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Toby A or Ryan B?


whelk
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Obviously both have been superb so far but if (hypothetically)we could only make one permanent who would you choose?

 

For those of lesser minds this is hypothetical question so no need for 'pointless thread' or 'sign both' replies

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I think any decent CB can look good when surrounded by our defense (see one D. Lovren) but Alderweireld is definitely class. Bertrand is fantastic as well but Targett will really be staking a claim next season. If I had to choose one it'd be Toby based on Targett coming through. The club has a really interesting decision to make regarding Bertrand/Targett, Targett may be willing to spend 1 more year in the reserves.

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I was slightly underwhelmed with Toby early on; just looked like a RB filling in at CB, but in the past 3-4 games his class and calm authority shine through; I'm sure if needed he could fill in with distinction for Nat Clyne; if he stays with Saints beyond next Summer it will be a happy day for us. Mr Bertrand has been excellent from the off - he is tight in defence, has pace, gets forward, is every bit as good as Baines with his whipped-in crosses which have just the right amount of bend away from the GK and has a cracking left foot shot. Additionally he comes across as a good lad, well liked and a team player. Can't we have them both?

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Bertrand. As others said, the CBs get a HUGE amount of help from our brilliant CMs. Amazed fans notice this and evidently managers don't. Lovren was good but I couldn't tell how good just because of how much work Morgan and wanyama do. Same this season. Liverpool have rubbish defensive CMs but fans and pundits just criticise the defence and demand new defenders, it's so short sighted.

 

Same with scoring, sign more new players! When their biggest problem was signing too many. How Lallana isn't in that team every week I'll never know. Lambert and Borini would have been fine covering for Sturridge. Look at Shane long, not the best player but will grab a few goals, works his arse off and good for the dressing room. There's no way I'd choose balotelli over him, just for the sake of 4 or 5 good games a year. Completely disrupts the club and takes focus away from the team. Personally I hope they keep him in the team all season! Then play him with Sturridge with Gerrard 'holding midfield'. We'd tear them apart.

 

Because Coutinho has been quite good whenever he has played and offers more of a goal threat than Lallana who he is directly competing with.

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Hard to choose between them, but I think Toby because he's more versatile and we have better cover for Ryan B. Namely, I think Targett will pan out well, but even if he doesn't, Toby can - if need be - can play at RB and Clyne could play LB (he did it against Aston Villa two seasons ago when he scored in that 4-1 win).

 

By contrast, Ryan B can play at LB and that's it (not to denigrate his play this season, which has been excellent).

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To those pointing out we have Targett coming through in left-back, remember we actually have two back-up CBs as well in Gardos and Yoshida. We haven't seen much of the former, but Maya is capable, if inconsistent. I wouldn't want to be left with only Targett at LB, plus Bertrand's attitude has been terrific (not that Toby's has been bad, you understand). He's playing like a man revived, and clearly loving the chance to be playing first-team football again. I think Toby is arguably the more 'mercenary' of the two. By that, I mean he probably doesn't mind too much which club he's playing for, not that he's a money-grabbing arse like Lovren. I have a feeling Bertrand would be more committed to Saints long-term, because he's grateful for the club rescuing his career. So, while I hope we can get both, if push comes to shove, I'd go with R.B.

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As good as Bertrand is, and I think he has been amazing, if we could only have one of the two permanently, I'd go with Toby. He is pure class, makes everything he does lppkeasy and is comfortable at CB, RB and CDM.

 

I think signing both would be realistic, and it would be fantastic to have both tied down.

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Obviously both have been superb so far but if (hypothetically)we could only make one permanent who would you choose?

 

For those of lesser minds this is hypothetical question so no need for 'pointless thread' or 'sign both' replies

 

It so painful that, on this forum one needs to spell out that kind of point. ;)

 

This is a really tough one. I can see Bertrand, as he makes forward runs, crosses etc. Due to his position he is a lot more visible. Toby gets on with his job and is only really visible when we are doing less well. I honestly hardly notice him in many games. I think we should sign both! ;)

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Bertrand, with the hypothetical caveat of us keeping Wanyama and Morgan. With those two in DM, and Yoshida's early season form, I don't think our defence would suffer too much if Toby were called back to Madrid. I'm not sure I'd want to be relying on Targett at LB for a full season though (yet!).

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I wouldn't get carried away about signing Toby. When questioned about the option to buy, Koeman said (Some to the effect of) It is very complicated and not as simple just taking up an option to buy.

 

Have no idea what clauses or complications, but his tone suggested it probably wont happen.

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I wouldn't get carried away about signing Toby. When questioned about the option to buy, Koeman said (Some to the effect of) It is very complicated and not as simple just taking up an option to buy.

 

Have no idea what clauses or complications, but his tone suggested it probably wont happen.

 

Sadly, I think the biggest complication is that one of the "bigger" teams (inc those on the Continent) will be sniffing around come May!

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