Sentences with phrase «backline as»

Pairing defensive solidity with technical quality on the ball, he'll arguably be a perfect fit for Guardiola's style of play, while he'll add much - needed depth in the backline as he will undoubtedly hope to displace either Stones or Otamendi in the starting line - up.

Man Utd could reportedly take major steps to solidifying their backline as Jose Mourinho is said to be eyeing two major defensive reinforcements.

Earlier in the campaign, he raised valid question marks over the Reds backline as they undoubtedly looked far from solid in that department.

Ibrahimovic scored 28 goals and provided 10 assists in 46 appearances in all competitions last season, while Rojo was a crucial figure in the backline as he played in 41 games last year having established himself as a trusted option for Mourinho.

«He is a dynamic, exciting young player that we believe can compete for minutes on our backline as we head into a packed season across multiple competitions.»

Llorente and Firmino undoubtedly each get the plaudits for two great goals apiece, while it was a second half to forget for the Liverpool backline as they buckled again to leave their record at 27 goals conceded in 22 games which gives them the worst defensive record in the Premier League at the time of writing.

With Mesut Ozil, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Pierre - Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette scrapping for places, and with not enough defensive midfield quality or solidity in the backline as reflected in their poor Premier League defensive record, there's a case that Arsenal should be looking elsewhere.

The Czech legend has impressed between the sticks, adding poise to the backline as well as making numerous key saves, and has helped the Gunners to preserve the second best defensive record in the Premier League, behind only rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Not exact matches

In fact, the Portuguese tactician went as far as to confirm his backline for the game with the same four that faced Watford lining up for the visitors, with Marcos Rojo available for selection but he'll now have to be content with a place on the bench.

Recommended by a TV cameraman after failing a trial at Newcastle but ended up shoring up Liverpool's backline for a decade, picking up domestic and European glory as he went.

It is not a must that we play wingers as players in the central and backline can explore the wing places as well as a mobile attacking duet like Aubameyang - Lacazette can explore these areas.

Arsenal, being the home side, have their own share of ammunition; Welbeck is expected to make his debut, which is a mouthwatering prospect for Arsenal, as he will be key to posing problems for the Manchester City backline.

In front of him, Antonio Valencia, Southampton stalwart Virgil van Dijk, Angelo Ogbonna and Liverpool man James Milner form the backline with the latter getting the nod after another solid performance as he continues to be a reliable presence for Jurgen Klopp.

It's claimed by ESPN FC that Southampton captain Jose Fonte remains a back - up option, while Fabinho is also on the radar as it appears as though Mourinho is planning a serious defensive recruitment drive to rebuild the United backline.

The German international has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford as United are also desperately tracking improvements to their backline for next season.

A player United fans will be hoping stays at Old Trafford and continues as number one, David de Gea starts in a stronger - looking backline.

The 23 - year - old's defending and delivery with his wonderful left foot were two aspects of his game that impressed the most, and it looks as though Jurgen Klopp has grabbed a real gem even though he continues to be criticised for his lack of work elsewhere on the backline.

Chiellini, 33, remains an integral part of the Juventus backline, and was absolutely crucial in their win over Tottenham at Wembley in the last round to advance to this stage as he produced another solid defensive performance.

As with the rest of the Chelsea backline, he'll have to be at his best against Swansea's quick attack.

Matic's arrival will be huge for Mourinho and United, as the 28 - year - old Serbian international will act as defensive cover in midfield to not only protect the backline, but also to allow Paul Pogba the freedom to fully express himself so Man Utd get the best out of their record signing.

Not only was the centre - back a key figure for Louis van Gaal during his time as Netherlands head coach — impressing, notably, during the 2014 World Cup — he would also bring experience, resiliency and a physical presence to the Red Devils» backline.

Ozil is a luxury when played with Ramsey and Xhakha as it means there is very little ball winning and no control of the game going on in the midfield area thus exposing the backline.

Long linked as a top defensive target for United and other big clubs, Aymeric Laporte of Athletic Bilbao is a superb prospect and one who could shore up the Old Trafford backline for many years to come.

The youngster enjoyed something of a breakout campaign last season, featuring 12 times as Louis van Gaal sought the right balance for his backline.

We will determine who will be better.Watch As Roma take him away once they realize his goodness.He will be gone for good.At least he will play behind a very good backline that is hardly changed and have so many good defenders.He will be different trust me.I can just see it.

