CONFIRMED Ben Davies signs on loan

[itsinyerblood]

Think this is the best option by a long shot. We are desperate for the attacking nature of O’Connell and Steven’s offers that. He played a couple of games there in the Championship for us didn’t he?

Agree with all you say regarding JOC, and our short term needs are a priority.......but, whenever JOC's next contract is up for renegotiation (and so much depends on what division we're in) I doubt, with our current salary ceiling, that he'll stay. Can't blame the fella, he's a top defender that has been impressive since he came to the Blades. If we've had to re-invent what we pay then maybe that will give us more flexibility, but JOC has one chance to gain financial stability so let's hope we've managed to offer more than is currently on offer.

 

[Bergen Blade]

We've seen the difference in physicality at this level though. Prem strikers are built bigger and move quicker.
We keep getting done in the air. Even an in form Enda isn't the answer at LCB at this level, never mind the one we have at the moment.

I agree there's an argument for that, certainly in our next fixture. On the other hand, there may not be a big difference between Robinson and Stevens. Serbia put loads of crosses into the box towards Mitrovic and he bullied Norway's centre halves. Could have scored a hat trick on another day. I expect Fulham to try the same against us. Mitrovic will try to pull towards our wide centre backs and outjump/outmuscle them.

In hindsight I think Norway's management regretted they didn't push higher up. Mitrovic is far less effective when his team can't camp in the opposition's last third. If we can get our attacking rhythm back and dominate the pattern of the game may be one that Mitrovic isn't ideal for. He was left out of their play off final for this reason I think.

 

[Espania blade]

If Robinson is not good enough why did we sign him ?

 

[Wards]

He was left out of their play off final for this reason I think

He'd been out injured in fairness to him and he was struggling to be fit. Otherwise he'd have started I'm sure.

 

[LoughboroBlade]

Bear in mind his form there two seasons ago though:

Blades - Middlesbrough 1-0
Blades - Reading 4-0
WBA - Blades 0-1
Preston - Blades 0-1

Not forgetting part of the Bristol City defeat...

He did admirably in those games, but even in those wins you could at the same time see that he had to be near-perfect at all times for it to be effective. Up against more physical players, when he’s not switching there as a player in good form, it feels like a recipe for disaster.

 

[BladeTillIDie]

We've seen the difference in physicality at this level though. Prem strikers are built bigger and move quicker.
We keep getting done in the air. Even an in form Enda isn't the answer at LCB at this level, never mind the one we have at the moment.

Davies at Spurs and Tierney Arsenal aren't as big as Stevens and they play the LCB role

 

[BladeTillIDie]

If Robinson is not good enough why did we sign him ?

Squad player - back up for the odd game and low wages.

 

[Davalon]

If Robinson is not good enough why did we sign him ?

Because he's all we could afford as back up.

We can only afford cheaper replacements and hope they overperform or improve.

Unfortunately as we see teams we out performed last season afford top drawer players, we look weak as soon as two or three get injured.

Reality of our position I suppose and the great job that has been done so far.

Sunday is critical even this early. That said I can't get myself up for it in any way remotely compared to normal.

When you know you probably won't be going to our matches even for a large part of next season it suddenly doesn't feel the same even though it clearly is to the club and staff.

 

[ekke287]

Sorry, read most of this thread. Are there any legs in the rumour at all? It seems to have descended into who’s best for that role out of our current line up.*

* FWIW I’d drop Stevens and bring in Lowe. Keep Robinson at LCB as Lowe bombing on should relieve some pressure. Stevens not bombing on means Robinson second guesses whether he should or not, but to me he needs to keep his head on defending. CW won’t drop Stevens though I don’t think.

 

[LoughboroBlade]

Sorry, read most of this thread. Are there any legs in the rumour at all?

As I understand it we’re potentially considering Ben Davies to play a role that Ben Davies has played in the past for club and country, and for advice on what it’s like to play at Bramall Lane he can call on Ben Davies to talk about his experience here.

 

[Rochdaleblade]

It's possible CW could change the left hand side depending on on the oppo, and whether he thinks an attacking or defensive line up is the best option.

