Re: The English Premier League thread
Reply #277 - April 27, 2012, 06:31 AM
Not all CBs have to be sweeper-lites. There is a time and place for nicking the ball, and a time and place for holding firm. And frankly, though it's not the strongest part of his game and well below the likes of Carvalho, JT's ability to read situations is under-rated. People take one look at his horrendous lack of pace and assume he's bound to be caught out with balls in behind. But he has excelled in high lines almost as much as he has on edge of the box. Don't get me wrong, Ivanovic and Alex are superior players, Riccy was streets ahead of anyone in the PL at his best, in my not-unbiased opinion. But put JT with a Gallas, a Carvalho, a Luiz, and he will be a perfect foil.
And I certainly wouldn't class him with Carragher. They may both be very gritty players, but Carra always struck me as needing that extra yard to complete his duties compared with JT. More of a last-ditch player, more of a 'hero' defender, even. Terry isn't about spectaculars as much, he has more discipline than Carra.