Player thread: Pablo Zabaleta (2014/15)

[robbieh]

Re: "Oh Pablo Zabaleta..."

Apart from being a top player he's also a top bloke.

Last night at the end of the game he stood defiant. He wasn't blubbing his eyes eyes out like that cretin David Luiz. He realised he'd lost a football match. An important one professionally no doubt but a football match nevertheless.

Crying for me is fine. Tears of joy for the winners no problem. But players wallowing in self pity after a defeat do me a favour.

I thought the whole Argentina team gave it their all but they weren't quite as good as Germany individually.

So Sergio's self pity at losing in the biggest game that any Pro footballer can achieve pisses you off ? Harsh.

Maybe. But I stand my view that there is so much happening in the world that is truly tragic so when I see highly paid footballers crying their eyes out after a defeat I feel uneasy. We live in a world awash with easy sentimentality, superstition, look at all the players crosssing themselves, praying on the pitch etc, and above all the cult of the individual. Depressed fans immediately restored to joy when seeing themselves on the big screen. Selfies all over the place. It is a vain and selfish world.

But for me Zabba represents something more. Bravery, no rolling around trying to cheat. 100 per cent commitment. And when he loses he takes it on the chin and bounces back. No vanity about him unlike the ridiculous Luiz.

We are lucky to have him.

 

[St Helens Blue (Exiled)]

Re: "Oh Pablo Zabaleta..."

Zabba is my favourite player at City for his passion and commitment.
My daughter who is 5 is in love with him.
Felt for him last night I really did.

 

[eversince 76]

Re: "Oh Pablo Zabaleta..."

Another typical Zab-performance last night. Such a pity he didn't win it. But Zab can look back at having had a fantastic tournament.

As for the other City-players performing in Brasil (the ones that were allowed to play ...), it was mediocre at best with probably Kompany and Demichelis decent. Pellegrini will have to get a few heads right.

 

[nmc]

Re: "Oh Pablo Zabaleta..."

I used to think Zabba was the Man but then the footballing genius that is Tim Vickery told me otherwise! Anyone see the dick Vickery picking the team of the tournament - complete idiot.

 

[ChicagoBlue]

Re: "Oh Pablo Zabaleta..."

We live in a world awash with easy sentimentality, superstition, look at all the players crosssing themselves, praying on the pitch etc, and above all the cult of the individual. Depressed fans immediately restored to joy when seeing themselves on the big screen. Selfies all over the place. It is a vain and selfish world.

But for me Zabba represents something more. Bravery, no rolling around trying to cheat. 100 per cent commitment. And when he loses he takes it on the chin and bounces back. No vanity about him unlike the ridiculous Luiz.

We are lucky to have him.

Hear, hear!!

 

[ancoats]

Re: "Oh Pablo Zabaleta..."

I used to think Zabba was the Man but then the footballing genius that is Tim Vickery told me otherwise! Anyone see the dick Vickery picking the team of the tournament - complete idiot.

Tim Vickery is a total tool and they say footballers get paid to much money
whatever he picks up each week is a joke (football journalist) hahahahahahahahahaha

 

[BillyBonds]

Re: "Oh Pablo Zabaleta..."

I just want to say I thought he was absolutely fantastic. Him and Mascherano put their heart and soul into the games. Lots of other players should hang their heads in shame.

 

[allblackcitizen]

Re: "Oh Pablo Zabaleta..."

I mean this. last night we saw the best right back in the world playing in a blue shirt. Argentina's problems, right through the tournament, had nothing to do with their defence, which was monumental. With the attack and midfield giving the ball away over and over again, not stringing three passes together, it obviously brought huge pressure to bear on the defence. Ultimately, it folded. Once.
I think Zab has actually come out of this tournament with his status enhanced, if anything. Loving the thought of seeing him back home, where he belongs. It would be great if we could find some sort of welcoming song for him for the Liverpool match.

Agree that Zaba had a good tournament and agree with just about everything said about him in this thread. He is a shining light both on and off the field and modern day footballers would have a lot more credibility (certainly in my eyes) if they followed his example. But the best right back in the world was actually playing in white last night i.e. Lahm.

 

[MihaiCity]

Re: "Oh Pablo Zabaleta..."

I mean this. last night we saw the best right back in the world playing in a blue shirt. Argentina's problems, right through the tournament, had nothing to do with their defence, which was monumental. With the attack and midfield giving the ball away over and over again, not stringing three passes together, it obviously brought huge pressure to bear on the defence. Ultimately, it folded. Once.
I think Zab has actually come out of this tournament with his status enhanced, if anything. Loving the thought of seeing him back home, where he belongs. It would be great if we could find some sort of welcoming song for him for the Liverpool match.

Agree that Zaba had a good tournament and agree with just about everything said about him in this thread. He is a shining light both on and off the field and modern day footballers would have a lot more credibility (certainly in my eyes) if they followed his example. But the best right back in the world was actually playing in white last night i.e. Lahm.

Actually we saw last night at work the best 2 right-backs in the world atm one playing for germany and the other for argentina(and US)...end of

 

[Witney Blue]

Re: "Oh Pablo Zabaleta..."

Did I read somewhere Zabba is a San Lorenzo fan? Anyone know? I'm 46 and should know better but thinking of getting a shirt