George Friend at centre back...

Nobby_Barnes

Well-known member
...is the way forward for me !

He's still an influential player for us and this way he doesn't get exposed down the left against quicker players. We've got Coulson or Johnson to play left back (y) Looked comfortable and assured v Stoke at the back.
 
...is the way forward for me !

He's still an influential player for us and this way he doesn't get exposed down the left against quicker players. We've got Coulson or Johnson to play left back (y) Looked comfortable and assured v Stoke at the back.
He looked good on Saturday mate, same lineup Thursday hopefully
 
...is the way forward for me !

He's still an influential player for us and this way he doesn't get exposed down the left against quicker players. We've got Coulson or Johnson to play left back (y) Looked comfortable and assured v Stoke at the back.
I agree he can manage the managables ie positioning and game reading with tacking without having to rely on pace, Or getting caught out of position.
 
He did play well, hopefully he can keep that up. I think Fry played a hell of a lot better too than he does when he’s alongside Shotton for instance. I’d persist with Friend for now, it gives the defence a good balance. He’s absolutely not a full back anymore so if he wants to extend his playing career at this level he’s gonna have to become a reliable centre half
 
He did have a much improved game, I agree his future would have to be as a CB if he stays on at the club for me. However, the defence was wobbly at times and whilst a win would be brilliant, a point would not be a terrible outcome. Hull scored 2 of their goals from headers supplied from crosses down the right. They have a very speedy number 37 in Da Lopes Silva by the looks of it

I would be tempted to play a back 3 ‘IF‘Moukoudi is fit, alongside Fry and George to tighten that area up, with Spence and Johnson/Coulson on the left as wing backs. I would keep Britt and Fletch together and a midfield 3 of Roberts (free role), Saville and Howson (how could I forget him).
 
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I think the fact that NW spoke about the team lacking leaders is an argument alone for Friend being in the team, but it will be interesting to see whether Moukoudi gets the nod ahead of him when fit. I suspect he wont though, for the same reason that Shotton didnt.
 
He did have a much improved game, I agree his future would have to be as a CB if he stays on at the club for me. However, the defence was wobbly at times and whilst a win would be brilliant, a point would not be a terrible outcome. Hull scored 2 of their goals from headers supplied from crosses down the right. They have a very speedy number 37 in Da Lopes Silva by the looks of it

I would be tempted to play a back 3 ‘IF‘Moukoudi is fit, alongside Fry and George to tighten that area up, with Spence and Johnson/Coulson on the left as wing backs. I would keep Britt and Fletch together and a midfield 3 of Roberts (free role), Saville and McNair.
Quite like the sound of that, can't wait for Thursday
 
I think the fact that NW spoke about the team lacking leaders is an argument alone for Friend being in the team, but it will be interesting to see whether Moukoudi gets the nod ahead of him when fit. I suspect he wont though, for the same reason that Shotton didnt.

I like the sound of that. Think I would keep the same team if we do use that formation I would go with that team but play Howson instead of Paddy
 
What's wrong with my post?!!! :)

Absolutely nothing mate, and I agree with it really! If Moukoudi is the player we all expect him to be he should be starting over Friend at CB it just depends if his heart is in it and if he really wants to be here. I would like to think he does
 
Absolutely nothing mate, and I agree with it really! If Moukoudi is the player we all expect him to be he should be starting over Friend at CB it just depends if his heart is in it and if he really wants to be here. I would like to think he does
Haven't been too impressed with Moukoudi to be honest but in Warno we trust!
 
I thought Moukodi looked very good in a 2 but looked a bit lost in a 3.

Friend vs Stoke: I thought he helped Fry massively. Lead him through the game.

Agree. Was Fry’s best game of the season. Friend did well I was pleasantly surprised. If he plays like that for rest of season I’d offer him a 1 year deal as he would be decent CB cover for next year
 
I love George , he has been a great player and man , but if he is going to convert to centre half he must improve in the air .
Can he ? It's not his game , but a centre half needs this in his locker , otherwise it becomes a weak spot in the defence . Not discounting it , but a centre half is key to the team i.e. Ayala in his prime . Ideally we need to replace Ayala with the younger version .
 
He can't really do the FB role, not week in week out, he has been managing hip and back issues for about 3 years
 
He can play the centre half role easily as long as he can curb his tendency to want to get forward at any opportunity. Maybe next year, if we stop up and are going for promotion, George and Dale can take turns in doing a Beckenbauer.
 
Been saying for a long time Friend is finished at full back but still has something to offer in the centre. A bit like Pogatetz moved inside and was better albeit at a higher level.
 
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