Neville Kneville
Well-Known Member
If there's space. Pep could change any player so it's hard to tell.
Changing all 4 fullbacks at once is dangerous imo. There are not so many decent ones to replace them. Maybe do it over two seasons.
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Time catching up with Zabaleta?
- Thread starter toffee balls
- Start date
If there's space. Pep could change any player so it's hard to tell.
Changing all 4 fullbacks at once is dangerous imo. There are not so many decent ones to replace them. Maybe do it over two seasons.
FantasyIreland
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Sagna makes a very decent centre half and a good left back,that makes him very versatile imo.I think there is more left in the tank when compared with Zaba.He hasn't got greater versatility. Not sure how you've reached that conclusion. Until his injury I reckon Zabaleta was one of the fittest players in the squad. He's struggled since coming back but there's nothing to say he can't get close to where he was. In fact everything you've said in Sagnas favour you could just as easily be talking about Zabaleta.
We do need two new full backs though, no argument on that score.
When was the last time you saw Sagna play CB? It's like me saying Zaba could be a very good defensive midfielder. He's played it and he'd be more than capable but it's not where I'd like him to be. Zaba has got a couple of years on Sagna, the only reason it looks like there's more in the tank is because he doesn't use up as much energy during a game. If Zaba just stayed put and concentrated on defending he'd probably go on a bit longer as well.Sagna makes a very decent centre half and a good left back,that makes him very versatile imo.I think there is more left in the tank when compared with Zaba.
Bear in mind, all this is me talking about a back up. We need two new full backs and have done for a season or two. I just think that if we were to retain one then Zaba ticks far more boxes on and off the pitch than Sagna.
FantasyIreland
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When was the last time you saw Sagna play CB? It's like me saying Zaba could be a very good defensive midfielder. He's played it and he'd be more than capable but it's not where I'd like him to be. Zaba has got a couple of years on Sagna, the only reason it looks like there's more in the tank is because he doesn't use up as much energy during a game. If Zaba just stayed put and concentrated on defending he'd probably go on a bit longer as well.
Bear in mind, all this is me talking about a back up. We need two new full backs and have done for a season or two. I just think that if we were to retain one then Zaba ticks far more boxes on and off the pitch than Sagna.
He played there for Arsenal on several occasions and he did so here earlier in the season iirc.
Irrespective,you wont be swayed on your favouritism for Zaba so there is little point having a debate,ive given my reasoning,we'll just agree to disagree:-)
Neville Kneville
Well-Known Member
Another consideration imo is that Pep likes 343. Now some stats gobbling buffoon will probably come on & tell me he's only used it on 7 occasions in the last 150 matches or something, but imo he likes it & fancies using it more, but can't due to the players at his disposal.
That possibly enters the thinking slightly as regards which fullbacks might stay & also which midfielders could be useful dropping back into a 3, as Pep will potentially have more influence at City than he did at the other clubs.
That possibly enters the thinking slightly as regards which fullbacks might stay & also which midfielders could be useful dropping back into a 3, as Pep will potentially have more influence at City than he did at the other clubs.
See, you put it down to favouritism, I think I made my own points which have nothing to do with favourtism. I'll be swayed when Sagna shows me he can be more than a solid defensive right back.He played there for Arsenal on several occasions and he did so here earlier in the season iirc.
Irrespective,you wont be swayed on your favouritism for Zaba so there is little point having a debate,ive given my reasoning,we'll just agree to disagree:-)
Father Paul
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Said it often before that Zab has played way to much football over the last few years. Together with his recent injury problem it has given the impression that he is finished. If the guy gets a good rest (unlikely if involved with Argentina) and a full pre season he could surprise a few people next season. May be some life in the old dog yet. However, I would be very surprised if Pep does not replace one of the full backs on either flank during the summer. In this case Zab could be on his bike if he favours Sagna.He hasn't got greater versatility. Not sure how you've reached that conclusion. Until his injury I reckon Zabaleta was one of the fittest players in the squad. He's struggled since coming back but there's nothing to say he can't get close to where he was. In fact everything you've said in Sagnas favour you could just as easily be talking about Zabaleta.
We do need two new full backs though, no argument on that score.
Now if it is true he has only used it 7 times in 150 matches; I know you were using that as an hyperbolic example. That said, calling someone a buffon for pointing that out, as you go on to guess why he doesn't use it more ( unless you are saying Pep told you that :p), is a bit of fuzzy logic, is it not?Another consideration imo is that Pep likes 343. Now some stats gobbling buffoon will probably come on & tell me he's only used it on 7 occasions in the last 150 matches or something, but imo he likes it & fancies using it more, but can't due to the players at his disposal.
That possibly enters the thinking slightly as regards which fullbacks might stay & also which midfielders could be useful dropping back into a 3, as Pep will potentially have more influence at City than he did at the other clubs.
mosssideblue
Well-Known Member
Well no argument in regards to our centre half purchasing policy......there are several examples of players in this league that could have done as good,if not better,a job than our 70m pairing.
I too hope Denayer is given his deserved opportunity,either CB or RB,as i've championed him from the moment he signed,i'm just not convinced he will.......
