Pompey's Defenders

Vital Pompey will be reviewing Pompey`s options in different positions. I will sum up where I think we need to improve and where we are strong.


Defenders


Right Backs

Glen Johnson
Richard Duffy
Andy Griffin

The arrival of Glen Johnson means that we have an attacking right back who loves to get forward and help out the forwards. Glen Johnson is a top class player no doubt about it and with him in at right back we will look strong in that position. Richard has done well out on loan but does Harry really think that Duffy can provide back up? I think that Andy Griffin will be the main back up to Glen.

Healthy? We have depth in this position but not particularly strong, outside Glen. I don`t think we need anymore right-backs. I think Duffy is going to become a Pompey regular in the future and I hope he isn`t loaned out! I think our best hope is that Johnson stays fit.


Left Backs

Matty Taylor
Dejan Stefanovic

Matt Taylor has kept on improving at Portsmouth over the years and has amazing passion for the club. Going forward has always been his strength, but last year he proved to the fans that he can also defend. Dejan Stefanovic will only be left back cover if another left back is not recruited! It`s not Dejan`s strength by any stretch of the imagination and when he does play there we lack attacking capabilities down the left.

Healthy? No not really. We are going to have to bring in a left back in my eyes! A half decent one to provide cover for Matty? Yes because Dejan isn`t comfortable there. We could even buy a top class left back like Roberto Carlos and push Taylor on to left mid! I would prefer to see a squad player come in and provide competition to Taylor.

Centre Backs

Noe Pamarot
Linvoy Primus
Dejan Stefanovic
Andy O`Brien

Noe Pamarot, was seen as a poor signing but he came on against Wigan and showed that he can hold his own in the Premiership. I don`t think we will see him much next year but not a bad player to have in the squad encase of an injury crisis. Linvoy always gives 100% and being quick and strong, he will no doubt start the season on the bench, before becoming a regular. Dejan (last year`s captain) was very inconsistent last term but he is a battler and I expect Tony Adams to work wonders with this guy. Andy O`Brien is also prone to the odd mistake but for the majority of the time last year he did a solid job.

Healthy? No, we need at least one, possible two centre backs in this summer. It isn`t the lack in depth I worry about, it`s the cheer quality of our centre backs. Other clubs would identify our centre backs as a weakness. I think at least one of them should be sold either Andy or Noe. In their place should see a top class centre back (Sol Campbell?) and an up and coming youngster (Anton?) My warning to Harry is that without strengthening in this position, we will leak goals.

My expected defence line up come August 19th;

RB: Glen Johnson
CB: Signing
CB: Dejan Stefanovic
LB: Matty Taylor

What do you think? Let me know below!

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