Even as a Fulham fan, I’d probably say no and would put Nicky Shorey ahead of him, but the Castrol Ratings appear to suggest otherwise.
This month’s Castrol Rankings show Fulham defender Konchesky has risen nine places to 378, while Aston Villa’s Stephen Warnock and Everton’s Leighton Baines – the other main contenders for a place in England’s squad for World Cup 2010 – are at 419th and 420th, respectively.
England coach Fabio Capello is looking for cover at left-back ahead of the World Cup Finals in South Africa, following a broken ankle for Chelsea’s Cole and Manchester City’s Bridge announcing his retirement from international football.
Konchesky’s defensive qualities are underlined by an outstanding tackle success rate of 84 per cent, significantly better than his rivals for the position. In contrast, Baines’ strength is going forward and delivering crosses into the penalty box. This is reflected by the fact that the Everton man has delivered 310 crosses for David Moyes’ side.
Interesting – but I’m almost certain it won’t happen.
Pleased to see this. I’ve felt that Konch has come in for some undeserved criticism this season. He has been excellent since Hodgson took over, and has been an essential ingredient in an ever-impressive back four. Shorey has done very well since he’s come in too, but I’m struggling to work out which one of the two I prefer. Probably Konchesky – just.
I agree, Nick. People keep saying how Konch is mistake prone, but he’s mistake prone in the same way that Rio Ferdinand is mistake prone; fine, they happen, but the good more than outweighs this.
Underrated player who I’m sure could do a job in the national side. Far worse players have played for England recently. To me he’s a more rounded player than Shorey, but it’s a wonderful position to be in (you can’t generally get two quality players in one position at clubs like ours).
Castrol Ratings are done by the crew at the Fink Tank, Times, etc. They are unfairly maligned sometimes I think. As the basketball analyst Dean Oliver said, human eyes can judge a player better than numbers, but the numbers see all the games (e.g. every kick of every match, rather than highlights, etc. This is why Frank Lampard is so good; he’s an 8/10 every week; not many others can do that – there is a tendency to value players for what they can do, rather than what they do week in week out. Rare is the player who is on top form every moment he’s on the pitch, and this is what these types of ratings can catch).
Ramble over…