Nir Bitton

100% this..

Don't like him in a 2 with Jullien as those 2 along with Taylor is an extremely slow back line and it was shown even midweek a couple of time's against part timers..

 

I know people tend to look at him as a midfielder who can fill in in defence, but he’s definitely a centre back for me now.

We’re potentially looking at Ajer leaving for £15m - £20m, and I don’t think it would be unreasonable at all to suggest that Bitton has been the more composed and consistent centre back over the past season.

He’s a very handy player and I expect to see him in and around the first XI if we’re playing a back 3.

 

Had a good game last night

 

At the end of the day, we know what we get from Bitton, should prove to be a decent squad player come seasons end.

 

Roasted a fresh-off-his-* Burke for pace too.

 

We've brought in Duffy..

Bitton more than capable cover at CB for us, he has a deal until the end of the season. So for me January would be the time to get another CB unless we lose Ajer.

Jullien, Duffy, Ajer, Elhamed, Bitton and Welsh are enough another would be excellent but don't see it as a priority.

 

Qaulity over quantity. I'd rather 2 eduards vs 4 pukkis

 

Its fine. Theyll only be injured for big european games.

 

I’d be comfortable with Elhamed anywhere across our defence.. he looked natural enough at LCB for Israel.

Bitton is a CB too, has been for seasons now, it’s like saying Ajer isn’t a CB.. both have played in the midfield but both are CBs now..

Ideally, yes... but would much rather concentrate on LB, LWB we need two as Boli shouldn’t kick a ball for us again.

 

Aye, Bitton is 100% a CB now. He's said as much himself.

 

I think Bitton is a great squad player to have.

Definitely a CB now. He has had some great performances there. He is very composed on the ball and has a great range of passing which is what you want when trying to build from the back.

Not a first choice CB for us but a very good option to have.

 

I thought he was better than Simunovic in the first place as well

 

Same for me as well, i'd never play him in midfield now. Feels like he's not played in midfield for about 4 year.

I've always thought he was similar to Ajer, he's better in the air than Ajer and a better passer of the ball, Ajer is maybe a wee bit quicker and better at running with the ball. Defensively both are ok although not proper defenders.

 

Similar to Hayes - Bitton hasnt put a foot wrong IMO. Aye he isnt the best on the planet but * me hes as good as what we have.

Providing we stay in Europe, he could be a big player for us if he stays injury free. A quality player that adds good depth to the squad. Aye he wont start every week but when he does play, i'll certainly have confidence in him.

 

Some of the diagonal balls he was playing for Israel too were on point. Always been a great passer, can’t run with the ball though which may be an issue if our back three ends up being Duffy, jullien, bitton at times (when Ajer leaves)