Why would it contradict it?

I said that I've seen him play enough times and imo he's not defensively better than Abate. Has Santon come up against the top class players of European football and shown his quality in these circumstances like Abate has? Is he one of the best LBs in the league like Abate is on the right? Is he selected for the NT?

I think all of these factors show how much you underrate him for some reason or another. I personally like Abate a lot for the type of player he is and for his work ethic and commitment to the team, so sue me for that. I was one who constantly called him a liabilty during his first season or two. But you cannot say that he hasn't improved in leaps and bounds. He's one of the best in the league in his position, cemented his spot in the NT and is now being sought after by teams who have unending funds at their disposal. These are facts, not me overrating him. So I don't feel my oppinion is skewed in the slightest.

Santon is a very solid FB. But once again, I wouldn't want him in expense of Abate. I would only love to have him if he's our LB solution for the long run

Mesbah. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

No. Mesbah is a left midfielder converted in a LB.

Look at x-off's post above for the answer (IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy.gif)

What I mean here is that if we're going to spend money on a FB wouldn't you guys want someone who's a natural LB?

I would be ok with Santon if he came in for the LB position. I think having him and Abate/DS on the other side would be great, not to mention the future of the NT defence in those positions. But if the only option of having him is to give up Abate than my answer would be a no

Yes, I've seen it and it's wrong. Again - Mesbah is a midfielder. We have none would be the correct answer.

So all considered - I'd welcome Santon warmly, it would be a great signing, no matter if it is for the left or right flank.

What odd logic.

But yes, he's in the current Italian squad, Abate isn't. They've played the same amount of games, despite Santon being much younger.

This post has been edited by kurtsimonw: Jan 8 2013, 11:08 PM

still think Urby is the solution to the left-back problem

I think playing in a major tournament for your country is a very good indicator of your abilities.

I can't seem to remember which games Santon played... Was it as RB or LB? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

I agree mishie. But some here seem to think that it's too "risky" Forget the fact that LB is his natural position and the one he used to play with Ajax or that we're currently using a central midfielder to fill that position simply because he's left footed and is a bit pacy

I think it's a ridiculous discussion. Both are good players. Both valuable, even if I do rate Santon above Abate.

Santon started with Inter as a LB. He plays the LB more often overall so I can safely say he's a good left defender.

As for Emanuleson...you're completely wrong. First of all - Emanuelson used to occupy the position of winger at Ajax, and not fullback. Secondly, when he was forced to play a LB he did badly and was moved back to the wings. So there goes your argument about him and his so-called natural position.

I think Constant is a decent enough LB, at least for the time being.

...said Emile Heskey.

Well that's your NT.

Playing FB for Italy is different. Even in this so called "dark age" for Italian football, there are still enough talented players that if you're not good enough then you're out. Balzaretti, Criscito, Maggio, Abate, Santon. Then you have other good FBs who play for the likes of Fiorentina, Lazio, etc who don't even get a look in unless there are major injury issues

@ Filippo, he played as a wingback, not as an out and out winger. I'd still say he's more naturally inclined to play the LB position than Constant.

Wingback isn't a fullback. I don't know who's more naturally inclined to what, I only know that Emanuelsons defending was bad for Dutch league standards which is a pretty good indicator.

Agreed, Urby is not a LB. We tried and he has been training to perfect that position, however on the field of play he has not proven himself capable of taking up that position.

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It has to be agreed that we have no clue as to what the management's options for the winter transfer window are and that the cards are kept close to the management's chest in that regard. We can assume, however, this or that ... But don't get carried away but the details as those have been taken due to factors we are unaware of.

That said, our window is shite to-date.

Yeah, agreed.