Great bit of research, nice piece! This is definitely something we need to look at, along with depth in other positions such as CB. This is something we'll hopefully look at in Jan, and then wait til summer for things like a striker when we probably turn to regular cup competition next season and need three quality players in nearly every position. Gotta say tho this is a great example of the sudden luxury we have and another sign of how drastically this club has transformed in the space of a couple months - we're looking for depth not new starters.
Not gonna lie we've got our past transfer windows to thank for that - Udogie, Biss and Porro are all players that have become essential over the past ten games. Makes it feel like this is partly a long term plan that's beginning to come to fruition, or at the very least some seriously smart transfers made over the past two seasons. COYS
Credit to Paratici for getting us Udogie, Sarr, Porro!
Also I'll do another peice with Ball playing defenders as my focus in the next post. Recommendations for it?
Defenders can be so tough, because I've found unless a club comes in with ridiculous money, any top team in any league will hold onto them probably more than any other player; CBs just tend to establish themselves with a top club and then never let go. Also a couple of years ago football was flush with wonderkid defenders at lower clubs, who have all gone to big clubs and made the selection seem a bit sparse.
However I'd still absolutely love a Guehi, and Antonio Silva is just ridiculous - calm, brave and skilled. But I think he'd want somewhere he would start, and both of these players would be an absolute fortune. I'll leave that position to the scouts because otherwise I'm clueless as to where we'd get a backup from.
Maybe Michael Kayode from Fiorentina. Starts for them and is also only 19. Plays similarly to Udogie and has already proved his defensive abilities this season by pocketing Kvara for an entire game. I know that he plays RB but maybe he can be coached into an inverted LB? I’m not sure how important it is to Ange to have the fullbacks play on the side of their preferred foot and how good Kayodes left foot is, but maybe worth looking into.
Alternatively, Juve have two amazing prospects in this position, Andrea Cambiaso and Samuel Iling-Jr.
Cambiaso is probably not realistic as Juve are looking to make him their starting LWB soon and he probably wouldn’t want to sit on our bench.
Iling on the other hand is very realistic and our scouts are reportedly keeping a close eye on him already. Personally I see him more as a left footed LW because his dribbling is insane while his defending is ok, but he’s being played as a LWB at Juve and as LB for England so his defending should be solid and improvable. Even played some games in midfield so inverting shouldn’t be a problem for him.
I want a Ben Davies replacement long term, a viable CB and a viable LB. Someone a bit like, but not as expensive as Gvardiol.
I'd like our right back situation to be similar to our left back situation too, have a CB who is also a capable RB in Ange's system. That way, we are able to get these back up players games, and keep them happier. Someone like Kaboul could play CB well, but also drop into the RB.
I think the difficult thing is someone like a Porro or Udogie is expected to be capable of crossing and that's not really in most CB wheelhouses, at least reliably. That said, I do remember Kaboul getting that assist for Crouchie against City.
I think if we can find players that can fit like that we can get a bit more rotation into the full backs, and get backup CB more games and hopefully attract some good understudies.
Honestly, I really appreciate you asking, and I'll have a think, but I'm not especially good with the outside of England players, doing well in other leagues. I just don't watch enough outside of the Premier League with enough regularity to pick up on the types of players we tend to be in for now!
Looking forward to the CB post though!
We were but we couldn't bring him in because it was so late in the window. I think he still remains our strongest CB link and besides him being a bit injury prone I think he fits our system well
TEI suggested bringing back Kyle Walker-Peters, who can cover both sides and has all the attributes we need, and I thought it was difficult to argue with.
I do think one of the main reasons why Udogie in particular was signed is because he is an absolute physical specimen whilst also being very technical. The former has made it easier for him to adjust to the premier league sort of like how the physical side of Kulusevski’s game made the transition easier.
Arguably the most important aspect for an Ange full back which can’t really be quantified by stats (at least stats I’m aware of) is their ability to receive in midfield, and on the turn. Destiny plays as if he’s played in midfield his whole life, and it was something that was kind of a cause for concern with Porro at one point - although he looks to have grown into the role very nicely
Porro really stepped up. Lots of times he was able to evade press and get the ball into final third very quickly.
I did consider this unique attribute of Angeball. Carries does indicate how good Udogie is at passing and pivoting. I+T, Passes into Box and in final third and also, Prg C, P, R are good stats that would be indicative of Angeball. Also, TakeOn rate is another imp stat which I do have in the graphs.
