Thracian Posted 31 July 2008 Posted 31 July 2008 It's not often I feel uncertain about footballers but hand-on-heart I haven't got a clue about our best centre-back pairing right now and would love to hear some views. Obviously Tunchev is going to play. We wouldn't have signed a Bulgarian international of such repute to leave him tootling around in the reserves. But, first match or not, he didn't fill me with confidence. He did look quite cultured, almost in the effortless way of Alan Hansen. But Hansen was usually where it mattered when trouble arose. His superb positional sense allowed him to deal with so many situations almost casually but he also dealt with good individuals if he had to. He could be tight as notes in a new wallet when it came to marking. Whether Tunchev can do that remains to be seen but, assuming his place is nailed on, who should play with him? Hobbs, Morrison or Worley? If Worley wasn't so prone to making mistakes I would perhaps look in his direction because he has the height to really dominate in the air and is quite a tidy footballer in possession which is a bonus. But even in such a short time at City his gaffs are mounting quite alarmingly and, for such a big fellow, he seems too easily knocked off the ball at times. Nothing that sustained strength-building couldn't put right eventually but we're talking here and now. So what of the strengths/weaknesses of Hobbs and Morrison. Which of them has the edge and why cos I'm still not sure.
SussexFox Posted 31 July 2008 Posted 31 July 2008 personally i would go with Tunchev and Hobbs - Hobbs for me is a very good player who i believe Rafa Benitez rates highly as one for the future. I was surprised when he joined us i thought numerous Championship clubs would be interested in him and i've heard a lot of Liverpool fans didn't want him to go to us and would have liked him to stay all be it as decent cover for Agger, Skrtel and Carra
Austin Posted 31 July 2008 Posted 31 July 2008 Tunchev and Hobbs for me .. I think they'll do alright given a few games together.
Sparky Posted 31 July 2008 Posted 31 July 2008 It's not often I feel uncertain about footballers but hand-on-heart I haven't got a clue about our best centre-back pairing right now and would love to hear some views.Obviously Tunchev is going to play. We wouldn't have signed a Bulgarian international of such repute to leave him tootling around in the reserves. But, first match or not, he didn't fill me with confidence. He did look quite cultured, almost in the effortless way of Alan Hansen. But Hansen was usually where it mattered when trouble arose. His superb positional sense allowed him to deal with so many situations almost casually but he also dealt with good individuals if he had to. He could be tight as notes in a new wallet when it came to marking. Whether Tunchev can do that remains to be seen but, assuming his place is nailed on, who should play with him? Hobbs, Morrison or Worley? If Worley wasn't so prone to making mistakes I would perhaps look in his direction because he has the height to really dominate in the air and is quite a tidy footballer in possession which is a bonus. But even in such a short time at City his gaffs are mounting quite alarmingly and, for such a big fellow, he seems too easily knocked off the ball at times. Nothing that sustained strength-building couldn't put right eventually but we're talking here and now. So what of the strengths/weaknesses of Hobbs and Morrison. Which of them has the edge and why cos I'm still not sure. Yeah agree with that . With Tunchev looking like he would rather be the free centre half that drops off i feel his partner needs to be an aggressive ball winner and good in the air . Not really seen enough of Hobbs or Morrison to decide on which 1 would suit Tunchev better
mmarkie Posted 31 July 2008 Posted 31 July 2008 Yeah agree with that . With Tunchev looking like he would rather be the free centre half that drops off i feel his partner needs to be an aggressive ball winner and good in the air . Not really seen enough of Hobbs or Morrison to decide on which 1 would suit Tunchev better Must have been difficult for Tunchev though seeing as he was playing his first ever game in England and cannot speak much English.
Sparky Posted 31 July 2008 Posted 31 July 2008 Must have been difficult for Tunchev though seeing as he was playing his first ever game in England and cannot speak much English. Yeah agreed , dont think he did too bad to be honest . My point was that he seems to enjoy dropping deep and allowing his partner to attack balls
mmarkie Posted 31 July 2008 Posted 31 July 2008 Yeah agreed , dont think he did too bad to be honest . My point was that he seems to enjoy dropping deep and allowing his partner to attack balls Yeah agree with that but he did quite well IMO.
