Defence

[BenTheFox]

But that was when we played with two attacking full backs (schlupp).

 

 

We have undoubtedly started to play deeper, maybe de laet could do a equal/better job than simpson, but for now we don't know.

Possibly, but I'd always get frustrated watching De Laet. To me it seemed that even when we were sitting deep, De Laet would give the opposition winger absolute aches of space. We were still sitting deep at times even with De Laet in the side. Take the first half against Spurs for instance, we were sat on our own 18-yard box watching them make very few threatening passes for most of it. I understand your point though, I probably made it seem more simplistic than it probably is. 

[Adster]

And yet Ranieri has given Mahrez a 'License to attack' unlike pearson, and we haven't conceded a goal in open play down his side or at all in 8 games.

Simpson has been solid and the back 4 has been a great unit. The fact huth/fuchs/morgan don't need to organise and trust simpson tells me that you're wrong.

Whatever you say he's still the weak link. Even when we win, the threat from the opposition (highlight against Man Utd) is still coming from down the right flank.

A defender who doesn't tackle and only knows how to jockey will always be a weak link.

[weller54]

Fushs coming in and de leat being benched has been the difference.

Dont recognise either of those names?

[ScouseFox]

Whatever you say he's still the weak link. Even when we win, the threat from the opposition (highlight against Man Utd) is still coming from down the right flank.

A defender who doesn't tackle and only knows how to jockey will always be a weak link.

 

most attacks come down that side because the opposition try and get two on one situations vs simpson because mahrez is more likely to abandon defensive duties compared to albrighton on the other side (or schlupp if he is there). we could have cafu at right back and most opposition would still target that area purely because we don't get much cover from riyad (which isn't a bad thing, i couldn't give a shit if he didn't make one defensive contribution for the rest of his career here). 

[Hack]

At the beginning of the season we were pretty terrible at the back and leaking goals.

 

Recently, however, we have been fantastic. Is it true we haven't conceded from open play for 8 games? That's astounding if true!

 

Obviously our set-piece marking is slightly shambolic but I think with our style of play and the height of the players which suit that style, conceding soft goals from corners etc. will need to be accepted and minimised at best.

 

Who has been our best defender this season? I'd go for Morgan. 

If that stat is true, it would say Simpson or Fuchs is.  Since they have replaced De laet and Schlupp we have been far more stable and harder to break down. Their positional play has allowed Huth and Morgan to be more comfortable holding the middle ground. The change of player on both defensive flanks has set the platform.

 

I would go with Fuchs.

[Babylon]

Funny how a lot of people at the start of the season were saying that De Laet wasn't the problem and that it's that Mahrez wasn't giving him any protection. Let's just say that no one has any reservations about playing Mahrez out wide anymore because of his defensive vulnerabilities. Simpson is definitely an upgrade on De Laet, defensively speaking anyway. 

Mahrez was part of the problem was the point. If you have an attack minded full back who we all know can switch off, you need to protect him. Mahrez just wasn't doing that half the time. Also, to his credit Mahrez has been sensational defensively lately. Something I pointed out on Saturday he absolutely worked his socks off to get back and put tackles in.

[Bamba's Babes]

RDL is a donkey.

He is regularly out of position, sulks when he gets beaten or the crowd jeers him and, many might not have noticed this, but he loves to concede a corner which might not be a huge problem and shows he is at least making a block but when we concede goals from the resulting set-piece with ease, it's an issue.

[(.) (.)]

I can't be the only one who thinks Simpson has still been pretty doggo?

Granted we're playing well but he's stealing a living as a right back. He doesn't even make a tackle for crying out loud. He hasn't got pace, he can't attack and he can't particularly defend. All he does is jockey like a lemon.

New RB in Jan is strongly needed.

 

So much is wrong with this post. Just because his name isn't Simpsondinho doesn't make him a big steaming pile of gashness.

[Adster]

most attacks come down that side because the opposition try and get two on one situations vs simpson because mahrez is more likely to abandon defensive duties compared to albrighton on the other side (or schlupp if he is there). we could have cafu at right back and most opposition would still target that area purely because we don't get much cover from riyad (which isn't a bad thing, i couldn't give a shit if he didn't make one defensive contribution for the rest of his career here).

Fair point but having no defensive cover has nothing to do with the fact he doesn't ever tackle. Cafu would at least attempt a tackle!

[fuchsntf]

Fair point but having no defensive cover has nothing to do with the fact he doesn't ever tackle. Cafu would at least attempt a tackle!

But yesterday he put in at least 4 intercepting tackles, plus against Manu, sometimes he was beaten, but again he put in his share of blocks.

If you hadnt noticed this season we also have scored goals by beating the opposition fullbacks,

its part of the game, too many posters see the bogeymen everywhere just to sell their opinions.

We go too much into detail...Fuchs has been shaved a few times, but nobody wants to know...

Ulloa hits one over the bar, hes useless,Vardy hits 3 over its all lovedovy, critic sometimes

on the individual players mistakes, or just part of play, gets too much over the top analyse.,