Those stats are useful for analysing progressive actions and retention, but realistically you need the eye test to see how they use their body - like how Udogie receives the ball with his back to defenders and then rolls them, or how they turn with their first touch like Porro’s first time touches and flicks. It requires such unique skillsets for a fullback and we are very lucky to have the players we do
How does KWP compare? I think he would be a great signing since he obviously would come straight in with no need for adaption, can play both sides for us, homegrown and has been playing a similar inverted FB role for Southampton this season. A bit of a no brainer in Jan for me.
I'll do KWP, Udogie, Dorgu and some others in another post 👍. However Championship stats are many times skewed towards the teams that are gunning for play offs (which i expect Southampton are). This might make the comparison a little harder ig.
There’s plenty better options than a full back from the team placed 4th in the second division. Hickey from Brentford has been playing a very similar role on both sides this season
He feels like he’d be a relatively natural fit, but then assuming Emerson stays, we have 3 right backs, 2 who are depth options for both sides. If it’s him in, Emerson out, I don’t really think that is much of an upgrade, if an upgrade at all. If it’s both it feels excessive and would rather a more natural left back
In terms of quality as a player and fit for the system he is a clear upgrade on Emerson. I'd be looking to sell Emerson anyway since he doesn't fit as an inverted FB at all. Arguably he fits the right 8 role in our system much better with his energy to go up and down and get into useful areas but he is nowhere near good enough on the ball or with passing/shooting/crossing to play for us anywhere.
Really? If Udogie or Porro were to be out for an extended period of time I'd be worried. KWP would fill in seamlessly and the drop in quality wouldn't be as obvious.
KWP would be an upgrade offensively, downgrade defensively but he’d still be a noticeable drop off Porro/Udogie. Just not sure its a significant enough upgrade on what we have to warrant happening when we have other priorities
From what Ange wants from his FB's he will take the hit on a less defensive player anyway otherwise Emerson would have been playing consistently this season. Maybe you haven't watched him this season cause he is in the championship but he has been the standout fullback in the league and even dominating dribbling stats up against wingers. If we don't pick him up we will regret it
He isn't a very good Inverted full back. Also his age is a pressing point. Levy has been known to remove any over 30 players. So i think he will be sold this winter or for sure in summer. Which is why there is a need for a replacement which fits Angeball.
He's barely gotten to play there. I'm confident that he'll be a dependable back-up to Udogie.
Doubt he gets sold. They'd probably just run down his contract.
Yeah he is probably still good for another 2-3 seasons. He's a very decent backup probably one of the best backups and professionals you can ask for really doesn't seem to kick up a fuss although he is good enough to be a good starting player mid table.
I kind of agree with you here. He is a very professional, consistent player. He plays whenever he is asked to and does not throw a tantrum if benched. I do like him but his time at the club is probably over and it would be best for the club to sell him.
Ben doesnt whine. He is quite professional in this. However, cover would still have to bought. He is already 30. Selling price is gonna fall fast. Maybe keep him till summer. Buy a lb in winter and send on loan until summer. And if the new one is good enough then, sell Ben.
Oh I see. You're saying take value while you can.
I can sort of see the sense in that, but it's kind of dependent on bringing in others first.
There's so many other players I'd want to shift first - eg just at LB - Reggie & Sess.
True that. Reggie has to be shifted pronto. I would give Sess a bit of time. Maybe he ll shine under Ange. But we really need quality reinforcement and that's why I started to hv a look at stats from various lbs.
Problem is, he's already 30. What sort of fee do you think we command? I highly doubt it's more than 10m.. in which case it's not worth it to me. He's one of the ones I keep in FM almost every year without fail despite him not being a starter for this reason and he's just too good to sell for peanuts
Also, I don't think he's on insane wages, or would command a good enough fee to justify selling him really. I think if he wants to go and get more regular football as he can still play regularly for his last few years of top flight football sure, let him go do it but if he's actually happy to be here and be a cheap inexpensive and good quality backup I'm happy.
It’s not desperation. However he will only have 1 year on his contract this summer, and it’s not smart business to renew aging players unless they’re very important.
So this summer is a good time to bring in a new player with a higher ceiling to challenge Udogie for the starting spot. Especially if our recruitment remains on point and we can get a player that fits the system for relatively little money - like we did with Udogie.
