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The next central defender: Brede Hangeland?

In view of the need to buy another central defender in the near future, with the likes of Lescott and Forren recently linked, I wonder if there is a much cheaper and perhaps more available option, in Hangeland, who is out of contract in the summer? Whilst this season may not have matched the quality of his others, he has been one of the most consistent centre backs in this league in recent years. He is 31, and I don't see any reason why he can't play until he is 34, whilst he also offers Premier League experience.

Of course his age goes against him, and every Everton fan would like to see a younger Lescott or Jagielka. But realistically we may not be able to find one, and I think picking up experienced central defenders is a good tactic, as illustrated through the purchase of Distin.

My only concern would be Hangeland's lack of pace, in view of our current attacking set-up, which leaves our centre backs more vulnerable than at any other time during Moyes's reign. But then Fulham play a brand of attacking football not dissimilar to ours; he has great positioning, and aerial ability, and we could pick him up for free in the summer.

I wouldn't be overly surprised if, providing he is still available at the start of the summer, we can make a move.
Jim Knightley, London Posted 12/01/2013 at 11:12:21

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Simon Atkins
304 Posted 12/01/2013 at 22:08:02

Didn't realise he was out of contract this summer Jim. Him and Jags may make a decent pairing.

The thing that we really do lack in our back 4 is height. Coleman, Jags and Baines are not 3 of the biggest so we really do need some height at the back.

Can't say I have watched him closely this season but on a free surely worth a punt!

Trevor Lynes
328 Posted 13/01/2013 at 00:32:30

STOP BUYING AT POUNDLAND

Andy Crooks
335 Posted 13/01/2013 at 01:03:50

Jim, where do you see the need to buy another central defender? The most frustrating thing to me on this site is the lack of support for Shane Duffy. I find his exclusion from the side utterly beyond belief and an indictment of David Moyes. If he had the chance that Jagileka did today we would have won. What have he and Barkley done to upset Moyes?

Jim Knightley
338 Posted 13/01/2013 at 01:29:58

Because Andy, Heitinga looks to be finished at this club, and Distin is 35. Duffy also lacks experience, and young defenders without experience are a risk, as illustrated at Villa. Assuming Heitinga goes, would you have us go into next season with 3 central defenders, one 35, one 21/22?

I also think suggesting Duffy would have scored is so reductive and absolutely pointless. Maybe if he would have played he would have made a mistake and we lost? what's the point in speculating.

But clearly you've seen a slightly different Duffy to me. Time will tell if he has it, but even if he is the new Jags, I think we need someone else in for numbers/experience.

Trevor..what's the point in your comment? we've no money, and Hangelaand is a top defender.

Si Cooper
345 Posted 13/01/2013 at 02:50:50

At some point we need to invest in younger players Jim, or it really is the slippery slope. What you cough-up in terms of initial outlay you should get back in longevity and potential sell-on value. We need a another Lescott, cheap because they are a bit of a gamble in the premier league, more than another Distin.

If Hangeland is widely fancied his wage demands will largely negate any saving in the transfer fee, and we are likely to be outbid in any case.

Hangeland's lack of pace is a significant factor - Distin wouldn't have been such a good buy without his. A young foreigner may fancy the challenge and the chance to progress his career and attract an even bigger club. If they flop they may still attract interest from their home market on the basis that they have already shown they can operate at that level.

Sam Hoare
366 Posted 13/01/2013 at 08:14:29

Hangeland on a free would be a relatively sensible purchase but as Si says I think his likely high wages would be a stumbling block and with our new form of more attacking football I think recovery pace for centre backs is quite important. Brede is certainly not the quickest off the blocks...

Harj Badwal
373 Posted 13/01/2013 at 08:53:27

I would rather Duffy was given a run in the team... looks decent from the occasional game he does get. Duffy is quicker and is decent in air — he will only improve with Jags!

Joe Sage
385 Posted 13/01/2013 at 09:35:42

I still think Duffy needs a fair crack at things, he was easily contender for Man of the Match in all the games he played in last year and he offers a big threat at set plays. I think he's the top scorer for our reserves.

Jim Knightley
416 Posted 13/01/2013 at 11:24:27

Given that he was at Fulham, I don't expect a wage higher than £40-50,000. I would like another Lescott too of course, as I stated in my original post. But I suppose the problem will be finding one... especially if we can't afford to pay £4-5 million. Although hopefully selling Heitinga/Gueye will give us some movement in that department.

Ben Jones
429 Posted 13/01/2013 at 12:22:53

I think if we wanted the new Lescott, a guy called James Chester from Hull would be a really good buy for us.

In terms of Hangeland, yeah he's proven in the prem, but I imagine he would go to Newcastle or Sunderland, all teams with more money than us and guaranteed first team football.

With regards to Duffy, I really believe he will go on to replace Distin. So I think maybe wait till the end of next season.

Neil Cremin
458 Posted 13/01/2013 at 14:39:38

Jim, you nailed the problem with your comment "Duffy also lacks experience, and young defenders without experience are a risk," The issue is how will they get experience, certainly not by sitting on the bench and getting 2 minutes at the end of a game if he is lucky. Not to get a chance even when we are winning 5-1 is ridiculous. Of all the players on the Everton bench he is the one that is least used and the one that most need to get experience at the top level.

Trevor Lynes
467 Posted 13/01/2013 at 15:40:40

I reckon Hangeland would probably draw in a race against Heitinga and that's why we do not want him!

Duffy must be a better option and if he is going to be kept then he must eventually take over from the excellent Distin who is better than Hangeland.

FGS stop filling our squad with players who are past it or available for nothing. Get some youth in the ranks to be able to get experience playing with the older players we already have.

Si Cooper
519 Posted 13/01/2013 at 19:47:27

I am assuming Duffy will get some game time going forward, but I am assuming Heitinga's days are numbered.

Next season I would see Jags and Buzz as the first choice, with Duffy and 'another youngish prospect' being developed as long term replacements.

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