Cristian Gamboa

He's improved in every game I've seen him play. His speed is absolutely incredible and what an ability that will be when he creates an understanding with the rest of the forward line. It's also brilliant for him defending because he moves so fast attackers don't see him coming out of the corner of their eye.

I can see why Brendan really wanted him. In the right system he could be mindblowing. I think I'd like to see him play more one/twos with forward players as his speed takes so many opposition out of the game it leaves a lot of space for our attackers to move into.

He's also looking more comfortable on the ball too the more games he plays which is great because that means he might have the potential to go past players himself and once he's put the ball past you you're in trouble because you're not turning and catching up with him.

Of course it's the defensive part of his game that is the most concerncing as it's not proven at a higher level yet and I don't know if we can risk him on the 31st. Although part of me wishes we could so he could totally rip the space they leave behind when they come out to attack. They need the points far more than we do so they will have to come out. A problem is though when we pumped them 5 1 they kept attacking our right back position, I don't know if they seen weakness in Lustig or it was because McKay or Garner was over there? Anyway they did look dangerous a couple of times although their goal actually came from the other side of the pitch. Not sure who to blame for that, Lustig for not positioning himself for the header or whoever it was who let them get the cross in in the first place?

I'd love to see Jozo and Erik back for this game so we can't have Lustig and Gamboa playing. I'm guessing due to experience Brendan will choose Lustig but there is a part of me thinking that due to his progression and devastating speed it will prevent their full backs from venturing forward and will create a lot of opportunities for our forwards.

Anyway, basically he's looking like he could be a fantastic player and I'm looking forward to seeing him progressing and creating some good passing exchanges with our players. Basically the new Agathe with maybe a bit more skill.

 

He's been inconsistent this season, solid defensively yes with a lot experience and a calm head but one on one with anyone who has decent pace he gets beat and has been a weaklink at times this season. Not to mention the frustrating backpassing and doesn't offer as much going forward as Gamboa.

Nothing against Lustig, love the big man but there comes a time you have better options as you said for a tough position, only way teams have really got at us is with pace down the wings.

 

Gamboa is improving under Brendan and its pleasing to see.
But, I think Ibrox is the wrong place to throw him in at the deep end, until we see more signs of defensive capabilities from him.
When he was attacking he was leaving room for two Hamilton players go down the space behind him, and he was involved in a reckless tackle that could have got himself sent off.
Lustig knows the drill about playing at Ibrox, I would go with Lustig and maybe bring Gamboa on sometime in the second half.

 

You could be right about Lustig's tendency to pass the ball sideways or backwards. Don't get me wrong I know he's playing the game safe as a defender should do and he can make great runs and put in good crosses. But I imagine Sevco to come out full force trying to attack us with such force that it unsettles us and catches us off gaurd. I wonder how it would work if we had Gamboa with his dangerous speed and natural instinct to move forward when he intercepts the ball. That might cause them a big worry because if they're all in a forward position then he's got the speed to create a devastating counterattack and they might not want to risk it.

Mind you they might fancy testing his defensive skills and that could highlight any problems he's got in that area. This is where Broony would come in with his covering.

I really am in two minds. That goal Dundee scored, I couldn't help thinking if that was Lustig in his natural position that guy might never have got that shot off. But then there was another time when Gamboa intercepted a pass with such speed and created a goal for Griffiths I think? It was a great example of his ability to appear from nowhere.

Personally I don't think Lustig and Gamboa work well in the same team on the same side even though Lustig is CB I can't help getting the feeling Brendan is placing him there to cover for Gamboa and help him settle in that side of the field.

I'd much prefer Erik and Jozo.

Probably best to start safe with Lustig and Griffiths and if we're winning by 2 goals then maybe put on Gamboa and Demebele

 

Lustig is slow. It's the main thing that lets him down.

 

Kind of growing to like Lustig playing centre back and although I like Gamboa I really dont think hes good enough. A decent back up is about it. Lustig at centre back though im really beginning to like.

