How many matches will Clichy play in?

[Catfish]

I am HUGE fan of Gael Clichy and see him eventually pushing Lauren aside. I'm guessing that he will get a lot of Reserve action again in the League Cup, FA Cup, but how about a more bench time and some starts Arsene???

My guess is 10-15 matches this season.

[michaec]

If it weren't for the fact that he's a left back and Lauren is a right back you may have something ;) The best he can hope for as a first choice is all FA Cup and League Cup matches plus any where Cole is injured or suspended. I'm not sure how many times he'll make the bench this year, I really can't make up my mind who I think will be on the bench when everyone is fit.

[Catfish]

If it weren't for the fact that he's a left back and Lauren is a right back you may have something ;)

OOPS! I had a feeling when I was typing this thread that Gael was a LB. Well, can't he be anywhere on the backline? Or is that just too hard to make the switch? I only make the suggestion because Sol, Cole, Toure, and Clichy would be a DEVASTATING defense!

[arsenalgirl30016]

OOPS! I had a feeling when I was typing this thread that Gael was a LB. Well, can't he be anywhere on the backline? Or is that just too hard to make the switch? I only make the suggestion because Sol, Cole, Toure, and Clichy would be a DEVASTATING defense!


I think that Clichy would be able to adjust well to the RB position. We were having a similar discussion on another thread a while back and while LB may be Clichy's natural position, it could be an easy transition. I think Clichy has the speed and the vision to play well on the right also.

[topcatcole]

I think that Clichy would be able to adjust well to the RB position. We were having a similar discussion on another thread a while back and while LB may be Clichy's natural position, it could be an easy transition. I think Clichy has the speed and the vision to play well on the right also.

I agree. What an awesome sight to have Clichy and Cole at wingbacks and Toure and Sol in the center> That would be an incredible defense with speed and firepower to set up the offense. Add that to the strength in the midfield and we could go UNDEFEATED!!

Oh, wait, we already did that.

[GoonerMan]

with clichy on the right back we might revive our left sided play as he is the same type of player as cole

[phishy]

Trabelsi~

[KingHenryXIV]

Phillip Lahm is a young left back for Stuttgart and played with Germany during the Euros. The reason I bring this up is that he is right-footed. You would get that cutting in effect that Henry and Pires does.

[phishy]

i do think that lahm will be a great player in a year or two... xcellent german~

[supaman_x]

I also thought Lahm was very impressive for Stuttgart last season. He was integral in their run in the CL.

[KingHenryXIV]

Well then that means Clichy could have success.

[mad theory]

Not really, unlike Lahm who can use both his feet, Clichy is dominatly left-sided. Which means he would have difficulty beating players because he will always run into trouble in the middle. And when crossing he will always cut inside, which isn't a big problem, but it is when a first time cross is needed.
That's why you use one-footers in their natural positions.

And don't bring up Pires because he's both-footed.

[asfoolasiam]

And don't bring up Pires because he's both-footed.If Pires spends more time in the middle, I think Clichy may split time with Reyes on the left wing.

[billyireland]

Trabelsi~
6 foot under.

I think Clichy will start about 11 EPL matches next season and come on as a sub in another half dozen, as well as Carling Cup matches and easy FA Cup matches (e.g. Scunthorpe). What a player ot be backign up the left flank, I am very relieved that he is one-footed as the aformentioned Clichy--Toure-Campbell--Cole defense would be amazing now, and have a great shout for Europe's best in 2-3 years.