There are too many below average players at club & can't expect Sanchez & Ozil to do wonders with such a porous backline & disjointed midfield marshalled by below average players as Coquelin, Ramsey & El neny.

Should Man City get a deal for Evans over the line, the Northern Ireland international should add some defensive solidity to their backline, as boss Guardiola look to win the seventh title of his impressive career.

At some point some seasons back, there was a time when the backline was compromised to the point where the likes of debuchy and monreal would be improvised as cb's!

Courtois has won two Premier League titles in the last three years with the Blues, and his shot - stopping as well as his organising of the backline has been a major part in that success.

The 28 - year - old has established himself as a crucial figure for Tottenham since joining the club in 2015, making 109 appearances in all competitions and bringing real organisation and solidity to the backline alongside the likes of Jan Vertonghen and Davinson Sanchez.

With John Terry set to move on this summer, coupled with Branislav Ivanovic's exit earlier this year as well as general question marks over the depth and age of the backline, signing Van Dijk makes sense on various fronts.

The Spanish shot - stopper will not want to see this again anytime soon, while in complete contrast United fans were loving «Agent Valdes» contributing to their win as their former goalkeeper helped them avoid a frantic final minute or so with the hosts throwing everything at the United backline.

Given his form this season which has seen him emerge as one of the top defensive players in Serie A, coupled with the solid partnership being build alongside Leonardo Bonucci in the heart of the backline, Milan will be delighted if they can agree on new terms to extend his stay at the San Siro.

While these would be two exciting additions, Valverde will arguably also be looking to address the backline too at some point, as beyond Samuel Umtiti and Gerard Pique, they surely can't continue to rely on Javier Mascherano and Thomas Vermaelen to offer cover forever given their age and injury woes over the years.

That will naturally come as a disappointment to some Liverpool fans given the glaring need to sort out their backline, but it remains to be seen if Jurgen Klopp has other plans.

Campbell is the perfect example as he was partnered up with Toure who wasn't bought as a CB but converted to a CB by Wenger and developed by Wenger but he had a leader who knew the drilled side to organise the backline, Toure followed orders but he was a good player to follow orders.

And, of all other areas of the pitch, Bruce has juggled around with his defenders to such an extent that only Curtis Davies has been the mainstay, as far as Hull City's backline is concerned.

In contrast, Roma, Bayern and Liverpool will undoubtedly be licking their lips at the thought of taking on a Ramos-less Madrid backline, as Juventus were able to expose them and pick out numerous holes in a thrilling night at the Bernabeu.

As a result, a trip to the San Siro couldn't have come at a worse time, and Arsene Wenger will now have the additional headache of a reshuffle in his backline, as per The SuAs a result, a trip to the San Siro couldn't have come at a worse time, and Arsene Wenger will now have the additional headache of a reshuffle in his backline, as per The Suas per The Sun.

A strong performance from the Arsenal stalwart as he marshalled the backline and produced a defensively sound display.

Lampard singled out David Luiz for praise as he believes that the Brazilian international has matured significantly this year, while Cesar Azpilicueta joins him in the backline.

The 24 - year - old joined the Catalan giants from Lyon last year, and has gone on to establish himself as an important piece in their backline, both in the short - term and long - term.

With Cech between the sticks, Koscielny and Mertesacker in front of him, and the mad - as - a-bee Coquelin storming around the middle of the park; a leaky Gunners backline is certainly not on the cards.

Conte remains keen on taking him to Stamford Bridge and forming a crucial part of his plans, as having now established himself as one of the top defenders in Europe, Bonucci will undoubtedly bring significant quality and leadership to the Chelsea backline.

That would suggest that the backline isn't such a priority as it's the second best defensive record in the league.

Combined with the fact that left - footed Umtiti would add great balance to the backline too which could be key, it would be another major step in strengthening the squad for Guardiola as he continues to chase major honours this season.

I would still use Cech Bellerin and Monreal as very important members of our backline.

Despite racking up 344 first - team appearances for Liverpool, it was a different story for Lucas last season as he made just 12 league starts, while also being used as a makeshift central defender in the event of absentees in the backline.

As a result, it's no surprise to see him linked with the likes of Chelsea and City, with both clubs in need of bolstering their respective backlines, while Rudiger also offers versatility which will be very useful for both sides given the tactical flexibility of Conte and Guardiola.

Manchester United are understood to be keen on signing Barcelona defender Marc Bartra as Louis van Gaal looks to strengthen his backline.