 

[Mesut Özil's Lawnmower]

If Robinson is not good enough why did we sign him ?

Good enough for the odd game here or there (like post-lockdown) when needed, but for a full season? It's a very obvious weak point. He'd probably do an adequate job but it would hurt us in the long run.

 

[TJ blade]

Good enough for the odd game here or there (like post-lockdown) when needed, but for a full season? It's a very obvious weak point. He'd probably do an adequate job but it would hurt us in the long run.

He's a Championship player at best and it's beginning to show, that's probably why we need a bit more investment to upgrade one or two players.

 

[brownblade]

For the goal vs wolves JOC stood on Endas heels and pushed him over. Not much he could do about that

TBF he's usually been a very very solid defender. Just struggling since lock down.

 

[A Storm of Blades]

So after the Wolves goal from a corner when Enda didn't jump and the Villa goal when Enda didn't mark his man, a lot on here want him moving to centre-back?

Well no, more if we are scrambling behind the sofa for shrapnel, then I’d rather we make do at LCB and use whatever funds we have left to address more pressing areas.

 

[EddieColquhoun]

Bear in mind his form there two seasons ago though:

Blades - Middlesbrough 1-0
Blades - Reading 4-0
WBA - Blades 0-1
Preston - Blades 0-1

All good results. But in a team that was flying we got away with it. Stearman and Crainie also played their part but we're in a different league now.
At WBA Enda dropped a howler in the last minute but Deano saved the day.
Bristol City capitulation has been mentioned.

 

[EddieColquhoun]

Well no, more if we are scrambling behind the sofa for shrapnel, then I’d rather we make do at LCB and use whatever funds we have left to address more pressing areas.

I think LCB is our most pressing issue at the moment.

 

[A Storm of Blades]

I think LCB is our most pressing issue at the moment.

100% disagree

 

[ormester]

I think LCB is our most pressing issue at the moment.

Amapdu or Stevens put max Lowe lb cam is the most important imo

 

[EddieColquhoun]

Amapdu or Stevens put max Lowe lb cam is the most important imo

We haven't started with a "cam" since the Championship.

 

[Bergen Blade]

All good results. But in a team that was flying we got away with it. Stearman and Crainie also played their part but we're in a different league now.
At WBA Enda dropped a howler in the last minute but Deano saved the day.
Bristol City capitulation has been mentioned.

Completely agree there's an element of risk involved. Robinson is probably more steady in that position. Having Robinson at LCB and Stevens at LWB means we have at least two six footers on that side.

The argument for trying Stevens as an overlapping LCB and Lowe at LWB is primarily to improve our attacking. We get a more composed ball player at LCB and the addition of a quick and energetic LWB who had a very promising debut at Burnley.

 

[ormester]

Amapdu or Stevens put max Lowe lb cam is the most important imo

Maybe we need to have a plan b

 

[Millhousesblade1889]

So after the Wolves goal from a corner when Enda didn't jump and the Villa goal when Enda didn't mark his man, a lot on here want him moving to centre-back?

Yes. That’s how bad Robinson is.

 

[brownblade]

Maybe we need to have a plan b

McGoldrick as no10 has been our plan B for over a year...

 

[ormester]

McGoldrick as no10 has been our plan B for over a year...

We don't play that way now though you watch

 

[ChipButtyBlade]

He's a Championship player at best and it's beginning to show, that's probably why we need a bit more investment to upgrade one or two players.

Only players available now are Championship players and levels below.

 

[brownblade]

We don't play that way now though you watch

When we're losing, and sub on extra strikers? We do mate.

 

[Bladeinleeds]

Not been a peep of a rumour about any new defensive incomings during the international break.

is this a positive in that we are keeping the targets close to our chests or a sign we won’t be doing any business??

I’ve got to admit I’ll be disappointed if we don’t at least use our domestic loans - a waste of what could be a valuable asset for us.

 

[Brownieblade]

I don’t see us getting anyone, we stick with what we have

 

[CaptainMorgans]

I don’t see us getting anyone, we stick with what we have

It looks that way. I think we'll go with Ampadu in there for now & then recall RND from Luton in January.