Well, we were still 2-4 down after they were both sent off, so it wasn't all bad. I mean, I would have dearly liked to have seen us score three times in 20 mins against 9, but it's always easier on paper than the pitch. Granted, we had a penno..but, he still had to score it, not automatic, and we did get two more after that, but VAR took the one away. So, not quite as simple as "20 mins and 9 men and still couldn't win"
Will Rudiger be our VVD...or will we need to look elsewhere? I like Tomori, but if Luiz hadn't thought he was bigger than the club, Tomori was out the door on loan.Something to think about in that.
Christensen [23] is also a very talented young CB. You can never have too many good center backs if you want to win things. Zouma is settling down a bit too, seems more comfortable on the ball these days, he really has some talent, that Maradona-like run against Ajax was truly amazing. Rudiger may not even walk straight back into this team.
rudiger imo i still the best CB on this team. he'll make us better i think. also, it's important to note that while set pieces are still a problem for us, an OG and a fluke off the post/face aren't exactly marking problems. the idea that Ajax deserved more really needs to be scrutinized as those two goals were flukes. and it should be said that while we look weak at set pieces, we've been quite good at defending in open play, something i think goes a little unnoticed, the glaring obviousness of bad set piece defending is partly because of that contrast. but yes, overall, this team will be something to watch over the next couple of years, could be developing something special here, but it won't be a straight line.
Part of the set piece defending issue is Tammy; this is his second OG already this season. That's understandable from a young striker, but you hope for your striker to be a big help defending those rather than a liability. Will come with time, hopefully - I'd rather he keep playing well on the other end of the pitch.
He needs to study up on Drogba and how he played/set up against free kicks. Drogba. like Tammy should, used his best defensive attribute..his head. Drogba also set himself up from the rear of the line, attacking forward to use his head against the ball, Tammy seems to like being at the head of the line of middle of pack. As you say, he's young and learning, even our greats weren't great their first years.
Exactly, and a great strength of Drogs, and Drogs started as a defender to give him a headstart on D skills perhaps