Fullbacks
Nathaniel Clyne
Clyne’s job is to prove an upgrade on the departed Glen Johnson, first and foremost. In order to do this, he needs to provide a consistent marauding presence up the right, but perhaps more importantly – shine defensively. This is something Johnson never managed to do, and although we value Clyne’s offensive traits – it’s his tackling, intercepting, blocking and defensive positioning we’ll first judge him on.
Jon Flanagan
Flanagan simply needs to recover from his devastating injury, and ease himself back into first-team action at his own pace. Literally no pressure is being put on the young defender. We just want to see him healthy again.
Alberto Moreno
Like many of last summer’s signings, it’ll be this season that we can fairly judge Moreno. He’s had a full pre-season, should be acclimatised to English life and needs to start justifying his price-tag. Remember, this is a left-back who was starting for Spain in 2013/14 and earning the attention of Real Madrid (via talkSport). He showed glimpses of this ability during the debut campaign (like his goal against Spurs), but we need to see it more consistently this time around. Moreno’s final delivery needs to be more cutting and regular, but like with Clyne – it’ll be his defensive contribution that marks him a success or failure. Positionally he made mistakes and often didn’t get tight enough to opponents. This needs to change.
Joe Gomez
To do exactly as he has done all pre-season, and play with a confidence and physicality that belies his age. If he can do this, Moreno’s starting spot could be in trouble – although Gomez might get a chance at centre-back in the cups as well.
Andre Wisdom
Do his job when called upon and establish himself as the primary backup to Clyne on the right.
