02 Nov 2016 07:54:10
Hi eds, was wondering if you could please answer a question for me. I know you don't rate Van Dijk highly but why does every commentator and journalist talk about him being the most 'complete' defender in England? Thanks.

{Ed001's Note - because he has all the ability in the world, just none of the mental attributes required. Whenever you watch Southampton being attacked quickly, you will see him end up caught hopelessly out of position at some point, stood watching the play develop making no attempt to get back in. Those are the kind of things commentators and journalists haven't the ability to spot, as they are so busy watching the ball, they don't see what individual players actually do away from it. They will see him being strong and winning tackles or headers, but not the times when he is posted missing, as he is nowhere near the ball.

The thing is, he is strong, fast, good in the air and on the ball, so he should be the best defender in the Prem. Technically he is like a stronger, faster, better on the ball John Stones. Sadly he is as prone to stupidity and defensive lapses, so he is more of a Stones than an Alderweireld.}

1.) 02 Nov 2016
02 Nov 2016 08:21:30
On a similar note Ed01, How do you rate John Stones. He was opnce again terrible yesterday.

{Ed001's Note - I don't rate him at all. He has no defensive intelligence at all. He simply can not defend.}

2.) 02 Nov 2016
02 Nov 2016 08:24:59
Y is he rated so high by his own club and Everton. Good on the ball, Yes but what is that actually. He could pick a player forward so does David Luiz. Positionally inept. He is the most expensive defender in the history of this game.

3.) 02 Nov 2016
02 Nov 2016 08:33:47
For once Harry I agree with you, Stones is awful, and they went and paid all that money for him, when it happened I was gobsmacked, before it happened all the talk about him moving on for a while made me think why are these top teams wanting him, he's got nothing to offer what so ever, 20 million would've been a joke nevermind what was paid for him.

4.) 02 Nov 2016
02 Nov 2016 08:56:32
Thanks for the reply ED1. Do you believe, over time, that he will eventually develop those mental attributes required? Thanks.

{Ed001's Note - no, I think he is too laid back to have the desire needed to become the player he should be. You need to have the drive or hunger of a Carragher to really get the utmost out of your talents. VVD clearly does not have that, he doesn't even seem bothered by the goals conceded while he is stood watching on the edge of the box, or at least he doesn't seem to realise he is to blame and looks to blame others.}

5.) 02 Nov 2016
02 Nov 2016 09:18:09
I think a lot of the time people see defenders who have ball skills and automatically see them as a great defenders. It is not always the case.

6.) 02 Nov 2016
02 Nov 2016 10:13:02
Will expect us to throw another 25m at the Saints then Ed in the next year or so 😆.

7.) 02 Nov 2016
02 Nov 2016 13:53:51
Ed already raised these issues with VVD in the recent past. So I watched the Saints game vs Chelsea last Sunday and was monitoring him closely and Ed is bang on the money. VVD has all the physical attributes to be a top class CB. However, he didn`t seem bothered to track back, get into better defensive positions. The guy isn`t even fit to lace Matip`s boots so how he`s getting rated that high is beyond me. As for Stones, if he was not English, no one would care as it is appalling how terrible he is as a defender yet many "pundits" say he`s the future for England. If VVD is not fit to lace Matip`s boots, then Stones is not fit to be anywhere near them. If he`s the future for England, then don`t be surprised as to why England are perennial failures on the world stage for 50 years.

8.) 02 Nov 2016
02 Nov 2016 18:03:45
Ed01 what about John Stones do you think he learn and improve the defensive side of his game as he gets older and more experienced. Or do you think playing in a pep side won't really improve his defensive side of the game?

{Ed001's Note - I don't think he is any good, nor does he have the manager to improve his defending added to a lack of inclination to improve.}

9.) 03 Nov 2016
03 Nov 2016 00:00:16
What would you change or who would you sign to sort out the problems we seem to have Ed?

We have been bad for a long time at the back. Very open to conceding silly or stupid goals.

I always thought a more defensive minded coach should be added to the backroom along with a new keeper coach. Both areas need addressed for sure. And haven't been to my knowledge. The zonal system isn't great either but can work so it's more the coaching side I see as the problem. Maybe klopp has a guy already? Haha

Your wisdom is awaited . lol thanks.

{Ed001's Note - keeper coach, that would be my first change. Achterberg is a great guy, but he is not improving our keepers, so I would add a more experience guy over him and give him the chance to learn from that coach.

By the way, we do NOT play a zonal system, I keep hearing those moronic pundits moaning about it, purely because they are clueless and moronic. We clearly play the standard mixed system 99% of teams use. Some man mark, the rest pick up zones. It is standard fare, not an issue once we get a keeper commanding the area and organising it properly.}