Salieri Posted 31 July 2008 Posted 31 July 2008 Tunchev and Hobbs. Tunchev should be the stand out defender in this division once he's adapted to his new surroundings. Hobbs, Worley and Morrison all with bags of potential, i just feel that of the three Hobbs looks to be the most ready i guess and given a run of first team football could turn out to be a very shrewd acquisition. It's all about competition for places, a bad performance or two and you're out the team, exactly the way it should be. That said, it would be nice to have a settled team as much as possible! Too many players last season were in the comfort zone cos they pretty much knew their place was safe, barring left back and goaleeping positions we've got good cover this season. Sorry, went off on a bit of a tangent there! so erm yeah Tunchev and Hobbs!
Simi Posted 31 July 2008 Posted 31 July 2008 Tunchev and Hobbs. Tunchev should be the stand out defender in this division once he's adapted to his new surroundings. Hobbs, Worley and Morrison all with bags of potential, i just feel that of the three Hobbs looks to be the most ready i guess and given a run of first team football could turn out to be a very shrewd acquisition.It's all about competition for places, a bad performance or two and you're out the team, exactly the way it should be. That said, it would be nice to have a settled team as much as possible! Too many players last season were in the comfort zone cos they pretty much knew their place was safe, barring left back and goaleeping positions we've got good cover this season. Sorry, went off on a bit of a tangent there! so erm yeah Tunchev and Hobbs! Good post and welcome. I agree with your choice as well. I think it looks like Tunchev is always going to get a rough ride from Thracian from now on. I thought Tunchev looked confident in possesion and I was pleased that he always looked to pass it out of defence to feat, something we've not had with past central defedners. Hobbs was at fault for one of the goals, but with games will come more match sharpness and awareness hopefully, as you say he looks like he's more along the line than Morrison or Worley, but in time I think they will be more than adequate backup.
davieG Posted 31 July 2008 Posted 31 July 2008 I've not seen Tunchev, Morrison or Hobbs play. I have seen Worley and he worries me I don't think he's ready just yet. As for the others on principle I'd be reluctant to see Hobbs take the lions share of appearances over Morrison, Morrison is our player and we need to develop him whereas Hobbs no matter how good he is will be gone next year and we'd have to start all over developing the next CB if he becomes an ever present. If Morrison isn't good enough for this league then I'd seriously question the motives behind his purchase by Pearson.
thybluefox Posted 31 July 2008 Posted 31 July 2008 Tunchev and Hobbs. It was actually Tunchev's second game in the shirt, don't forget the game in Slovenia I think when he gets use to the style of play, and playing within the team, Tunchev will be one of the best defenders in the league, partnered with as I see it, Hobbs or Morrison. Worley needs a little more time I think.
Babylon Posted 31 July 2008 Posted 31 July 2008 It's not often I feel uncertain about footballers but hand-on-heart I haven't got a clue about our best centre-back pairing right now and would love to hear some views.Obviously Tunchev is going to play. We wouldn't have signed a Bulgarian international of such repute to leave him tootling around in the reserves. But, first match or not, he didn't fill me with confidence. He did look quite cultured, almost in the effortless way of Alan Hansen. But Hansen was usually where it mattered when trouble arose. His superb positional sense allowed him to deal with so many situations almost casually but he also dealt with good individuals if he had to. He could be tight as notes in a new wallet when it came to marking. Whether Tunchev can do that remains to be seen but, assuming his place is nailed on, who should play with him? Hobbs, Morrison or Worley? If Worley wasn't so prone to making mistakes I would perhaps look in his direction because he has the height to really dominate in the air and is quite a tidy footballer in possession which is a bonus. But even in such a short time at City his gaffs are mounting quite alarmingly and, for such a big fellow, he seems too easily knocked off the ball at times. Nothing that sustained strength-building couldn't put right eventually but we're talking here and now. So what of the strengths/weaknesses of Hobbs and Morrison. Which of them has the edge and why cos I'm still not sure. Alan Hansen spoke English. Had trained with his team mates more than two weeks. Had played more than 2 games. Alan Hansen played in the "premier league", we are in league one. Tunchev doesn't need to be Alan Hansen... but he will be more than good enough for this league. Considering the above, I thought he played bloody well and dominated their strikers in the air in open play. When he is use to the system and can understand who he is meant to be marking when changes have been made he'll be good.
