Buffon says..

[CityFanFromRome]

It's not nice to hear such things about the club you support...but I reckon he's right. Kolo is not one of the top CBs in the world anymore and Boateng has the potential but is not there yet, Lescott would be good back-up in a top team but not more, same goes for Micah and Kompany. Kolarov is very, very good going forward and has a mean shot, but is not completely reliable when defending. At right back we have the biggest problems imho.

The problem is that the very top CBs are ageing. Cannavaro, Terry, Carvalho, Nesta are all way over 30 years old. Puyol is too, just like Lucio and Samuel from Inter, so I don't really see who we could have bought there. Actually, I have a name, Juan. Watching Roma every week I can assure you he's really one of the best in the world, his anticipation is phenomenal, not for nothing he partners Lucio in the Brazil national side. Sadly he's 30 too.

[Ted Hughes]

It's not nice to hear such things about the club you support...but I reckon he's right. Kolo is not one of the top CBs in the world anymore and Boateng has the potential but is not there yet, Lescott would be good back-up in a top team but not more, same goes for Micah and Kompany. Kolarov is very, very good going forward and has a mean shot, but is not completely reliable when defending. At right back we have the biggest problems imho.

The problem is that the very top CBs are ageing. Cannavaro, Terry, Carvalho, Nesta are all way over 30 years old. Puyol is too, just like Lucio and Samuel from Inter, so I don't really see who we could have bought there. Actually, I have a name, Juan. Watching Roma every week I can assure you he's really one of the best in the world, his anticipation is phenomenal, not for nothing he partners Lucio in the Brazil national side. Sadly he's 30 too.

Haven't watched Juan closely but Lucio is the only CB that's impressed me in recent years. The rest all have weaknesses which regularly get exploited. The complete inability of Italian defences to cope with Fulham highlighted the dangers faced by Prem Lg defenders, you face many different varied challenges that you don't neccessarily face in other leagues.

[Fidel Castro]

Who gives a fuck what the wannabe Hitler thinks? And how the fuck does he manage to mention Juve in the same sentence as Madrid, Barca and scum ? Juve are shit and have been for a few years now. Stop living in the past & retire you nazi cunt!

[dikdik]

Buffoon who?

[LookMumImOnMCF.net]

He's probably right.

[ant london]

There's a certain element of validity in his comments but what cannot be ignored is the fact that some of the greatest defences and defenders have only really been recognised as such after a consistent and extended period of time playing together.

Arsenal's great back four.....four individually brilliant defenders? I would say not. But an exceptionally stingy defence with a great goalkeeper (at that time) behind them.

My view is that we have two goalkeepers who are good enough and we have plenty of defenders who would emerge to be viewed as pretty great players. What we have to do is keep a reasonably consistent unit of defenders fit and give them gametime to try to become a proper unit

[Colin the King]

To extend on that Ant, look around the Premier League and its various defences- there is not one side that has five top quality defensive players. With Chelsea and the rags, there's a mixture of a fear factor, where teams purposely try and stop them playing, and the fact that they have such brilliant midfielders and attackers who can retain the ball and keep the pressure off the defenders. You can see with us at both the Bridge and the swamp, Villa at the swamp, or Everton at home to the rags, that when a team decides to take the initiative (which sadly is a rare occurance) they can be exploited.

On the other extreme, look at Stoke, Fulham or Birmingham's defence from last season. A collection of average, limited players but with a completely determined attitude and a manager who's binded them into a cohesive unit, and who have the benefit of playing behind a bank of four players with equal amounts of grit and team ethic.

Look at Buffon's examples of the very best defenders- this sounds ridiculous but Alves, Puyol, Pique and Abidal at Barcelona for example have loads of weaknesses waiting to be exploited. The key is that they play for this great, illustrious team that everyone's afraid of, so teams visiting them have a 'damaged limitation' mindset. And then, with the likes of Xavi and Iniesta constantly pushing the play forward, the chances of actually being exposed are low. But again, on rare occasions, it happens.

