13 Feb 2019 23:30:27
One difference between our current squad and the best teams in the world is that they have fullbacks, wingbacks who are very good on the ball.

Example last night, Bernat was very good, but Luke Shaw is very limited on the ball. He is strong, fast, tough, and a decent defender. But on the ball, he is very one-footed, rather slow in choosing his pass, offers little threat in the final third, and gets far too many passes blocked. He is already a decent player, but these are areas that must improve.

We have similar issues at right back. Ashley Young has done well but is not getting any quicker. Dalot does look good on the ball, but has not convinced yet as a defender.

Compare to the best teams, and they quick defenders at these positions who also have the ball skills of center mids or wingers.

1.) 14 Feb 2019
14 Feb 2019 06:14:10
Spot on. While I like Shaw, he is extremely one-footed as is Valencia.

2.) 14 Feb 2019
14 Feb 2019 06:16:48
I have to agree seems we’ve been saying the same thing for so long though. I think we also lack creativity in the middle of the pitch, if pogba ain’t doing it were not going to see much creativity from matic or Herrera no matter how well they’re playing, I also think we’re unbalanced down the right and need a proper right sided winger/ inside forward liked what I saw of Jadon Sancho last night looks a great prospect.

3.) 14 Feb 2019
14 Feb 2019 11:29:53
Douglas Costa would add much better balance on the right wing. He has electric pace to trouble defenders.

I previously suggested that once we strengthen the defence, we must replace Herrera with a player of better quality.
I admire his work rate and attitude, but he just can't pass forward.
We rely too much on Pogba to provide the key forward passes.

4.) 14 Feb 2019
14 Feb 2019 11:48:32
Most full backs are one footed, if they had the skill of being "two footed" they would play further forward. There are notable exceptions obviously but that tends to be the rule.

I agree that we lack the depth and quality at full back, I have said several times on this site that I would ideally like to see two full backs come in this summer to compete/ rotate with Shaw and Dalot. However, that is unlikely given the need in other positions and the fact Young has signed a new one year deal.

We need someone who can be a game changer, Ricardo Pereira at Leicester has been fantastic going forward for them this season, slightly suspect in defence though. However, I see that as less of an issue if he moved to a side that would be tested less often defensively. Thomas Meunier would be the dream signing, yet that boat may have sailed with him now being PSG's first choice RB.

In an ideal world I'd like to see a LB come in and compete with Shaw, Jose Gaya or Lucas Digne who has been very good at Everton this season could be good options. However, if budget is key then maybe Philip Max would be a good cheaper option.

{Ed001's Note - I really don't get your Ricardo obsession, the lad is hopeless defensively and nothing special going forward. He is bad enough that Leicester have been searching for a replacement and he is only in the team because the midfielder that had taken the place back off him, Amartey, is injured.}