Benny possibly out for a month?

[spursontheloose]

Just seen on Sky that he has "bone fragment" problem in one of his knees and may need surgeory which could take him out for a month.

Kyle Naughton, now is your time to shine!!

 

[BringBack_leGin]

Oh dear. Hopefully Naughton improves quickly because (yes, I know he was out of position) all their danger came from his side, including their goal (which the other Kyle fell asleep for).

 

[Yid121]

Oh dear. Hopefully Naughton improves quickly because (yes, I know he was out of position) all their danger came from his side, including their goal (which the other Kyle fell asleep for).

I think that was more Bale and the Reading winger than Kyle...... He was their best player and Bale gave Naughton no protection whatsoever on the left wing, he was so lazy at tracking back!

I was pleasantly surprised by how competent Naughton looked, apart from giving a few fouls away, he played some good balls forward and looked fairly solid.

 

[chinaman]

Seems that the loan of both Kyles really prove to be good moves. Credit goes to Harry.

 

[scat1620]

I think that was more Bale and the Reading winger than Kyle...... He was their best player and Bale gave Naughton no protection whatsoever on the left wing, he was so lazy at tracking back!

I was pleasantly surprised by how competent Naughton looked, apart from giving a few fouls away, he played some good balls forward and looked fairly solid.

Agreed. Given that Naughton was playing in his second-choice position of left-back and this start is very early days in terms of his career playing matches for THFC (as opposed to the sides he has been on loan at), I thought Naughton had a quietly impressive game today. Not immaculate, but certainly not enough to suggest that he'll be out of his depth filling in for Benny. Certainly prefer him there to Rose.

 

[spursontheloose]

It's a shame for Benny but He'll be back.

I think Naughton had a good game today. Obviously, he will be better tested against a more stern opposition but I agree with those saying that Naughton looks better than Rose.
Didn't look out of place at all, kept his head and didn't do anything really stupid.
It's good to know that we have good cover for the left back position as I was a bit worried how we would cope if Benny did get crocked, but Naughton has given me confidence that we will be ok, and of course Verts can play there to so looks good with regards to the left back position.

 

[danielneeds]

FFS, why wasn't this done after the Norwich game? He could have theoretically been back for QPR, definitely United.

 

[parklane_n17]

Seems that the loan of both Kyles really prove to be good moves. Credit goes to Harry.

credit to harry you will be lucky, after todays result he seems to be the worst manager we have ever had !!!

 

[AJW]

Sad to hear.When is he out of contract? Didn't realise he was 28 now. AVB will be looking for replacements soon!

 

[MightyModric]

Vertonghen to LB and Caulker to CB.

Sorted.

 

[wozzahotspurs]

tbf Benny has been pretty poor our first few games! The Norwich players were going past him for fun, so i think a rest may be good for him.

For the record i am a Benny fan

 

[mabizela]

I was really impressed with him and I felt more safe with him than Ekotto for some reason.

 

[Francis Gibbs]

either Naughton learns to kick and tackle with his left foot or we move Verts there which would be a shame

 

[cracker man]

All things considered I thought he coped very well, and should improve game after game. The only time I would consider putting Verts at LB and bringing in Caulker at CH is when we play the hoof ball merchants like West Ham, and Stoke where an extra big lad would be beneficial with set pieces.

 

[The Watcher]

Thought Naughton did OK considering he can't be anywhere near match fit, like having a versatile full-back in the squad. Very good player for a rotation option IMO.
Agree that Bale leaves whichever left-back fairly isolated at times, although I was pleased to see him running down the left wing and crossing more often today, think someone's had a word.

 

[Bill_Oddie]

This is entirely my fault. I just ordered Benny's name on the back of my shirt. It was all so avoidable.

Knew I should have gone for Jenas...

 

[Davo99]

Despite what I was reading in the match thread etc. on him, I thought Naughton had a very solid game.

What I did notice today which only backed up what I thought I've been noticing recently in little bits and bobs I've seen of him is that Caulker looks pissed off. I think he wants to be starting and looks as if he'll be kicking up a huge fuss if he isn't. When we scored today and they cut to AVB and the bench celebrating, Caulker didn't look happy at all. In fact he looked pissed (very noticeable with Defoe's first).

Maybe this news means he'll have more of a chance of getting in and remaining content at the Club.

 

[steventhfc]

Slide Vertonghen to LB for where he plays for Belgium, Caulker CB. Sorted.

 

[stormfly]

We have a few options: naughton at left back, Verts at left back and Caulker cb or even Bale at left back and Dempsey/Townsend on the left.

 

[Bill_Oddie]

It's probable that Bale at left back would actually suit the new tactical approach better. A key part our play is the full backs pushing forward, even ahead of the midfield. Bale would also get the chance to build up momentum from deeper. We're also well stocked in players who can fill the AM roles: Dempsey, Sig, Dembele, even Adebayor and Lennon could play where Bale is currently not quite convincing.

My problem with this is that we'll be moving Bale before he has fully got to grips with this new system. The same can be said for moving Vertonghen before he gets settled with his new teammates. Hence, logically, why Naughton can expect an extended run in the team. Wouldn't mind seeing Adam Smith or even Kevin Stewart if we get an easy game in the Carling Cup.