Andersen

[Count Flapula]

I certainly don't want to ship him off if that means Issa is going to be a regular starter. That would be a clear step backwards.

We actually conceded less goals per game when Diop started (1.25) vs Andersen (1.36) last season, so the stats would tend to not back up your opinion it's a "clear step backwards". 

Appreciate i'm coming across as bashing Andersen and maybe my post was delivered in an overly harsh tone. I think he's technically a very good player and also a very strong character/tenacious and a battler which I like. I've just think his main weakness is so detrimental in the dynamic, athletic modern game that if we want to progress then we need a CB without that weakness. For me, his lack of pace and inability to defend one-on ones personally and directly cost us several points - as well as the FA Cup game vs Southampton. IMO Diop generally played well when called upon and should have played more games when Anderson's form was particularly poor towards the beginning of this year.

[Jules]

Sorry but Diop is a much better defender than Andersen. Ok he doesn't play 40 yard crossfield passes but he keeps the ball moving, has much more pace, strong, more mobile, better positionally and has a good understanding with Bassey.

[SerbianLad]

I got so fed up with Andersen towards the end of the season that I am in the get rid camp now. Especially the Bournemouth game. He's the main reason we missed out on Europe, imo at least, as his headloss in the biggest game of the season destroyed our chances. A win there would probably have got us European football (indirectly).

I'd much rather keep Diop who'll be super confident after a great WC campaign and suits Arbeloa's higher line infinitely more.

[Chi_FFC]

I certainly don't want to ship him off if that means Issa is going to be a regular starter. That would be a clear step backwards.

We actually conceded less goals per game when Diop started (1.25) vs Andersen (1.36) last season, so the stats would tend to not back up your opinion it's a "clear step backwards". 

Eh, it's a sample size of 8 starts for Issa which brings up all kinds of small sample size issues including, but not limited to, the fact that those limited starts came against considerably weaker opposition (average final table position of the 8 teams he started against was 12.5 vs. 9.67 for Andersen). The underlying stats from the past four years (and the improvement since Andersen came in) all do support the conclusion that it would be a clear step backwards if Issa were to be a regular starter next season. I get that Andersen has become a whipping boy for some here for a variety of reasons, but if you want improvement at that position the answer is most certainly not Issa Diop (the overrating of Issa's defensive prowess by some here is comical...I guess that's what can happen in the eyes of some when a player doesn't play very often)...

[Count Flapula]

I certainly don't want to ship him off if that means Issa is going to be a regular starter. That would be a clear step backwards.

We actually conceded less goals per game when Diop started (1.25) vs Andersen (1.36) last season, so the stats would tend to not back up your opinion it's a "clear step backwards". 

Eh, it's a sample size of 8 starts for Issa which brings up all kinds of small sample size issues including, but not limited to, the fact that those limited starts came against considerably weaker opposition (average final table position of the 8 teams he started against was 12.5 vs. 9.67 for Andersen). The underlying stats from the past four years (and the improvement since Andersen came in) all do support the conclusion that it would be a clear step backwards if Issa were to be a regular starter next season. I get that Andersen has become a whipping boy for some here for a variety of reasons, but if you want improvement at that position the answer is most certainly not Issa Diop (the overrating of Issa's defensive prowess by some here is comical...I guess that's what can happen in the eyes of some when a player doesn't play very often)...

He played often enough. 8 starts from Diop and +/- 30 starts from Andersen against Premier League opposition, how each of them played and how many goals we let in is a decent enough sample size for me to see Diop deserved to start over Andersen - particularly towards the back end of the season when he patently costed us a number of crucial games previously highlighted by myself, Serbian Lad and others.

Andersen is a good player but his lack of pace ultimately cost us dearly. I guess we'll have to agree to disagree on our positions on this one.

[Jims Dentist]

Andersen would be far too slow and immobile in mf and would not have the time to pick out his long passes.
Sadly, I don't think LDF is anywhere near up to Premiership level.

[demeant0r]

Andersen would be far too slow and immobile in mf and would not have the time to pick out his long passes.
Sadly, I don't think LDF is anywhere near up to Premiership level.

How can you even say that? He's not played a single minute in the PL yet and one full League Cup appearance against Ipswich in 2023 in which we won 3-1.

[WindyCity]

Now that Fougerolles is back from his loan he can understudy Andersen.

Not sure about that.  In the WC, when up v better competition, did not look up to the task.  Final game he directly cost his team two goals, with needless foul and a wayward pass.  Looks like a good prospect, but sitting on the bench will not help his game.  Should probably be loaned out for another season at a higher league, perhaps the Champ.  Just don't think he's ready for the Prem.

[Plodder]

Every so often, a player becomes the scapegoat for the team's problems, and I think that is the case here with Andersen.  A few months ago, Tim Castagne was that player. He "couldn't defend well enough", "wasn't even Championship standard, let alone Premier League", "need to get rid for an upgrade" etc.  Now, after a few months in the first team and a good showing at the World Cup, those voices have been silenced.

I think we are blessed now with four good Premier League centre halves, and arguably Luc (I have not seen him play enough to have an opinion).  If one of them goes, we will be OK, but if we can retain all four, so much the better.

Central defence, with or without Andersen, is the team's strongest asset at the moment, not a problem area.

[hovewhite]

4 CBs a great competitive position to be .
Anderson looking on his last legs,apart from leadership and maybe in a 3 at the back .
Can see the club trying to move him on.

[Jims Dentist]

Andersen would be far too slow and immobile in mf and would not have the time to pick out his long passes.
Sadly, I don't think LDF is anywhere near up to Premiership level.

How can you even say that? He's not played a single minute in the PL yet and one full League Cup appearance against Ipswich in 2023 in which we won 3-1.

How can I say that?
Well just look at the post from Windy City just below yours and he sums it up very well.
LDF is not tall or strong enough for a central defender and not fast enough for a full back.

[hovewhite]

Andersen would be far too slow and immobile in mf and would not have the time to pick out his long passes.
Sadly, I don't think LDF is anywhere near up to Premiership level.

jD nor do I ,but a loan out to a premiership side or championship side then next season 27/28.