Pablo Zabaleta's popularity

[Blue Is the Opposite of Blue]

Perhaps the most improved player of the Sheikh Mansour era.

Once a distinctly average and hotheaded right back, Pablo has channeled his passion beautifully and become the best right back in the Premier League and one of the best in Europe.

Just watching the highlights of that 1-0 away win at Stoke in the FA Cup during the 12-13 season.

I'm convinced his goal in that game was the moment that gave him the lift to go on and win player of the season and become a fan favourite. City used his celebration for that goal as a symbol of passion and pride within the club.

Seriously glad that it happened.

[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lS1lPuomGho[/video]

 

[jimharri]

Pictured at the end of the 3-0 mauling at the swamp back in March;

Says it all really. He plays how a fan would play. Love Samir and Yaya's (spit!) reactions in the background.

 

[BlueRockape]

He is the fukin MAN

 

[davymcfc]

I agree with a lot of this. When he arrived at city I wasn't impressed.. His decision making was poor and sometimes cost us such as his sending off in the 3-2 loss to Liverpool. However over time his bravery and determination started to shine through. He puts his body on the line week in week out. The first season I seriously started to think we had a top quality player was the year we won the FA cup and the following year he made the right back position his own. Last season he was the best player by an absolute mile and this season he has shown he is a true champion. Zabaleta is without doubt a manchester city legend. I genuinely hope he stays with us for the rest of his career.

 

[BlueTG]

He was rash and raw when we first signed him, but his passion and commitment was always there. Some excellent management, dedication and work has seen him round off into an excellent footballer and not to mention, a warrior for club and country.

 

[feelymcfeel]

Zabs loves City, simple as that.

 

[Alex - City Matters]

He's a typical English fans player, runs himself to the ground and puts his body on the line. He wouldn't be half as popular for example in Spain. He sums up the main philosophy of the English game, you can run around for 90 minutes and be awful, but if you try we don't mind. Zaba is the level above that in the sense he has the ability to go with it.

 

[FanchesterCity]

He's a typical English fans player, runs himself to the ground and puts his body on the line. He wouldn't be half as popular for example in Spain. He sums up the main philosophy of the English game, you can run around for 90 minutes and be awful, but if you try we don't mind. Zaba is the level above that in the sense he has the ability to go with it.

That's precisely it.
He looks and acts like he cares, and his level of performance is rarely of concern. Any player who offers that will always be a fans' favourite.

You only need to look at how well Yaya can play, to see that fans need more than just quality play. Attitude is crucial to fans.

 

[aguero93:20]

Zabalegend.

 

[jimharri]

He's a typical English fans player, runs himself to the ground and puts his body on the line. He wouldn't be half as popular for example in Spain. He sums up the main philosophy of the English game, you can run around for 90 minutes and be awful, but if you try we don't mind. Zaba is the level above that in the sense he has the ability to go with it.

That's precisely it.
He looks and acts like he cares, and his level of performance is rarely of concern. Any player who offers that will always be a fans' favourite.

You only need to look at how well Yaya can play, to see that fans need more than just quality play. Attitude is crucial to fans.

Exactly. Fans will forgive a lot of shortcomings, if the player is seen to be trying his best. And with Zabba, you can be pretty sure he'll have nothing left in the tank when he comes off the pitch. I love the guy, my favourite in the current squad.