The deficiencies in defences become so much more obvious when that back four has no protection. City, early last season, are a perfect example. Barry and Ireland swanning around making elaborate 40 yard passes, whilst leaving acres of space exposed. And because City hadn't yet built up that 'fear factor' that Chelsea, Barcelona, the rags or Real Madrid enjoy, teams faced us and were willing to have a go. The result; Burnley, Fulham, Hull and Sunderland coming to Eastlands and attacking and scoring for fun. Is it the fault of the defenders, or should the responsibilities be attributed to everyone?

I don't think there's been a truly great back four in ten years. There are a couple of great individuals around- Lucio and Vidic probably being pick of the bunch- but some of the most lauded defenders/defences are utterly crap when put up to the test. Lahm, Clichy, Ferdinand, Evra, Ramos- they all flatter to deceive with nice passing and attacking forays that disguise their weaknesses as defenders. Which is what they're paid to be.

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

To extend on that Ant, look around the Premier League and its various defences- there is not one side that has five top quality defensive players. With Chelsea and the rags, there's a mixture of a fear factor, where teams purposely try and stop them playing, and the fact that they have such brilliant midfielders and attackers who can retain the ball and keep the pressure off the defenders. You can see with us at both the Bridge and the swamp, Villa at the swamp, or Everton at home to the rags, that when a team decides to take the initiative (which sadly is a rare occurance) they can be exploited.

On the other extreme, look at Stoke, Fulham or Birmingham's defence from last season. A collection of average, limited players but with a completely determined attitude and a manager who's binded them into a cohesive unit, and who have the benefit of playing behind a bank of four players with equal amounts of grit and team ethic.

Look at Buffon's examples of the very best defenders- this sounds ridiculous but Alves, Puyol, Pique and Abidal at Barcelona for example have loads of weaknesses waiting to be exploited. The key is that they play for this great, illustrious team that everyone's afraid of, so teams visiting them have a 'damaged limitation' mindset. And then, with the likes of Xavi and Iniesta constantly pushing the play forward, the chances of actually being exposed are low. But again, on rare occasions, it happens.

The deficiencies in defences become so much more obvious when that back four has no protection. City, early last season, are a perfect example. Barry and Ireland swanning around making elaborate 40 yard passes, whilst leaving acres of space exposed. And because City hadn't yet built up that 'fear factor' that Chelsea, Barcelona, the rags or Real Madrid enjoy, teams faced us and were willing to have a go. The result; Burnley, Fulham, Hull and Sunderland coming to Eastlands and attacking and scoring for fun. Is it the fault of the defenders, or should the responsibilities be attributed to everyone?

I don't think there's been a truly great back four in ten years. There are a couple of great individuals around- Lucio and Vidic probably being pick of the bunch- but some of the most lauded defenders/defences are utterly crap when put up to the test. Lahm, Clichy, Ferdinand, Evra, Ramos- they all flatter to deceive with nice passing and attacking forays that disguise their weaknesses as defenders. Which is what they're paid to be.

Man, you are like Maradona of football opinions. Inch perfect delivery and always on the target.

[Ted Hughes]

To extend on that Ant, look around the Premier League and its various defences- there is not one side that has five top quality defensive players. With Chelsea and the rags, there's a mixture of a fear factor, where teams purposely try and stop them playing, and the fact that they have such brilliant midfielders and attackers who can retain the ball and keep the pressure off the defenders. You can see with us at both the Bridge and the swamp, Villa at the swamp, or Everton at home to the rags, that when a team decides to take the initiative (which sadly is a rare occurance) they can be exploited.

On the other extreme, look at Stoke, Fulham or Birmingham's defence from last season. A collection of average, limited players but with a completely determined attitude and a manager who's binded them into a cohesive unit, and who have the benefit of playing behind a bank of four players with equal amounts of grit and team ethic.

