It's easy to just blame the defenders but someone needs to provide cover as well when both full backs bomb on frequently. The style of football leaves us open at times, we need more mobility in midfield to cover, and Barry while good at what he does do, does not have that mobility. He needs to stay put.
If we had brought in another centre back in the Summer, we'd have had too many players for those positions, which is a waste of resources. Martinez splashed the budget on Lukaku and I'd be surprised if many disagreed with him. If Lukaku continues as he has done over the years he'll be worth twice as much in two years time, and over the years it's been not having a proper goal scoring striker that has held us back.
We have 2 players for every position in defence. Coleman-Jags-Distin-Baines vs Hibbert-Stones-Alcaraz-Garbutt. Obviously it's not like for like in terms of quality but the players are there. We didn't need one more unless someone was going out. You also have Besic and Galloway who can both play in defence as well as the younger kids. Natural selection will change the back four around, and it's likely Stones will come through and be a starter, but he's made mistakes himself.
For me Martinez has made a mistake with the preparation for the season and then playing too many players who were not up to the required fitness levels at the same time. Jags was injured last season and mentally had a bad WC, so perhaps needed a bit more management, as for me he's the one who has looked off the pace the most. I also don't like both full backs bombing on at the same time every game, when sides sit back and try to hit us on the break, we need to make sure we don't leave ourselves exposed.
