When you look at fantastic signings few can look past Sylvain Distin – what a signing he has proved… even with that dodgy brown leather jacket!
He might have had a few awkward moments at City over the years, but I was happy when he arrived as I think he is a top defender, but I did not think he would be as good as he has been, he has quite literally been outstanding, surely right up there with the best signings of the season – and I do not mean just where Pompey are concerned.
Even better – apart from his wages – the fella did not cost us a penny, as he arrived on a free transfer.
He has instantly slotted into the back four as if he has always been a part of it forming a formidable partnership with Sol Campbell – a partnership that tops the one that he had with Linvoy Primus last season, which is saying something as I think that was as good as any central defensive pairing I had ever seen for Pompey, arguably as good as, if not better than any other in the premier league last season…
I am a huge, huge fan of Primus’ but he is going to have to go some to get back in – when he is fit – but injuries and suspensions will crop up but in order to keep either Campbell or Distin out he is going to have to again play out of his skin – but Noe Pamarot might have crept ahead of Primus in the selection process too?
Distin, along with David James, actually John Utaka too I think is the only Pompey player to have featured in all of our league games this season, although I am almost certain that Distin is the only man to have played in every single Pompey game this season, as I am sure he played in all of our league cup games too?
Either way his consistency levels have been fantastic.
Not only can the fella defend, but he can also attack and so often we have seen him bringing the ball out of defence into midfield and/or galloping down the left wing, not bad for a central defender is it? And his pace is frightening, it really is.
He might be 30 or thereabouts but how the hell he is not at least in the French squad I do not know – they must have some great defenders for him not to even be up for consideration, but at the same time his not being a part does benefit Pompey.
Fantastic defender and right up there already for our player of the season, if his form is maintained if there is any justice then he will rightfully take a place in the team of the year at the end of the season – although this will ‘most likely’ comprise of mainly United players, people like Rio Ferdinand who criminally managed to get into the side last season, probably even more criminally Edwin Van Der Sar got in as the keeper…
PLAY UP POMPEY!
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