 

Lack of pace, with Jozo ?

Sometimes wonder if people actually watch football

 

You saying he is fast? Jozo has got great ability and usually positionally very good but he lacks any acceleration in the first 15 yards.

 

I see what you're saying, Lustig is the tried and tested option we know what we will get but with Gamboa can never be sure given it's the derby and he may not be ready. Though I think given his pace and ability to get forward he's better suited for the game, guaranteed to be up against McKay who is pacey and a bit of skill but can definitely get at them down the right.

I think Lustig has just been used as cover to allow Erik and Jozo get a rest. And proved he's good cover which might be his thinking for next season if we don't extend Kolo's contract.

 

Lustig seems to have demoted Toure to 4th choice centre-back. So Lustig even if Gamboa takes over as 1st choice right-back he can be rotated in at both positions to still get him plenty of game time.

 

Think he's had an injury here and it's really rocked him, rather than it being form.....if it was the Toure pre injury, he'd still be getting a lot more game time in my opinion..

Just one of those things and his age obviously catching up with him a bit..

It paid off anyway..

 

That's pish.

When Jozo plays the whole defence can play 10 yards further forward because of his pace.

 

Steady on mate. I don't even think Gamboa has come up with an assist yet....I know he intercepted at Firhill and that may have been one for Griff, can't mind, but Lustig is very good with his deliveries, look at the likes of Dembele's third v those scum *'s for an example of pin point delivery..

 

Noticeably quick in my opinion. Been evident since he got fully fit this season..

 

When Tierney is back playing I'd like to see a back four of him, Gamboa, Jozo and Erik.

After the break we are playing St Johnstone twice, Hearts and Aberdeen all in the space of about 2 weeks. That'd be a good test to see what Gamboa is all about.

 

Am not saying Lustig is poor either going forward, but he plays a lot more safe which I suppose is good in ways but I think Gamboa and Forrest down the right would be an excellent pairing. Dundee game he was brilliant in the first half overlapping, playing 1 2's and putting in some great crosses. I just see him suiting our system and style of play a lot better for domestic football.

 

He's not that fast, I don't see it at all, sure when gets going he can cover back well but it's the first 15 yards he struggles with. Kolo is definitely the fastest followed by Erik then big Jozo.

 

Seems to be settling in well and coming on to a game now!

 

Lustig did score the first goal in the Imps game too and got us off and running so he's got quite a few qualities to his game.

I think Jozo is fast in the sense he moves forward with purpose and can pass a ball forward quickly thus creating a fast counter attack. I would say that is fast rather than his actual pace over 100m. I've said it before a couple times so for fear of repeating myself I think he has a touch of class about him that separates him from normal players. This is why I hope to * we hold onto him before the rich clubs start sniffing round. We've not even developed him yet and they can see what he's made of.

I would much prefer Jozo and Erik than Lustig and Erik. Maybe it's just habit and fear of change but I'm so used to seeing Lustig as a full back I don't like to see his position messed about with because he's a good full back. That's why I think his experience wins out over Gamboa's speed yet inexperience.

Because the huns are going to be trying their hardest to counter us we have to be very assured in defence and don't take any risks. I'm not worried about the quality, I believe we are much better, I just worry their one plan game might end up getting a result because it's the only * way they play so they must end up getting good at it. If we are solid in the back 4 our forward players will prevent them from coming forward too much.

Still though, I'd love to see Gamboa totally tear them apart up that wing, I think they would fall to pieces trying to figure out how to combat it. Surely that would leave lots of space in the no.10 role for Rogic and the penalty area for Griffiths, Sinclair and Dembele when he comes on. But that's probably why Brendan is the manager and not me because he doesn't dream about it too much, he looks at it practically and sees the most unexpected way to create chances.

 

I would like to see that back four too now been given a chance after New Year.
Lustig endured a torrid time at McKay's hands today and was noticeably beat for speed.
Maybe time to give Gamboa a real chance to stake a claim for the right back slot.