05 Aug 2014 14:53:24
Does anyone think that Carrick (once fit again) could slot into the centre of our back 3 (if we don't get the top quality addition we want).
I think this role needs to be a leader of the other 2 with vision and be comfortable on the ball bringing it out from the back. Everything that Carrick is when playing the holding midfield role.
I know he has been tried as a CB with various degrees of success but I think this sweeper role could be made for him

{Ed004's Note - I think he could do a good job there}

1.) 05 Aug 2014
That could be an option, but that would mean we have to buy Vidal or Strootman. Vidal preferably.

2.) 05 Aug 2014
05 Aug 2014 15:22:40
I think he could do a job there but not first choice, he might be better as sweeper than in midfield. I think he slows the game down too much for the way LVG seems to want his team to play.

3.) 05 Aug 2014
No
We need a top CB for the roll not a midfielder.

4.) 05 Aug 2014
Brad,

I think that is a very interesting point, and its one I made last week. Carrick has all the attributes to make an excellent sweeper. He is an intelligent footballer who reads the game well, and is a very good passer, as we all know. But he struggles in midfield a times due to has lack of pace. Playing as the deepest of three central defenders, that lack of pace wouldn't necessarily be a huge issue. Perhaps not in every game, but it does give the manager options. I'm sure it will be a case of "horses for courses" under LvG, and tactics and formations may well change from game to game, or even during games, depending on circumstances and opposition.
I'm not saying Carrick is the next Franco Barresi, but he could do a very food job as a sweeper. Having said that, I would still like to see a top quality CB come in to play alongside Jones / Evans, even will a sweeper behind them.

5.) 05 Aug 2014
Definitely. We need somebody that can pass the ball, we waste a man back there because most teams play with one up. So we end up with the three CB's passing to each other and the keeper. Carrick or another footballer will be crucial if we are to use the ball effectively.

6.) 05 Aug 2014
I think Carrick may not be the answer at CB but we do need another experienced body in there (and they ideally would be comfortable on the ball and bringing it out from the back). if the defenders are passing to themselves and the keeper that suggests to me there is either no movement in midfield or the defenders are not spotting passes quick enough before space created in midfield is closed down. Both scenarios I am confident lvg will be addressing after games and in training. I find it interesting and fairly positive to see that in most games we have improved in the second half which is probably due to slight changes and weaknesses identified by lvg and staff. The old adage about a great team winning when not playing well should also be remembered. I know some are upset that we haven't got Vidal etc but there are massive positives to be had from this pre-season and I seriously think some players will step up and pleasantly surprise the fans. I think I am probably in a minority here but I believe should we start well/avoid key injuries we could find ourselves as potential champions.

7.) 05 Aug 2014
Carrick is rubbish
Too slow and too lightweight for the BPL now
Ngiak hopes he leaves soon
gan

8.) 05 Aug 2014
Ngiak
I would like to take you seriously but to do so would be an affront to your intelligence.
Long live the Penguin.

9.) 05 Aug 2014
The penguin needs medication. I'm not saying I agree but Carrick will still add value and could easily slot in as the 3rd creature CB. Any update on your insider transfer knowledge my furry friend?

10.) 05 Aug 2014
Betty, Sorry I must have missed your post about this.
I agree with what you have put here though, intelligent player and could well do a job alongside the younger centre backs. Hopefully not first choice but a definite option.
Franco Baresi. .now there was a player. If he could be half of that we would be doing alright.
General consensus is that we hope for him not to play there. . however if he did it would not be the end of the world. Well apart from NGIAK anyway. .who has extreme views on it but that's the beauty of being a fan we all see slightly different things