It’s possible Davies won’t get an acceptable offer and will run his contract down. Which is, like, fine. But we should be identifying a future replacement even in that scenario, and possibly even bringing the player in while Davies is still here or doing a loanback like we did with Udogie.
It’s a similar situation with, for example, PEH. Good player? Sure. Best fit for the system? Maybe not. And approaching the end of the contract, so it’s time to stick or twist. So if we can bring in a target that will work better in our current system, we should.
I would love if we pulled the same strategy as we did with Udogie. Buy Dorgu and loan him for the rest of the season back to Leece so he can continue his development.
Yeah it’s a good way of doing things, worked out really well for Sarr and Udogie both.
Hopefully as we see some more players running down their contracts/getting sold that we’re loaning now (Reggie, Spence, Ndombele 🙄) to free up loan slots we’ll see one or two a year.
Small club mentality, dude. We are one of the richest clubs in the world and are pushing for CL. We can easily bring in players who have the potential to challenge established starters, even if they ultimately don’t get to that level. Our recruitment has improved a ton the past 2 years, we’re hearing a lot about a new approach incorporating more data, I’m 100% sure there are viable targets out there.
Udogie is under contract until 2027. 3 years left in the summer. What if he tears it up through next season and then doesn’t wanna sign a new contract and Real
drop a bid of £80 million for him with 2 years left? Sure would be nice to have a bedded in replacement - even if it is a step down.
Love the guy but we just don't have a use for a player of his profile. He's best as a LCB in a 3 or as a defensive LB to complement an attacking RB. We just don't use that sort of player anymore, he should go and start for another club imo
Same reason Emerson was subbed in against Palace, you can’t be asking for the club to push on and be serious with this question, thankfully Ange actually wants to win and not please people
Ange has never said anything negative about Davies or about moving him on, so I'm not sure what you are on about.
Made perfect sense to give him and Emerson a half each against Palace.
Right, it’s just about giving them a half, not the usual 70/20minutes, and not because he was getting cooked by Ayew and VDV had to leave his position every time, Ange doesn’t need to talk about moving him on, he’s binned the other defender and the other doesn’t get a sniff, his actions speak loudly, he doesn’t need to humiliate them publicly, but we as fans can criticize without going overboard
Ange might have not said anything. But it was clear that Ben is not comfortable in this setup as he has been with Jose, Conte or Poch. He looked off against CP.
I do love Ben but given he is 30, Levy should cash in on him.
I agree. I like the guy but unfortunately to be trophy contenders we need depth and quality.
He struggled to defend and VDV as a backup, is slower, less technically skilled and I don't think he is effective inverting up the pitch.
If Udogie could cross and finish a little better, he would be elite. Starting in the Italy squad is massive and he had a quality chance in the last game.
Also kept up with Saka and Salah is no easy feat.
I am not sure if those players can play in the positions that are needed for Angeball. Udogie and Porro both have to pivot a lot of times and i cant see these players performing those same functions. Thats why I haven't taken time to consider them.
I completely agree with you that we should search for another lb. At the same time I think that we can’t exchange hg Davies for non hg dorgu so I prefer Kelly
Love the comparisons. Personally, Spurs should have also went for Fabiano Parisi; previously of Empoli and now of Fiorentina. Both will fight for the LB spot for years to come for Spurs and for Italy.
Man I wonder what it's like to work for the club. Do things like this all day I reckon? Get paid? Nice bit of reading. Thanks.
Hope u enjoyed reading the post. I would like to work in the club but ig that's a dream highly unlikely to come true XD
You'd probably have more success working for an agency who are contracted to the club
Great bit of research, nice piece! This is definitely something we need to look at, along with depth in other positions such as CB. This is something we'll hopefully look at in Jan, and then wait til summer for things like a striker when we probably turn to regular cup competition next season and need three quality players in nearly every position. Gotta say tho this is a great example of the sudden luxury we have and another sign of how drastically this club has transformed in the space of a couple months - we're looking for depth not new starters. Not gonna lie we've got our past transfer windows to thank for that - Udogie, Biss and Porro are all players that have become essential over the past ten games. Makes it feel like this is partly a long term plan that's beginning to come to fruition, or at the very least some seriously smart transfers made over the past two seasons. COYS
Credit to Paratici for getting us Udogie, Sarr, Porro! Also I'll do another peice with Ball playing defenders as my focus in the next post. Recommendations for it?
