Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Where does Faubert fit into this West Ham side?
I've been doing some research on Julien Faubert as I have not previously heard of him but understand him to be a promising prospect from the various reports of us acquiring his signature. These reports also suggest he is a midfielder but during my investigations I have found that most of the French sites have him listed as a defender. The reason being is that he originally played in midfield but played the entire last season for Bordeaux at right back and has excelled there prompting his International call up for France at the same position last August.
I got this information from an article when he was linked to Rangers which read....
"Born in Le Havre, Faubert started off his career at National side Cannes, before moving on to Bordeaux in 2004. He has been a regular feature in the Bordelais side, winning many plaudits for his attacking style of play. However, last season Ricardo Gomes, the Brazilian trainer of the club, moved him from the right wing to right full-back, encouraging Faubert to curb his attacking instincts.
Although his skills were dreadfully stifled at the back, he performed admirably, his foraging runs, electric pace and brusque technique have had him compared with Roberto Carlos.
Raymond Domenech called him into the French squad last August to fulfil a role at his preferred full-back position and Faubert responded with a goal in a 2-1 win over Bosnia. Faubert managed five goals in 32 appearances for Bordeaux last season."
So initially it would have seemed Julien Faubert was signed to replace Yossi but is he to be a fixture on our right wing or is he our new right back? A couple of months ago I read that if West Ham stayed up Lucas Neill would be moved to Central defence next season as it is his preferred position. Would it make sense to play him on our right wing in a position he has not held in over a year? At right back he has been compared to Roberto Carlos so it would make sense for him to retain this position. I guess versatility is a quality highly sought after but I do wonder what plans Curbishley has for the 'new' Julien.
Posted by Dave at 1:48 pm
said...
might go back to the overlapping LB/RB's we saw a little while ago...was effective with paul k looping around the left....but seems a waste to stifle his ability at the back
norven munky said...
I have no problem with LN in central defence.
We would end up with a boat load of competition for the 2 spots - Neill, Collins, Anton, Gabs, Davenport...
In terms of fullbacks we would have McCartney, Konch, Spector, TNJ (the new Julien as Dave calls him :)
If we have serious aspirations to be regularly challenging for Europe we need to have a squad where there is strong competition for spots.
This off season bring in a few big name signings who we expect to hold down regular first team spots. But hang on to the players they force out, as cover.
Then in January or next off season, take the next step and strengthen the squad again and then players like Konch, Marlon & Matty or whoever have been acting as cover can be sold on when we bring in stronger cover (or even new first teamers who will bump this seasons new signings to cover).
But it will take guts and $$$.
said...
I think curbs is open minded about where he'll play....
"He is a young player, very strong, quick and athletic, who is comfortable at right-back or right-midfield, and can also play high up the pitch as part of a 4-3-3 if required.
"He has a great pedigree having progressed through the Cannes academy, and scored on his international debut for France last year, so we are very excited about the impact he could have here."
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said...might go back to the overlapping LB/RB's we saw a little while ago...was effective with paul k looping around the left....but seems a waste to stifle his ability at the back
norven munky said...I have no problem with LN in central defence.
We would end up with a boat load of competition for the 2 spots - Neill, Collins, Anton, Gabs, Davenport...
In terms of fullbacks we would have McCartney, Konch, Spector, TNJ (the new Julien as Dave calls him :)
If we have serious aspirations to be regularly challenging for Europe we need to have a squad where there is strong competition for spots.
This off season bring in a few big name signings who we expect to hold down regular first team spots. But hang on to the players they force out, as cover.
Then in January or next off season, take the next step and strengthen the squad again and then players like Konch, Marlon & Matty or whoever have been acting as cover can be sold on when we bring in stronger cover (or even new first teamers who will bump this seasons new signings to cover).
But it will take guts and $$$.
said...I think curbs is open minded about where he'll play....
"He is a young player, very strong, quick and athletic, who is comfortable at right-back or right-midfield, and can also play high up the pitch as part of a 4-3-3 if required.
"He has a great pedigree having progressed through the Cannes academy, and scored on his international debut for France last year, so we are very excited about the impact he could have here."
