Why do people keep suggesting Eric Mackenzie? His body isn't what it once was and if he can't play in the Eagles' defensive system which involves zoning off, pressing and intercept marking, what's to suggest that he can play in our defensive system which involves zoning off, pressing and intercept marking?
Everybody rambles on and on about how our defensive success is through system and not player. But then by extension doesn't that logic mean that we need players who are good "system" players and understand their role in a complex defensive system, even if they're not directly talented?
I get that players like Fletcher Roberts aren't the greatest one-on-one defender but he clearly understands our defensive structures, mechanisms and is a cog in a complex defensive pressing and zoning system. Mackenzie might be an upgrade in a defensive stopper role, but given our defence is all about system, I'd back in Roberts to understand that better than a player who has clearly demonstrated he can't at another club.