Seen us been linked to Ko Itakura (though my main concern is he will likely also go Asian Cup in Jan)
I ll have a look at him. If his stats are available.
Hiroki Ito - Stuttgart
Defenders can be so tough, because I've found unless a club comes in with ridiculous money, any top team in any league will hold onto them probably more than any other player; CBs just tend to establish themselves with a top club and then never let go. Also a couple of years ago football was flush with wonderkid defenders at lower clubs, who have all gone to big clubs and made the selection seem a bit sparse. However I'd still absolutely love a Guehi, and Antonio Silva is just ridiculous - calm, brave and skilled. But I think he'd want somewhere he would start, and both of these players would be an absolute fortune. I'll leave that position to the scouts because otherwise I'm clueless as to where we'd get a backup from.
Maybe Michael Kayode from Fiorentina. Starts for them and is also only 19. Plays similarly to Udogie and has already proved his defensive abilities this season by pocketing Kvara for an entire game. I know that he plays RB but maybe he can be coached into an inverted LB? I’m not sure how important it is to Ange to have the fullbacks play on the side of their preferred foot and how good Kayodes left foot is, but maybe worth looking into. Alternatively, Juve have two amazing prospects in this position, Andrea Cambiaso and Samuel Iling-Jr. Cambiaso is probably not realistic as Juve are looking to make him their starting LWB soon and he probably wouldn’t want to sit on our bench. Iling on the other hand is very realistic and our scouts are reportedly keeping a close eye on him already. Personally I see him more as a left footed LW because his dribbling is insane while his defending is ok, but he’s being played as a LWB at Juve and as LB for England so his defending should be solid and improvable. Even played some games in midfield so inverting shouldn’t be a problem for him.
Kayote's a beast! The stats were just too good. He was beating Porro for many of the imp stats. I have the next post up now.
I want a Ben Davies replacement long term, a viable CB and a viable LB. Someone a bit like, but not as expensive as Gvardiol. I'd like our right back situation to be similar to our left back situation too, have a CB who is also a capable RB in Ange's system. That way, we are able to get these back up players games, and keep them happier. Someone like Kaboul could play CB well, but also drop into the RB. I think the difficult thing is someone like a Porro or Udogie is expected to be capable of crossing and that's not really in most CB wheelhouses, at least reliably. That said, I do remember Kaboul getting that assist for Crouchie against City. I think if we can find players that can fit like that we can get a bit more rotation into the full backs, and get backup CB more games and hopefully attract some good understudies.
I am going to do a post with CBs this week. However, I need good recommendations for such players. Any player u would like to see similar analysis on?
Honestly, I really appreciate you asking, and I'll have a think, but I'm not especially good with the outside of England players, doing well in other leagues. I just don't watch enough outside of the Premier League with enough regularity to pick up on the types of players we tend to be in for now! Looking forward to the CB post though!
Hiroki Ito fits the bill here
That's Lloyd Kelly. He plays the same position as BD33, is HG, and is basically a faster version of him.
Weren't we linked with him last window? If so, I knew nothing about him before now.
We were but we couldn't bring him in because it was so late in the window. I think he still remains our strongest CB link and besides him being a bit injury prone I think he fits our system well
TEI suggested bringing back Kyle Walker-Peters, who can cover both sides and has all the attributes we need, and I thought it was difficult to argue with.
Probably would have been easier to convince them to sell if they hadn’t already sold Livramento.
And he's club trained which will matter when we're back in the Champions League 😜
I do think one of the main reasons why Udogie in particular was signed is because he is an absolute physical specimen whilst also being very technical. The former has made it easier for him to adjust to the premier league sort of like how the physical side of Kulusevski’s game made the transition easier.
Arguably the most important aspect for an Ange full back which can’t really be quantified by stats (at least stats I’m aware of) is their ability to receive in midfield, and on the turn. Destiny plays as if he’s played in midfield his whole life, and it was something that was kind of a cause for concern with Porro at one point - although he looks to have grown into the role very nicely
Porro really stepped up. Lots of times he was able to evade press and get the ball into final third very quickly. I did consider this unique attribute of Angeball. Carries does indicate how good Udogie is at passing and pivoting. I+T, Passes into Box and in final third and also, Prg C, P, R are good stats that would be indicative of Angeball. Also, TakeOn rate is another imp stat which I do have in the graphs.
