Good topic, moved to The Kop.
Do we have enough cover for Carragher & Agger? Short answer, no. If something happens to one of them we are suddenly stuck with only two central defenders with any real first team experience. Rafa recognises this & has been looking at central defenders this summer, most notably Gabriel Milito.
You're right about Hyypia & Agger being more cultured players compared to Carragher, and the need for us to get someone passionate in. I also feel we need someone with good aerial ability with Hyypia sure to be on his way next summer, and if we can get him I would pull out all the stops to get Gabriel Heinze. He's a tough tackler without being reckless & picking up too many cards, and he's also very good in the air. More importantly he gives us a different option at left back, where both Riise & Aurelio are very attack minded fullbacks.
With regards to the youngsters, Paletta is the player out of the three mentioned that is most similar to Carra. When I watch him play for the reserves he is like an animal & actually makes Carra look quite tame sometimes! However he has an alarming lack of pace & every time he's tried to make the step up he's failed miserably. Roque is much more technical, and can also play at right back. Hobbs is a bit of both, a technical player who can play defensive midfield but is also very strong in the tackle. Out of the three I'd say Hobbs is most likely to make the step up when Hyypia leaves, but like Paletta on the odd occassions he's had the chance he's failed to shine in the first team.
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