O’Brien or Bangura at Left Back?

Expat Smoggie

Expat Smoggie

Well-known member
I had the feeling that the O’Brien signing was going to be a major coup for us but I never imagined he’d be so versatile and slot in so quickly.

I know we haven’t seen too much of Bangura and what we did in his only appearance was good— lots of energy and decent on both ends of the pitch. However, O’Brien has played the LB role very well and seems to be very much at home on the left side as he links up so well with the likes of McGree and Josh v Soton.

I’m sure Bangura will win back his place although MC might be reluctant to do it while the system is beginning to click.
 
I thought Bangura was alright. Better than Engel in that 1 display than anything we have seen in Engel so far.

Happy for O’Brien to continue there for now. He’s doing a great job.
 
Absolutely love the Hackney and Howson combination, so i wouldn't like to see that broke up apart from either injury or massive loss of form.

But at the same time, o'brien is a top top midfielder in this league (probably the best the season before last). It looks as if he's doing a great job at left back but i can't help also thinking he's wasted not being in midfield.

As much has he'll appreciate starting games - i bet his a little gutted he's not in midfield.

I'd actually like to see Hackney in a number 10 position just in front of Howson and o'brien.
 
DanBoro4499 said:
I'd actually like to see Hackney in a number 10 position just in front of Howson and o'brien.
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I'd try that one if we had Latte Lath up top, as Hackney would be able to slide the balls through to him with his excellent movement in behind. Only issue there is we would lack any kinda physicality at the top end of the pitch.
 
MickaelDebevePhenomenal said:
I'd try that one if we had Latte Lath up top, as Hackney would be able to slide the balls through to him with his excellent movement in behind. Only issue there is we would lack any kinda physicality at the top end of the pitch.
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Yea i know what you mean mate. Akpom was a massive physical presence in there.

Not to the same degree....but i think Hackney would be able to handle himself in there.
 
I think obrien will eventually go into the midfield alongside Hackney. Howson won't be upto a full season, time waits for no man etc.. a few games at left back to get fully upto speed and wait for Bangura to return works out well for everyone. Well except Engel.
 
At the moment I would leave well alone and keep O'B at left back.

He is still influencing games so far it is working, and helping shore up the defence.
 
As long as Howson and Hackney are playing as well as they did last season then I have no issue with O’Brien playing at left back. It also allows us to play some football from that part of the field as O’Brien is so comfortable on the ball and can step into midfield with it. It might be another little move like what happened with Forss, where we try something - admittedly maybe out of necessity - and it’s really beneficial to the team.
 
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Aye it's a long season and a squad game. Howson will be probably struggle to play twice a week anyway so O'Brien might end up playing some at left back and some in midfield as the season progresses. Injuries and suspensions will play a part too.

Carrick tends not to change a winning side much (if at all) one league game to the next, not that he's had that decision to make until now. I expect, subject to any injuries he'll start with the same team again. And should do really.
 
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