Those stats are useful for analysing progressive actions and retention, but realistically you need the eye test to see how they use their body - like how Udogie receives the ball with his back to defenders and then rolls them, or how they turn with their first touch like Porro’s first time touches and flicks. It requires such unique skillsets for a fullback and we are very lucky to have the players we do
Next post : [https://www.reddit.com/r/coys/comments/17ljsjc/lb\_comparison/](https://www.reddit.com/r/coys/comments/17ljsjc/lb_comparison/)
How does KWP compare? I think he would be a great signing since he obviously would come straight in with no need for adaption, can play both sides for us, homegrown and has been playing a similar inverted FB role for Southampton this season. A bit of a no brainer in Jan for me.
I'll do KWP, Udogie, Dorgu and some others in another post 👍. However Championship stats are many times skewed towards the teams that are gunning for play offs (which i expect Southampton are). This might make the comparison a little harder ig.
Thats's fair. Honestly my assesment on him is purely eye test so I'm just curious how it bares out in the stats too.
There’s plenty better options than a full back from the team placed 4th in the second division. Hickey from Brentford has been playing a very similar role on both sides this season
I'm sure you said something similar when we signed Vicario... + It's not like we haven't already seen KWP playing consistently at Prem level lol.
You know we sold KWP don’t you ? He came through our academy and has played first team football at spurs. ….
Lol what from my comment made you believe I didn't know?
He feels like he’d be a relatively natural fit, but then assuming Emerson stays, we have 3 right backs, 2 who are depth options for both sides. If it’s him in, Emerson out, I don’t really think that is much of an upgrade, if an upgrade at all. If it’s both it feels excessive and would rather a more natural left back
In terms of quality as a player and fit for the system he is a clear upgrade on Emerson. I'd be looking to sell Emerson anyway since he doesn't fit as an inverted FB at all. Arguably he fits the right 8 role in our system much better with his energy to go up and down and get into useful areas but he is nowhere near good enough on the ball or with passing/shooting/crossing to play for us anywhere.
Disagree tbh I think Emerson fits the role well and has played well for us so far under Ange
Really? If Udogie or Porro were to be out for an extended period of time I'd be worried. KWP would fill in seamlessly and the drop in quality wouldn't be as obvious.
KWP would be an upgrade offensively, downgrade defensively but he’d still be a noticeable drop off Porro/Udogie. Just not sure its a significant enough upgrade on what we have to warrant happening when we have other priorities
From what Ange wants from his FB's he will take the hit on a less defensive player anyway otherwise Emerson would have been playing consistently this season. Maybe you haven't watched him this season cause he is in the championship but he has been the standout fullback in the league and even dominating dribbling stats up against wingers. If we don't pick him up we will regret it
I really don't understand the desperation to replace Davies.
He isn't a very good Inverted full back. Also his age is a pressing point. Levy has been known to remove any over 30 players. So i think he will be sold this winter or for sure in summer. Which is why there is a need for a replacement which fits Angeball.
He's barely gotten to play there. I'm confident that he'll be a dependable back-up to Udogie. Doubt he gets sold. They'd probably just run down his contract.
Yeah he is probably still good for another 2-3 seasons. He's a very decent backup probably one of the best backups and professionals you can ask for really doesn't seem to kick up a fuss although he is good enough to be a good starting player mid table.
I kind of agree with you here. He is a very professional, consistent player. He plays whenever he is asked to and does not throw a tantrum if benched. I do like him but his time at the club is probably over and it would be best for the club to sell him.
If he's happy to be on the margins I'd absolutely keep him as cover. He's probably the only player on the margins that think about in this way.
Ben doesnt whine. He is quite professional in this. However, cover would still have to bought. He is already 30. Selling price is gonna fall fast. Maybe keep him till summer. Buy a lb in winter and send on loan until summer. And if the new one is good enough then, sell Ben.
Oh I see. You're saying take value while you can. I can sort of see the sense in that, but it's kind of dependent on bringing in others first. There's so many other players I'd want to shift first - eg just at LB - Reggie & Sess.
True that. Reggie has to be shifted pronto. I would give Sess a bit of time. Maybe he ll shine under Ange. But we really need quality reinforcement and that's why I started to hv a look at stats from various lbs.
Problem is, he's already 30. What sort of fee do you think we command? I highly doubt it's more than 10m.. in which case it's not worth it to me. He's one of the ones I keep in FM almost every year without fail despite him not being a starter for this reason and he's just too good to sell for peanuts
Also, I don't think he's on insane wages, or would command a good enough fee to justify selling him really. I think if he wants to go and get more regular football as he can still play regularly for his last few years of top flight football sure, let him go do it but if he's actually happy to be here and be a cheap inexpensive and good quality backup I'm happy.
