Kolo Toure

I know today was his first start since October but oh my he had a lot of issues today. Hopefully he can improve and study the film of today so that when the next time his name is called he plays smarter.

 

He was at fault for two goals yesterday, his man peeled off him and scored for the first two.

 

How long is his contract for ?

 

It's possible Toure is on the slide, and given his age that is not entirely suprising.
That is four goals in his last two games that he has been responsible for, it is Ambrose like.
You have to wonder why O'Connell is not been given more chances, considering how well he did for us the last time out.

 

Would have liked to have seen O'Connell in the team ahead of Boyata against Kilmarnock.

 

True, just think it's been a bit harsh/strange how excluded O'Connell has been, he barely makes the squad anymore despite playing a big part in the qualifiers and first few domestic games.

I think the last time he started was away to St.Johnstone when we won 4-2, and the only other time I think he has come on in was in the Nou Camp.

 

I don't feel like there's much of a need for him as a regular now that we're out of the Champions League. His experience is all but squandered domestically as we should always be on the front foot anyway. It'll be better to let Simunovic and Svitachenko get as much experience and playing time with each other as possible now.

 

And maybe trying to put Boyata in the shop window for January..

With the amount of game's coming up, and Toure looking awful and nowhere near match fit....we may see Boyata in a couple of time's through December..

 

Does seem odd that O'Connell is not featuring more, not even on the bench, when you consider Boyata is a bombscare and is now making the bench, Brendan will have seen how poor Boyata was in the flesh against Killie, and every day probably in training.

Toure never made the trip to Germany, he was kept back to work on his fitness apparently, but when you look at his body shape at Motherwell it looked all wrong, and his touch, confidence and awareness appeared to have deserted him, not good signs at his age.

Either way, if Brendan dozen't fancy O'Connell anymore for whatever reasons, and Boyata and Efe are surplus to requirements, and Toure is fast approaching retirement, we are going to have to sign another good centre back in January I would think.

 

Talking about Toure's body shape he's been like that since his Man City days he's never gonna be Simunovic thin

 

O'Connell is going to Killie on loan in January so no real surprise that other's are getting a game beforehand, as he effectively won't be our player..

Supposedly out of contract in the summer as well, so may be the last we've seen of him. If he does well at Killie, I'd give him another deal. Was showing real signs and confidence early in pre/the season..

 

I believe we will do that but not in January.Think we are focusing on CM/CDM in January and perhaps a winger.Don't expect it to be that busy of a transfer window.

 

True, but I don't want him thrown in to a game like that again..

Would rather a McCart or someone than a bomb-scare miles off it Toure..

That was no good for anyone yesterday..

 

Had a tough game no doubt, but I think its hard to fault him entirely for the first two. Both were excellent crosses and both landed pinpoint at Moult's feet. Great finish on both goals as well. Should've been better positioned to deal with the second goal, almost got his head on it but was a little out of position and caught under the ball. I just think at some point you have to praise the opposition before completely slating Kolo. He will bounce back no doubt, needs to shake off a bit of rust before getting immediately back to top form.

 

We will need another good CB bedded in for January if we want to navigate the Champions League qualifiers next summer.
We can't bank on both Eric and Simunovic being fit at the same time, injuries happen in friendlies and training.
Forward planning required here.

 

Ide

Ideally, that would be a good move,its just that I'm not sure if we will prioritize that in January.Its a tough period to do transfers ,but we'll see.I certainly wouldnt mind another reliable CB like St.Juste ,for example.Time will tell.