someone like Rio Ferdinand. However, maybe due to his injury? He seems to lost a bit of his confidence and is not able to lead our line. I don't remember when, someone started saying about they prefer Lovern than Matip. What are your views on him and Lovern? Is there any tactical problem for playing both vvd and Matip as both of them play like a sweeper?

Another question would be the development of Gomez. He seems to play much better than his time on the Rb position and with his fair speed he is playing good as a challenger. Will his development affect the future of Lovern? Is Lovern having poor relationships with the Club and Kloop due to his injury? And is he over confidence?

The last question is about TAA. Is club trying to develop him into a right back? or it is just a temporary solution for the RB position? Will Fabinho used as a RB?

Quite a lot of questions, Thanks for your time.

{Ed001's Note - I said from the start Matip is an abysmal defender and nothing has changed my view on that. He is ok going forward, but is useless when asked to actually defend.}


1.) 23 Aug 2018
23 Aug 2018 22:19:44
Lovren was always the better of him and Matip. The reason Matip isn't getting time is that he simply doesn't cut it at the level required of him. The fact that a young and somewhat inexperienced Gomez is first choice over him says it all.

I do like the look of Gomez, he's still got a way to go, but I agree he seems a lot more calm than he did at the RB position. With time I believe he can develop into a great CB. I do however think that Lovren will deservedly take his place when fully fit. Lovren and VVD is a deadly CB combination, one of the best in the league I'd say.

I doubt TAA will move to the midfield in the near future. I actually think he'll see his whole career out as a RB - he's doing decent and showing glimpses of his amazing potential. Just needs a few more seasons under his belt.


2.) 24 Aug 2018
23 Aug 2018 23:45:37
Think Gomez will flourish now, yes he still may get caught out arially what not, but vvd should take charge there. The experience at rb will serve him well in one v ones as will his confidence on the ball.
How good do you think he can bevome?


3.) 24 Aug 2018
23 Aug 2018 22:23:10
Ed01, I actually remembered you saying that before he signed and I thought that was a bit harsh. I was hopeful that you would be wrong when he first started, shutting down Harry Kane, Vardy and the then might Costa. The as the season went on I started to doubt him as a defender. After last season, I gave up on him cos he actually can't defend when it is actually time for him to you know, do his job which is well, defend. Now, he is the one that needs to be benched and eventually sold.

{Ed001's Note - shame because he is very good, calm and assured on the ball.}


4.) 24 Aug 2018
24 Aug 2018 05:22:05
I thought signing him on a Bosman was going to be a shrewd piece of business but he has really let himself down since he joined. A massive disappointment and a total misjudgement by me. 😔.


5.) 24 Aug 2018
24 Aug 2018 16:35:25
thanks ed001 for the comment.

{Ed001's Note - very welcome mate. Makes a change, I remember when everyone used to give me grief for saying I was not convinced by him when he first joined. That was because the first few games we dominated and he didn't have to defend, as soon as he was put under pressure he folded badly.}