I'm actually shocked at Kolarov's performance this season. I was sick & tired of watching him plodding about, but he's been fantastic this season.
He's had spells where he's played well in the past, but to me it's always been more about him going forward effectively & just about being 'competent' defensively, but he's looked a yard quicker this season, & not just that, it's how hard he's worked defensively, not only just getting back quicker & being a fullback, but also fighting for the ball at set pieces etc. Even on good days I've always thought that, for a so called 'hard man' he was a right wuss at defending corners etc, but so far this season he has really looked the part, getting his head to stuff & just being a top defender. He's playing as if he really cares.
By comparison in the past, Clichy has been the 'defender' but is average going forward, wheras little Angelino imo can do anything Kolarov can in open play going forward, & plenty of players around europe can if that's all that matters, hammering in crosses etc. The real test imo is if you can also do the part where you actually have to defend properly, & that's where he's streets ahead of Angelino & even Clichy currently, I haven't seen any fullback anywhere so far this season, do that better than Kolarov.
I really hope he can keep it up, because right now he may be just about the best around in that position.
