[alex_front2]

Wow, defending has gone off the boil in last 2 years, the WC really highlighted this and I am not even talking about David Luiz in the semi final. Forget England: Spain, Italy and even Portugal had some nightmare defending. And the EPL is riddled with poor defending (the French L1 is the worst)

I am seeing so many basic defensive errors, poor decision making, defenders losing one on ones all the time, lack of back tracking, and tackles so awful my gran would do better. Even almighty Chelsea have let in some cheap goals already this season. Attacking defenders may seem sexy and exciting but not if they can't, well, defend.

Take Man U, I know LVG lost Vidic, Rio F and Evra, but a club like Man U should be able to swoop in like a vulture and cheery pick from elsewhere, even in season for a loan deal when the transfer window has gone. Gaining top notch attacking players without offering CL has been easy Falcao, Herrera, Blind (utility), and ADM easy, but defenders bar ambitious kids Shaw and Rojo? Well, they can't as there are no decent defenders available and even poor clubs are clinging on to their best defenders for dear life. Injuries or no injuries you know
Man U are in the defensive sh*thouse when footballs favourite twink Luke Shaw and Blackett are the best of the backline. WTF? I remember when a Man U back four struck fear into opposition, now it's there to be destroyed.

Vincent Kompany is more valuable imo than Aguero or Silva for MC.

Ashley Cole flopping at Roma has been linked with a move back to EPL and it's Man U (Luke Shaw at left back is the least of LVG's problems).

Where are all the great new defenders ? Will we ever see a Balon D'Or defender? No wonder Alan Hanson quit punditry.

[Drew.]

The only reliable & consistent defender around these days