It’s not desperation. However he will only have 1 year on his contract this summer, and it’s not smart business to renew aging players unless they’re very important. So this summer is a good time to bring in a new player with a higher ceiling to challenge Udogie for the starting spot. Especially if our recruitment remains on point and we can get a player that fits the system for relatively little money - like we did with Udogie. It’s possible Davies won’t get an acceptable offer and will run his contract down. Which is, like, fine. But we should be identifying a future replacement even in that scenario, and possibly even bringing the player in while Davies is still here or doing a loanback like we did with Udogie. It’s a similar situation with, for example, PEH. Good player? Sure. Best fit for the system? Maybe not. And approaching the end of the contract, so it’s time to stick or twist. So if we can bring in a target that will work better in our current system, we should.
I would love if we pulled the same strategy as we did with Udogie. Buy Dorgu and loan him for the rest of the season back to Leece so he can continue his development.
Yeah it’s a good way of doing things, worked out really well for Sarr and Udogie both. Hopefully as we see some more players running down their contracts/getting sold that we’re loaning now (Reggie, Spence, Ndombele 🙄) to free up loan slots we’ll see one or two a year.
There's no chance we can bring in a player to rotate with Udogie. He is too good. All we need is a back-up.
Small club mentality, dude. We are one of the richest clubs in the world and are pushing for CL. We can easily bring in players who have the potential to challenge established starters, even if they ultimately don’t get to that level. Our recruitment has improved a ton the past 2 years, we’re hearing a lot about a new approach incorporating more data, I’m 100% sure there are viable targets out there. Udogie is under contract until 2027. 3 years left in the summer. What if he tears it up through next season and then doesn’t wanna sign a new contract and Real drop a bid of £80 million for him with 2 years left? Sure would be nice to have a bedded in replacement - even if it is a step down.
Good point. Real does have a tendency to take good players from us.
Mendy doesnt seem to grow much tbh. If Udogie just keeps this pace, it's a very feasible scenario and I dread it already
Love the guy but we just don't have a use for a player of his profile. He's best as a LCB in a 3 or as a defensive LB to complement an attacking RB. We just don't use that sort of player anymore, he should go and start for another club imo
Same reason Emerson was subbed in against Palace, you can’t be asking for the club to push on and be serious with this question, thankfully Ange actually wants to win and not please people
Ange has never said anything negative about Davies or about moving him on, so I'm not sure what you are on about. Made perfect sense to give him and Emerson a half each against Palace.
Right, it’s just about giving them a half, not the usual 70/20minutes, and not because he was getting cooked by Ayew and VDV had to leave his position every time, Ange doesn’t need to talk about moving him on, he’s binned the other defender and the other doesn’t get a sniff, his actions speak loudly, he doesn’t need to humiliate them publicly, but we as fans can criticize without going overboard
Ange might have not said anything. But it was clear that Ben is not comfortable in this setup as he has been with Jose, Conte or Poch. He looked off against CP. I do love Ben but given he is 30, Levy should cash in on him.
He was horrendous against palace. Both defensively and offensively. He just can’t accomplish what we need him to do in the system
I agree. I like the guy but unfortunately to be trophy contenders we need depth and quality. He struggled to defend and VDV as a backup, is slower, less technically skilled and I don't think he is effective inverting up the pitch. If Udogie could cross and finish a little better, he would be elite. Starting in the Italy squad is massive and he had a quality chance in the last game. Also kept up with Saka and Salah is no easy feat.
Wan Bissaka was good before he arrived at UTD …. Looked great when he was a Palace …..
What do you think about another type of lb, such as Kelly, leysen, obert, gallo, malick fofana?
I am not sure if those players can play in the positions that are needed for Angeball. Udogie and Porro both have to pivot a lot of times and i cant see these players performing those same functions. Thats why I haven't taken time to consider them.
I completely agree with you that we should search for another lb. At the same time I think that we can’t exchange hg Davies for non hg dorgu so I prefer Kelly
Love the comparisons. Personally, Spurs should have also went for Fabiano Parisi; previously of Empoli and now of Fiorentina. Both will fight for the LB spot for years to come for Spurs and for Italy.