I'd totally forget about signing Leighton Baines. This rumour cooled off quite a bit, but Pienaar has come out and pleaded with Everton to keep hold of him. I do rate him, he's got a sweet left foot and hes one of the better left backs knocking around.
HOWEVER, Everton's valuation of him is too steep (fair play to them though, hes instrumental to them and we have no god given right to expect him to come for peanuts). Its typical overvalued Englishman scenario again. He's 27 I presume and for me he is not an improvement on Patrice Evra, despite all the criticism lately, should still be a first team regular. Some would argue he doesn't do enough defensively, that hes lost that desire and hunger, and that his crosses are woeful. He does still contribute heavily coming forward and he really does drive us on attacking wise with his runs.
NOW is the time to give him some genuine competition. Bring in a young and hungry full back to challenge his position. Somebody with the potential to really nail that left back spot in the future (some could argue Fabio was the man to do this, but I think he'll be deployed as a right back, he's mainly played there for us and I think hes better there than at left back).
If I were managing this great club, I'd look no further than Neil Taylor. He really impressed me last season for Swansea, and has looked fantastic in the Olympics. He can play both left and right, and he has the potential to improve his game further. I think he can become a great left back, especially if he were to move to us. He's playing for a side who love to play football the correct way, and he'd enjoy the same success if he were to make the switch. At a rough estimate I think we could get him for around 12 mil, which for me would be a steal. He's certainly more value for money than Leighton Baines and he will become a better player.
What do you all think?
Would you\do you think we will buy a left back?
Any other transfer rumours or preferences you'd like to share?
Thankyou for reading
If we are indeed in for a new left back...
posted on 4/8/12
I don't think we can take from Oviedo's quotes that he really wants to play for United.
He said he's flattered and proud at being linked with United which is what I'm sure most players would say if they were linked with United or any other big club. I'm sure he would've said exactly the same thing had it been Barcelona or Real Madrid.
posted on 4/8/12
In fairness you could put clips together of Ronaldo and Messi falling over and missing the ball.....doesn't make them poor players.
Youtube isn't a scouting tool.
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umm thats sort of what I meant.
posted on 4/8/12
I know. I'm in agreement
posted on 4/8/12
Meh i watched 5 games of swanseas last yr and not once did i say "this taylor fella was isnt bad". The euro tournament has not changed this. More importantly, if he is doing a deal like this, fergie gets in early, not after an international tournament.
posted on 4/8/12
On the last two seasons form Baines is without doubt an improvement on Evra. How we would go about rotating them I don't know because a consistent back four is important.
Perhaps he would play left midfield on the odd occasion? He has good link up play and as good a delivery as any winger in the PL.
posted on 4/8/12
Fair enough guys. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.
I for one see Baines as Evra's equal, in terms of talent I think Evra is the better player but arguably his form suffered due to WC, lack of motivation, Suarez incident? Just speculating. I have a lot of love for Evra, hes a great character, loves the club and we've had considerable success with him as our LB and I reckon hes still got so much more to offer. Why cast off Evra, a loyal servant, for somebody who's the flavour of the month right now?
Sure Baines is good, hes been solid for a number of seasons, but IMO he's nothing to get excited about. Just a solid English player. Much like Evra, I've seen him get caught out defensively too, all full backs do. Baines only offers a greater set piece threat than Evra.
I'd say stick with Evra but if we're gunna buy another LB, let it be someone with potential to be great, Taylor fits that mould.
Also Busbys, how often does Baines play as a winger? Very rarely. If Evras been as shocking as you make out, why would he have any trouble displacing Evra? I wouldn't waste my time playing Baines there when we have Ash Young and Nani who can play that position MUCH better
posted on 4/8/12
Fabio has more potential than Taylor for me.
posted on 4/8/12
Big season for Fabio.
I rate him but he still gets intimidated and can be very rash with his tackling.
But technically he's a very accomplished young player.
posted on 4/8/12
Baines is a great player but its pointless spending 15 million on a back up/rotation player. The problem is if we sign baines then next year we will have fabio,baines and evra, so who do we sign as LB
posted on 5/8/12
I'd hate for Baines to leave,but he's more that solid. He had more assists than any defender,and he also bags a couple of goals to boot.