Our centre backs

[eteb]

I'm sounding like a broken record, but Burgess has cost us many points this season with Sunday league defending. The number one priority in the summer is a comfortable on-the-ball center-half to play alongside Cabango. The problem is, you won't get much change out of 8 million pounds.

Yep. The more I watch us
The more I think rb isn't as much as a problem as I thought. The problem is the two cb's with 50p feet, can't pass, can't control a ball or intercept properly. They can only defend headers and their one on one defending is embarrassing

 

[eteb]

He isn't far wrong though. Donkeys

 

[Ringwood]

Our CB's need a lot of attributes to play the Matos system. They need composure, decent quick distribution to feet, a turn of pace and leadership. I struggle to see any of those in our current pairing.

 

[eteb]

Our CB's need a lot of attributes to play the Matos system. They need composure, decent quick distribution to feet, a turn of pace and leadership. I struggle to see any of those in our current pairing.

To be honest I'm struggling to see a system with matos, pressing aside

 

[IsraJack]

All the above is true but surprisingly this season we managed to get 12 clean sheets which is more than 2023/24 season (10) , 2022/23 (9), and we have more games in hand to match last season (14). In addition, this season we are playing without a proper RB (excluding Parker) which put more load on their feet. I agree with Jackareme that we cant play them together but with a good BPD we can use them in rotation.

 

[Dillwyn the Dog]

He's a car crash basically.

But we had the meanest defence we have had for years and made the top six twice?

 

[Dillwyn the Dog]

To be honest I'm struggling to see a system with matos, pressing aside

Some of the passing and movement at Wrexham was sublime but stupid mistakes cost us the game - if we can get that play in the majority of our games we could be in the playoffs mix. Matos is definitely a big upgrade on what we had before and he’s still learning his trade. A big plus for me yesterday that Ronald didn't start and didn’t even come on as sub although Nunes performance will probably have him back next game.

 

[Ringwood]

To be honest I'm struggling to see a system with matos, pressing aside

His system is a high press and high line with wide players being able to beat a defender and getting boddies in the box. The problem we have currently is we can't play a high line with our current CB's as they get caught out in transition. Both Cabango and Burgess like playing deeper as this compensates for thier lack of pace. This in turn creates a big void between the back line and our midfield which decent teams exploit. They are both decent enough in the air and defending the edge of our box but once the game opens up they are both exposed.

 

[Blackpooljack]

Since relegation I can totally honestly say I've never watched any part of any Prem game, but this morning I watched the highlights of Spurs and i know relegation would have them leaving in droves but whatever was left would absolutely rip us to shreds next season, the speed and skill of even the dross of the Prem would totally overwhelm our defence.

 

[Swanjaxs]

But we had the meanest defence we have had for years and made the top six twice?

Was on about Burgess mate.

 

[Swans Jack]

It's almost like we need a Darling type of player.

 

[Smurph]

It's almost like we need a Darling type of player.

We probably do just not on the money Harry was asking for.

 

[Swans Jack]

We probably do just not on the money Harry was asking for.

100%. Pitty he messed us around. A player who can come out and is good on the ball. Honesty I am not trying to get on the Burgess bandwagon, and yes he has played every minute this season. But he was dreadful from the start with us with his passing. If he is still in defense next season then I can't see us progressing. Back up is fine.

 

[Swans Jack]

Since relegation I can totally honestly say I've never watched any part of any Prem game, but this morning I watched the highlights of Spurs and i know relegation would have them leaving in droves but whatever was left would absolutely rip us to shreds next season, the speed and skill of even the dross of the Prem would totally overwhelm our defence.

That's why many including myself wonders if a player like Grimes can hack it in the Premier league. He won't get the time to doddle on the ball. To be fair to the Swans, we have massively sped up our game and yesterday against Southampton who was in the Premier league last season, we showed we can keep up with the speed. Sadly we run out of steam at around 75, 80th minute. Get a preseason under Matos and fitness and players and I can't see why we couldn't compete at least top 8 to 10. Not saying we will be a premier league team but we have the foundations in place to build

 

[Flash]

I’ve said for a while now a new CB is top priority, right now it’s the weakest part of the team. There is just too much disconnect between our midfield and defence at the moment. Stamenic was solving it yesterday by dropping back in to defence to get the ball. But we need CBs capable of driving the ball forward without hoofing down the pitch.

Cabango in his defence has spent a lot of the season covering a weak right side. Plus he has got it in him to have a lions performance. He is still quite young for a CB so there could be room for improvement. He’s not brilliant but I think he’ll be good enough paired with someone else.

Burges for me is the one we need to replace. The pairing doesn’t work, they have similar strengths and weaknesses. Burges isn’t getting any younger and has too many moments where he switches off and makes a mistake. I just worry we cant move him on and he’ll end up a very expensive substitute.