ToffeeWeb - Season 2007-08

The Mail Bag

Valente's significance

I think the re-signing of Nuno Valente for a further year indicates that Jolean Lescott will be used primarily as a centre half next season. If Lescott was to continue at left back, then Leighton Baines would be enough cover, with the youngsters as extra cover. I now see Baines being first choice LB next season.

As we know, the main reason for Lescotts presence at LB this season was to add height to the team for set pieces. Therefore we can deduce (I'm taking this way too far....) that Moyes plans to bring in height elsewhere in the team this summer. Possibly centre mid.

On Valente, it is interesting that he played in our 6-1 and 7-1 wins this season. No coincedence there as I think he is very good going forward, better than the other two LB's we have. Unfortunately he's not quite as dependable defensively, otherwise he would still be a cracking player.

It's good to retain him though.
Phil Hamer, Cardiff Posted 14/05/2008 at 17:30:11

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Michael Kenrick

Baines has also been carrying an injury... which hopefully will be fixed by next season.

Mike Dillon
1 Posted 14/05/2008 at 23:53:32

Could it just be a case that the likes of Baines and Lescott are learning from watching an experienced, internationally recognized left-back at work? Nuno may well be coaching the younger players.

Just a thought.

Connor Rohrer
2 Posted 15/05/2008 at 06:35:11

Valente’s a solid performer. Bar one or two games he’s just come in and filled the left back role well. He’s improved dramitcially on his defending and despite his lack of pace has quality on the ball.

Where trying to build a squad and someone on his experience will be useful. He always plays around 15 games a season which is useful.

Dean Johnson
3 Posted 15/05/2008 at 07:52:06

When Nuno gets a run of games, IMO, there is no-one to touch him at left back in the league.

He is the best passer in our team, has the best positional sense of all our left backs, but is made of glass :-(

Is a great guy and never complains, I just wish we got a few more games out of him as he is always involved whenever we play our best football.

Full-back is the most important position when defining your style of play.

John Pickles
4 Posted 15/05/2008 at 08:51:31

Maybe we could develop a Hibbert-Valente Hybrid, call it a Hiblente or a Valbert. But Knowing our luck we would end up with a player who was poor at both passing and tackling.

Vishal Poorundersingh
5 Posted 15/05/2008 at 08:55:49

The best left back in our team is Nuno. Lescott replaced Nuno, while he was injured, otherwise Lescott would have been played at centre back. Baines is young and is good as well can be used both as LB and LW also. I will say Baines is a perfect cover for Nuno. The best is to come from Nuno surely this season if injury does not spoil his career. Best of luck Nuno.

Jack Pewsey
6 Posted 15/05/2008 at 09:01:37

Lescott is a far better full-back than he gets credit for.Last night he was named in that position in the Sky Sports Team of the Year.I would much prefer him to the puny Baines whose injury record will always present problems.Nuno is a very capable deputy and has never received the acclaim due to him.

Jason Lam
7 Posted 15/05/2008 at 09:16:52

John Pickles, please add Osman and Carsley in that hybrid machine of yours. Osley or Carsman. With any luck we’ll get a midfielder who can’t pass shit and gets knocked over too easily by the mascot.

Matt Bone
8 Posted 15/05/2008 at 12:26:21

I think it definitely speaks volumes about the future of Boyle.

Robbie Muldoon
9 Posted 15/05/2008 at 12:35:26

Valente is good.

Baines is class.

Peter Roberts
10 Posted 15/05/2008 at 13:00:10

Valente is a worthwhile keeper for his European experience. Can put over a cracking cross - if he had pace he?d be a perfect fit for left mid.

I think the release of Boyle meant we really had to keep him and look to start Baines at LB next season - with Yobo and Lescott at CB. That?s being very hard on Jags, who despite his excellent season is still 3rd choice.

Dave Jeanrenaud
11 Posted 15/05/2008 at 13:53:34

Matt,

Boyle was released on a free yesterday. So you are right!

Steve Linden
12 Posted 15/05/2008 at 14:49:52

Could be experience and the fact he’s from Portugal (Fernandes link perhaps?)

Ian McDowell
13 Posted 15/05/2008 at 16:35:27

I think that its more down to that Yobo looks like he will represent Nigeria at the Olympics so Lescott to centre half and Baines, Valente left back.