Look at Buffon's examples of the very best defenders- this sounds ridiculous but Alves, Puyol, Pique and Abidal at Barcelona for example have loads of weaknesses waiting to be exploited. The key is that they play for this great, illustrious team that everyone's afraid of, so teams visiting them have a 'damaged limitation' mindset. And then, with the likes of Xavi and Iniesta constantly pushing the play forward, the chances of actually being exposed are low. But again, on rare occasions, it happens.

The deficiencies in defences become so much more obvious when that back four has no protection. City, early last season, are a perfect example. Barry and Ireland swanning around making elaborate 40 yard passes, whilst leaving acres of space exposed. And because City hadn't yet built up that 'fear factor' that Chelsea, Barcelona, the rags or Real Madrid enjoy, teams faced us and were willing to have a go. The result; Burnley, Fulham, Hull and Sunderland coming to Eastlands and attacking and scoring for fun. Is it the fault of the defenders, or should the responsibilities be attributed to everyone?

I don't think there's been a truly great back four in ten years. There are a couple of great individuals around- Lucio and Vidic probably being pick of the bunch- but some of the most lauded defenders/defences are utterly crap when put up to the test. Lahm, Clichy, Ferdinand, Evra, Ramos- they all flatter to deceive with nice passing and attacking forays that disguise their weaknesses as defenders. Which is what they're paid to be.

Man, you are like Maradona of football opinions. Inch perfect delivery and always on the target.

The rags' fear factor even helps Vidic look better than he is imo. Andy Carrol making a complete mug of him at OT, selling him a dummy & leaving him chasing fresh air, then nipping in for a free header from 5 yards out...& missing... being a prime example. Mistakes by rag defenders are imo punished about 50% less than most other clubs defenders, in fact I recon someone misses a sitter v Utd in EVERY game. We're 2 games into this season & it's already happened in both.

[Fidel Castro]

To extend on that Ant, look around the Premier League and its various defences- there is not one side that has five top quality defensive players. With Chelsea and the rags, there's a mixture of a fear factor, where teams purposely try and stop them playing, and the fact that they have such brilliant midfielders and attackers who can retain the ball and keep the pressure off the defenders. You can see with us at both the Bridge and the swamp, Villa at the swamp, or Everton at home to the rags, that when a team decides to take the initiative (which sadly is a rare occurance) they can be exploited.

On the other extreme, look at Stoke, Fulham or Birmingham's defence from last season. A collection of average, limited players but with a completely determined attitude and a manager who's binded them into a cohesive unit, and who have the benefit of playing behind a bank of four players with equal amounts of grit and team ethic.

Look at Buffon's examples of the very best defenders- this sounds ridiculous but Alves, Puyol, Pique and Abidal at Barcelona for example have loads of weaknesses waiting to be exploited. The key is that they play for this great, illustrious team that everyone's afraid of, so teams visiting them have a 'damaged limitation' mindset. And then, with the likes of Xavi and Iniesta constantly pushing the play forward, the chances of actually being exposed are low. But again, on rare occasions, it happens.

The deficiencies in defences become so much more obvious when that back four has no protection. City, early last season, are a perfect example. Barry and Ireland swanning around making elaborate 40 yard passes, whilst leaving acres of space exposed. And because City hadn't yet built up that 'fear factor' that Chelsea, Barcelona, the rags or Real Madrid enjoy, teams faced us and were willing to have a go. The result; Burnley, Fulham, Hull and Sunderland coming to Eastlands and attacking and scoring for fun. Is it the fault of the defenders, or should the responsibilities be attributed to everyone?

I don't think there's been a truly great back four in ten years. There are a couple of great individuals around- Lucio and Vidic probably being pick of the bunch- but some of the most lauded defenders/defences are utterly crap when put up to the test. Lahm, Clichy, Ferdinand, Evra, Ramos- they all flatter to deceive with nice passing and attacking forays that disguise their weaknesses as defenders. Which is what they're paid to be.

Man, you are like Maradona of football opinions. Inch perfect delivery and always on the target.

