Cheik Kouyate looks set to continue at the heart of the Irons defence alongside James Tomkins at West Brom tomorrow.
Reports from the training ground are suggesting that neither Winston Reid or James Collins will be fit to return and that the Senegal midfielder is booked to continue his impressive run at the back.
Indeed, one highly placed insider told ClaretandHugh: “It could be argued on the last couple of games that he may even be a better central defender than he is a midfielder.
“It demonstrates again just how successful the summer buying policy was – Cheik was a magnificent buy at £7 million.”
The starting line up remains an open question following Sam Allardyce’s bizarre decision to play all four strikers against Southampton in a match which saw Andy Carroll injured and facing a six week lay off.
We were told: “Everybody wants to see Diafra and Enner together but after the bizarre decision to start Carlton Cole at St Mary’s and eventually playing all four front men who knows?
“However, there’s a strong view that West Brom boss Tony Pulis will have more problems planning on how to cope with a strike force led by ‘Sak’ and Enner than one led by Andy whom he knows all about from past experience.”
It really shouldnt be a surprise he is an accomplished central defender,he has played there enough for Senegal & Anderlecht.In fact when we first signed him he was reported in the media to be a central defender who could also play in midfield.Now there is this shock at how well he has done 😉
I agree with rad45 he is very good in the Back four the only problem for me is I like him in midfield where his tackling and energy free up Noble and Downing for more adventurous roles and it takes pressure off Song and the defence,the other problem is playing there it allows BFS to include KN in midfield under the disguise of a defencive midfielder which he has no previous for as he cant get up and down like he used to,
I would prefer Booth or Oxford with Tomkins and Kouyate in front with Song giving both full backe room to get forward and Downing freedom behind Valencia and Sakho and we go back to the diamond and success.
He was midfield but played his last season there at centre-back, because they were short of center-backs. Most supporters thought he did well enough, although he had lapses which meant he needed to do something spectacular to correct his mistakes. I believe Allardyce is the best coach to get the best out of him in that position.
Yes Bubs,clearly i prefer him in midfield,but he is good cover for sure if we have a problem at the back.Sam will always find a way of getting Nolan in the team.If it aint because of Kouyate being in defence it will be at someone elses expense who is more suited to the position he will fill.Maybe he will start up front with Sakho tomorrow 🙂
better then read lol