Ledley's 'we've got 2 teams' interview

[maltahotspur]

we have massive weaknesses in our cover

gomes is the only PL standard keeper

Crouch & defoe is the only 'top 6' striking option we have

i also think we don't have proper cover at LB either - but that's about to be tested

You made a couple of good remarks there DC.

However, we have to understand that it ain't easy to have back up for every position which is equal in quality to our first choice. I agree that we need a decent back up for Gomes, but we can't expect to have one as good as Gomes. If one as good as him becomes available, which is quite impossible really, he will not choose to come to us. He will want to join a club which will offer him to start as first choice.

As for the left-back position, I think that Bale is still a bit raw in his defending capabilities but he ain't that bad as some of us make him. On the other hand we are lucky enough that Bassong's omission from Cameroon's ANC squad, was a blessing in disguise and he will fill in the LB position with dignity if need be.

I also beg to differ with your view on our strikers situation as well. My point is, top quality duo strikers such as Defoe & Crouch combination is not a luxury many teams have. I agree that PAV needs to be replaced and he has to be shipped out (unfortunately it has not worked for him here.) On the other hand, despite the glaring fact that Keano is not the same quality player that we all had the pleasure to witness and admire in the past, I still strongly feel that he is still a very good back-up. I mean if Owen can still do it for Man.U., why can't Keane for us ?

One position I really think we need to sort out in this window is the CM spot (In the Palacios mould)

Lastly I believe that, if God willing, we can make a top 4 finish and CL football, we will be in a much better position to attract more quality players to join our ranks.

In Harry and Levy I trust that they will deliver us to the long awaited promised land.

COYS.

 

[Rocket]

The squad looks good to me. Recall O'Hara as cover for Wilson and LB and get rid of Pav, Bentley and maybe if Hutton if Naughton isn't thought to be ready to step up

 

[Raxscallion]

we have massive weaknesses in our cover

gomes is the only PL standard keeper

Crouch & defoe is the only 'top 6' striking option we have

i also think we don't have proper cover at LB either - but that's about to be tested

In terms of 'quality' rather than form or fitness, I disagree.

Cudicini is an excellent 2nd choice keeper, but parked his bike badly.

Keane and Pav are both proven quality stikers, but one is an arrogant twat (imo) and the other wants out.

You can never have 22 players all of which are CL standard in terms of quality, attitude and form. IMO we've got a superb level of strength in depth. Certainly better than any outside of the Sky4. The only time you'll ever have 2 players worthy of CL footie in every position is if you're an iconic worldwide CL club, in which case you'll have the best young talent queuing up to be understudies. Few clubs have that luxury (Man U, Barca etc). Seeing as we have no Euro footie at all this season, I think we're punching well above our weight.

 

[Kendall]

u might want to put valencia on the right?

Completely forgot about him since he's been so shite :lol:

 

[DC_Boy]

In terms of 'quality' rather than form or fitness, I disagree.

.

cudicini is not our cover goalie ATM or for the foreseeable future

pav is history it seems re playing for us

keane and defoe i don't rate as a combo

bale i don't rate - but that test is now to come

so i reiterate my points and have to disagree with your good self

 

[shelfsideyid]

A squad containing two quality players for every position is a myth, and none of the great sides in my memory had two 'first' 11's. Every succesfull side of the last 60 yrs had a core of 13-14 players at most.

The nearest was probably Chelsea under Mourihno, but even that squad had holes in certain positions.

Injuries aside, you could argue Spurs are closest to having 'two 11's'

GK: Gomes/Cudicini
RB: Corluka/Hutton
CB: Daws'/Woody
CB: Bassong/King
LB: BAE/Bale
RM: Lennon/Bentley
LM: Modric/Krancjar
CM: Hud'/JJ
CM: Palacios/?????
Str: Defoe/Keane
Str: Crouch/Pav'

 

[robbiesavagehasbreasts]

cudicini is not our cover goalie ATM or for the foreseeable future

pav is history it seems re playing for us

keane and defoe i don't rate as a combo

bale i don't rate - but that test is now to come

so i reiterate my points and have to disagree with your good self

should I now ignore you for your anti keane views?

 

[Raxscallion]

cudicini is not our cover goalie ATM or for the foreseeable future

pav is history it seems re playing for us

keane and defoe i don't rate as a combo

bale i don't rate - but that test is now to come

so i reiterate my points and have to disagree with your good self

Bale aside, we're not actually in disagreement on any of that. But the crux of my point is this bit:

You can never have 22 players all of which are CL standard in terms of quality, attitude and form. IMO we've got a superb level of strength in depth. Certainly better than any outside of the Sky4. The only time you'll ever have 2 players worthy of CL footie in every position is if you're an iconic worldwide CL club, in which case you'll have the best young talent queuing up to be understudies. Few clubs have that luxury (Man U, Barca etc). Seeing as we have no Euro footie at all this season, I think we're punching well above our weight.

 

[DC_Boy]

fair enough rax

as is often the case it's a matter of emphasis

i don't necessarily expect us to have two quality teams with quality cover in every position

but if people are saying we do have two good PL teams - I'm saying we haven't

i simply have to start with the goalie - alnwick - and with due respect to the lad it's the end of story

i donn't even think he's a good championship keeper

 

[Raxscallion]

i simply have to start with the goalie - alnwick

Or 'spitroast' as he's otherwise known. :grin:

 

[TwoSaintsComeMarching]

A squad containing two quality players for every position is a myth, and none of the great sides in my memory had two 'first' 11's. Every succesfull side of the last 60 yrs had a core of 13-14 players at most.

The nearest was probably Chelsea under Mourihno, but even that squad had holes in certain positions.

Injuries aside, you could argue Spurs are closest to having 'two 11's'

GK: Gomes/Cudicini
RB: Corluka/Hutton
CB: Daws'/Woody
CB: Bassong/King
LB: BAE/Bale
RM: Lennon/Bentley
LM: Modric/Krancjar
CM: Hud'/JJ
CM: Palacios/O'Hara
Str: Defoe/Keane
Str: Crouch/Pav'

Edited!

 

[Kendall]

O'Haha isn't good 'nuff.

 

[Pinto]

Is O'hara back from Pompey already? I didn't see him playing against the Scum and was wondering why?