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Heart of the Defence – Shotton vs Spector

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As we head towards to 2016/17 season, one thing is certain about Gary Rowett`s team – Michael Morrison is a guaranteed starter in the heart of the defence. But who will the Blues captain play alongside? The main contenders are Ryan Shotton and Jonathan Spector. Rob Wildey assesses both players.

POSITIONAL PLAY – SHOTTON

Both players could be forgiven for not having the best positional sense when it comes to playing at centre back considering that isn`t their natural position. But in fairness, both have done sterling jobs there in the past.

Despite being a natural right back, Shotton has been signed as a central defender after he performed well in that position last season whilst on loan from Derby. His positional sense is decent.

Spector is probably a little calmer on the ball – sometimes too calm – although he can often go wandering leaving a gaping hole at the back.

TACKLING – SHOTTON

Tackling is an art form and Shotton has got to grips with this art more than Spector has. Shotton`s build gives him an advantage and the fact he is more athletic also helps. Last season, we witnessed a few crunching tackles from Shotton whereas Spector prefers the more ‘step in` style of defending.

AERIAL ABILITY – SHOTTON

Again, Shotton`s build gives him the advantage aerially. At six-foot-three, Shotton stands three inches taller than Spector. Although height isn`t the be all and end all of the headed dual, Shotton is by far a better player in the air than his American counterpart.

DISTRIBUTION – SPECTOR

Neither player is a fantastic passer of the ball but I`d say Spector uses it slightly better than Shotton. As mentioned above, the American is often calm on the ball and sometimes plays that blind pass where he passes it inside without looking at the possible danger.

Shotton, on the other hand, is more of a ‘win it, kick it` sort of defender. So in this area, Spector wins.

ATHLETICISM – SHOTTON

That area isn`t even close. Shotton is by far the more athletic of the two. He`s big, fairly quick and very strong. This isn`t me putting Spector down, I`m simply making an assessment.

WHO SHOULD PLAY AGAINST CARDIFF?

Ryan Shotton should partner Michael Morrison against Cardiff City on 6 August. His performances at the back end of last season suggested he can be a competent Championship centre back and he was signed for that reason. Spector, and Paul Robinson, are both decent players and offer good back-up options

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