The rags' fear factor even helps Vidic look better than he is imo. Andy Carrol making a complete mug of him at OT, selling him a dummy & leaving him chasing fresh air, then nipping in for a free header from 5 yards out...& missing... being a prime example. Mistakes by rag defenders are imo punished about 50% less than most other clubs defenders, in fact I recon someone misses a sitter v Utd in EVERY game. We're 2 games into this season & it's already happened in both.

Both Vidic and Evans were made to look incredibly shit by Bobby fuclin Zamora yesterday. Shame Dembele didn't start cos he would've raped them

[Im_Spartacus]

Who gives a fuck what the wannabe Hitler thinks? And how the fuck does he manage to mention Juve in the same sentence as Madrid, Barca and scum ? Juve are shit and have been for a few years now. Stop living in the past & retire you nazi cunt!

Spot on there, seems someone is riddled with bitterness, and particularly fucked off that the new kid on the block (Hart) looks to have scuppered any possibility of him getting his big payday.

Aside from that, perhaps he could point to his glittering trophy cabinet from the last 3/4 years, to show us what Juve have won with the supposed top class defenders they have?

[john@staustell]

To extend on that Ant, look around the Premier League and its various defences- there is not one side that has five top quality defensive players. With Chelsea and the rags, there's a mixture of a fear factor, where teams purposely try and stop them playing, and the fact that they have such brilliant midfielders and attackers who can retain the ball and keep the pressure off the defenders. You can see with us at both the Bridge and the swamp, Villa at the swamp, or Everton at home to the rags, that when a team decides to take the initiative (which sadly is a rare occurance) they can be exploited.

On the other extreme, look at Stoke, Fulham or Birmingham's defence from last season. A collection of average, limited players but with a completely determined attitude and a manager who's binded them into a cohesive unit, and who have the benefit of playing behind a bank of four players with equal amounts of grit and team ethic.

Look at Buffon's examples of the very best defenders- this sounds ridiculous but Alves, Puyol, Pique and Abidal at Barcelona for example have loads of weaknesses waiting to be exploited. The key is that they play for this great, illustrious team that everyone's afraid of, so teams visiting them have a 'damaged limitation' mindset. And then, with the likes of Xavi and Iniesta constantly pushing the play forward, the chances of actually being exposed are low. But again, on rare occasions, it happens.

The deficiencies in defences become so much more obvious when that back four has no protection. City, early last season, are a perfect example. Barry and Ireland swanning around making elaborate 40 yard passes, whilst leaving acres of space exposed. And because City hadn't yet built up that 'fear factor' that Chelsea, Barcelona, the rags or Real Madrid enjoy, teams faced us and were willing to have a go. The result; Burnley, Fulham, Hull and Sunderland coming to Eastlands and attacking and scoring for fun. Is it the fault of the defenders, or should the responsibilities be attributed to everyone?

I don't think there's been a truly great back four in ten years. There are a couple of great individuals around- Lucio and Vidic probably being pick of the bunch- but some of the most lauded defenders/defences are utterly crap when put up to the test. Lahm, Clichy, Ferdinand, Evra, Ramos- they all flatter to deceive with nice passing and attacking forays that disguise their weaknesses as defenders. Which is what they're paid to be.

Man, you are like Maradona of football opinions. Inch perfect delivery and always on the target.

The rags' fear factor even helps Vidic look better than he is imo. Andy Carrol making a complete mug of him at OT, selling him a dummy & leaving him chasing fresh air, then nipping in for a free header from 5 yards out...& missing... being a prime example. Mistakes by rag defenders are imo punished about 50% less than most other clubs defenders, in fact I recon someone misses a sitter v Utd in EVERY game. We're 2 games into this season & it's already happened in both.

Both Vidic and Evans were made to look incredibly shit by Bobby fuclin Zamora yesterday. Shame Dembele didn't start cos he would've raped them

I thought the same. In fact they were cut open with sweet regularity but Fulham didn't do too much in the last 25 yards.

It occurred to me that another Manchester team got a point in London - against a good team - after being under the cosh, and the media thought we'd had it for top four.

Wonder if the same applies to a team drawing at a poor London side? Are they 'not a team'? No chance of top 4 perhaps?