Fez of Mahrez Posted 31 July 2008 Posted 31 July 2008 Yeah agreed , dont think he did too bad to be honest . My point was that he seems to enjoy dropping deep and allowing his partner to attack balls That's interesting especially with you being a centre-half. Personally I thought he tried to head clear every ball that went anywhere remotely near him, and with relish. Tunchev and Hobbs for me based on what I've seen. Morrison doesn't look quite there yet, he lets people in behind him too easily. As for developing him over Hobbs, we can't afford to develop centre-halves. Whoever's better must play.
Miquel The Work Geordie Posted 31 July 2008 Posted 31 July 2008 I didn't go to the B'Ham game so I don't know how well Tunchev played. However, a striker with the almost effortless finishing ability of Kevin Phillips will not be around in League One. From what I gather also, it sounds aas if both Worley and Morrison have been hit-and-miss in pre-season. On their day it sounds like both of them could be useful.
Sparky Posted 31 July 2008 Posted 31 July 2008 That's interesting especially with you being a centre-half. Personally I thought he tried to head clear every ball that went anywhere remotely near him, and with relish.Tunchev and Hobbs for me based on what I've seen. Morrison doesn't look quite there yet, he lets people in behind him too easily. As for developing him over Hobbs, we can't afford to develop centre-halves. Whoever's better must play. It was something i was trying to keep an eye on , he won virtually every header he went for but seemed far happier when Hobbs/Morrison attacked as he just dropped in to pick up pieces if either of his partners lost thier headers . To me he looks a very intelligent player , knowing when to attack and when not to . The only time i thought he looked slightly suspect was late in the game when he got isolated with Phillips a few times but by that stage he was blowing after his lack of games . I think he will be a solid player for us . As for his partner i agree with Thrach that the more physical Worley make work well together but Worley does seem to make a fair few errors . From what ive seen id just edge Hobbs
Fez of Mahrez Posted 31 July 2008 Posted 31 July 2008 It was something i was trying to keep an eye on , he won virtually every header he went for but seemed far happier when Hobbs/Morrison attacked as he just dropped in to pick up pieces if either of his partners lost thier headers . To me he looks a very intelligent player , knowing when to attack and when not to . The only time i thought he looked slightly suspect was late in the game when he got isolated with Phillips a few times but by that stage he was blowing after his lack of games . I think he will be a solid player for us . As for his partner i agree with Thrach that the more physical Worley make work well together but Worley does seem to make a fair few errors . From what ive seen id just edge Hobbs Interesting. Possibly only attacked the ball when it came directly into his area of the pitch because of the communication issue. He did look good on the night. I'm determined not to Kaebify him though.
Miquel The Work Geordie Posted 31 July 2008 Posted 31 July 2008 I think that the club is the winner. It's so refreshing to have so many options/back up that will play in their proper positions.
brookfox Posted 31 July 2008 Posted 31 July 2008 Having seen all 3 play bit parts pre-season I'm not convinced any of them are up to the challenge just yet. You'd assume Liverpool havesent Hobbs here to play, similarly Arsenal with Gilbert (which is a shame as he's disappointed me so far). What's happened to N'Gotty?! He's experienced and his lack of pace should (I assume) be less of an issue in League 1. Until one of the young 3 shows their up for it, I'm afraid he might be my choice.
ASH17LCFC Posted 31 July 2008 Posted 31 July 2008 This threads about CBs for goalkeepers post here: http://www.foxestalk.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=52346 Sorry Davie G, i've posted it in the thread Could you please move it ?
Fez of Mahrez Posted 31 July 2008 Posted 31 July 2008 Having seen all 3 play bit parts pre-season I'm not convinced any of them are up to the challenge just yet. You'd assume Liverpool havesent Hobbs here to play, similarly Arsenal with Gilbert (which is a shame as he's disappointed me so far). What's happened to N'Gotty?! He's experienced and his lack of pace should (I assume) be less of an issue in League 1. Until one of the young 3 shows their up for it, I'm afraid he might be my choice. After his showing at Hinckley I think Pearson realised he was past it. He never really demonstrated his class last season either and I think he needs to go really, given the wages he's on.
Miquel The Work Geordie Posted 31 July 2008 Posted 31 July 2008 After his showing at Hinckley I think Pearson realised he was past it. He never really demonstrated his class last season either and I think he needs to go really, given the wages he's on. I agree. I think that defence is something Pearson desperately wants to get right considering his success at the back as a player, and, although I don't mind if a defender has little pace, it would seem that N'Gotty has nothing left in the tank.
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