Squad Overview: Left-back

A position that's caused us quite a lot of mither over recent years, it's no surprise that we've looked ropey there this season, several players having a go, none looking too convincing. The signing of Wayne Bridge was one that i was quite pleased with, but barring a decent home debut he's appeared a little out of sorts, and memories of his horrific England performance against Croatia some months ago keep coming back to me. Don't get me wrong, i'm far from writing the boy off, i just have some doubts about his ability to defend; to stand up to a man, get his positioning right, do the simple things correctly. Over the years he's always struck me as being more of a winger than a full-back, at Southampton and Chelsea his performances that come to mind have been the games where he's made a difference in the offensive half of the pitch, moreso than great defensive displays.

I've no doubts that he's a good Premier League player, and i appreciate that half a season is no time in which to make judgements on big signings, but i must say that he's not won me over yet. This could, in part, be down to our tactics. With Robinho generally playing a more-advanced left-wing position, he's not really awash with cover. Also, not playing week-in, week-out at Chelsea since the arrival of Ashley Cole could well mean that it will take a while to get back in the swing of regular football. Defensive improvements might help him out, too. I've no doubt that Hughes will stick with Bridge, lest not forget what we paid for him, and are allegedly giving him weekly, i just think there were and are cheaper and better alternatives.

Behind Bridge, Javier Garrido is, in a sense, a similar kind of player; a little light in the challenge, technically sound, better further up the park. Again, my thoughts on him are somewhat mixed. He's looked like he couldn't defend for toffee at times, but he then had a good run in the side just before Wayne's arrival. He's sporadically shown that he's a decent-enough footballer, but for me lacks the basics needed to be a regular. He's essentially a midfielder, but one unlikely to get a good run of games in either position. I can see him moving on this summer, probably back to Spain.

Michael Ball was quite obviously a stop-gap signing from day one, but to be fair to him, didn't really do too much wrong when he played. Perhaps a bit naive at times, but despite him obviously not being up to what we're now looking for he'd be more my type of full-back than either of the other two. I'm not suggesting he should be in the side, or even retained once his contract expires, but he's a defender, his primary asset should be that he can defend, not link up well with a winger or get forward and whip crosses in. I'm aware that's more part of the game nowadays, and if a player can do that aswell as keep the opposition out then fair enough, i'm just not sure many do. Bally goes with my blessings, signed when we were really looking goosed financially, i'm sure he'll get a move to a decent Championship, even promoted side.

One man we've not yet seen in the first-team is Ryan McGivern. Funny that he should have half-a-dozen full international caps before he's gained any sort of chance. Having not seen too much of the lad at a good level i couldn't really say how likely he is to get a chance in the seniors. I remember the manager saying he'd like to get him more involved with the first-team squad, perhaps that might happen. I'd more imagine him going out on loan, though, and then taking a bigger part in the main squad the season after next, if indeed he will at all.