I too want to see Denayer given his chance but if we don't change our style and afford the backs sufficient cover, I feel he will also be exposed and not show his potential. Which, IMO is what has happened to Ota / Mangler
mosssideblue
Well-Known Member
There's no place for a fast winger who can't cross or score. All our front three or four players need to be scoring double figures. We need a front three like Barca. I hope Sterling finds his shooting boots.
tbf though, were not busting a gut to get players in the box to receive any crosses
Oh I don't disagree that Zaba would be on his way if Pep favoured Sagna and brought in somebody else as well. It boils down to who I think would be the better option as a fill in and I can't see past Zabaleta. He's being prematurely written off by a few on here because he's not come back from injury at full pelt - which is made harder by the fact that Sagna has been getting more game time.Said it often before that Zab has played way to much football over the last few years. Together with his recent injury problem it has given the impression that he is finished. If the guy gets a good rest (unlikely if involved with Argentina) and a full pre season he could surprise a few people next season. May be some life in the old dog yet. However, I would be very surprised if Pep does not replace one of the full backs on either flank during the summer. In this case Zab could be on his bike if he favours Sagna.
I like Sagna, he's done an admirable job. I don't see enough in his game to warrant being kept if it was a straight choice between the two. Others obviously see it different but have a strange reliance on using sentiment for the reason when it's nothing to do with it.
ZZmaestro
Well-Known Member
Oh I don't disagree that Zaba would be on his way if Pep favoured Sagna and brought in somebody else as well. It boils down to who I think would be the better option as a fill in and I can't see past Zabaleta. He's being prematurely written off by a few on here because he's not come back from injury at full pelt - which is made harder by the fact that Sagna has been getting more game time.
I like Sagna, he's done an admirable job. I don't see enough in his game to warrant being kept if it was a straight choice between the two. Others obviously see it different but have a strange reliance on using sentiment for the reason when it's nothing to do with it.
Top post.
If an Evra is still able to remain higly competitive at almost 35 years old, i don't see why a fully rested Zaba during the summer couldn't come back with a vengeance for our next season.
I believe Pep will keep him and will get an upgrade at the expense of Sagna.
Don't get me wrong, the lad is very good at his defensive tasks, but lacks the attacking quality of Pablo. And knowing how Pep values that side of his full backs, i can't see any future for Sagna under Pep's tenure.
I think people mistake my username as being a Zaba fan boy - it's got fuck all to do with him.Top post.
If an Evra is still able to remain higly competitive at almost 35 years old, i don't see why a fully rested Zaba during the summer couldn't come back with a vengeance for our next season.
I believe Pep will keep him and will get an upgrade at the expense of Sagna.
Don't get me wrong, the lad is very good at his defensive tasks, but lacks the attacking quality of Pablo. And knowing how Pep values that side of his full backs, i can't see any future for Sagna under Pep's tenure.
I am a fan though.. :-)
kaz7
Well-Known Member
Copa America again this summer unfortunatelyTop post.
If an Evra is still able to remain higly competitive at almost 35 years old, i don't see why a fully rested Zaba during the summer couldn't come back with a vengeance for our next season.
I believe Pep will keep him and will get an upgrade at the expense of Sagna.
Don't get me wrong, the lad is very good at his defensive tasks, but lacks the attacking quality of Pablo. And knowing how Pep values that side of his full backs, i can't see any future for Sagna under Pep's tenure.
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blueinsa
Guest
Oh I don't disagree that Zaba would be on his way if Pep favoured Sagna and brought in somebody else as well. It boils down to who I think would be the better option as a fill in and I can't see past Zabaleta. He's being prematurely written off by a few on here because he's not come back from injury at full pelt - which is made harder by the fact that Sagna has been getting more game time.
I like Sagna, he's done an admirable job. I don't see enough in his game to warrant being kept if it was a straight choice between the two. Others obviously see it different but have a strange reliance on using sentiment for the reason when it's nothing to do with it.
Im with you on the we need new full backs full stop.
My issue with Sagna is he is defensively solid but offers us nothing going forward whilst the recent Zabba whilst decent going forward is struggling defensively. Zabba fit and firing again in the summer and he is head and shoulder above Sagna.
mosssideblue
Well-Known Member
Im with you on the we need new full backs full stop.
My issue with Sagna is he is defensively solid but offers us nothing going forward whilst the recent Zabba whilst decent going forward is struggling defensively. Zabba fit and firing again in the summer and he is head and shoulder above Sagna.
Not sure I would agree. Sagna (IMO) is the better defender (even with Zab fit), and surely Pep, first and foremost will want that to be the main attribute. Surely we have enough strength up front without the fulbacks adding to the mix.
Like everyone on here, we all love Zabs to bits, but I'm not sure he will regain his performance levels of two/three seasons ago. Hope I'm wrong though.
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blueinsa
Guest
Not sure I would agree. Sagna (IMO) is the better defender (even with Zab fit), and surely Pep, first and foremost will want that to be the main attribute. Surely we have enough strength up front without the fulbacks adding to the mix.
Like everyone on here, we all love Zabs to bits, but I'm not sure he will regain his performance levels of two/three seasons ago. Hope I'm wrong though.
You could well be right, especially as Pep demands positional discipline as well, something that Sagna not arsed about getting forward would probably provide more.
Like i say though, I'm firmly in the we need new full backs camp.
Evra plays in Italy. It's slower there. There is a reason why lots of older players play in Italy: It is slower and less taxing. Quality might be as good, but it is clearly slower.Top post.
If an Evra is still able to remain higly competitive at almost 35 years old, i don't see why a fully rested Zaba during the summer couldn't come back with a vengeance for our next season.
I believe Pep will keep him and will get an upgrade at the expense of Sagna.
Don't get me wrong, the lad is very good at his defensive tasks, but lacks the attacking quality of Pablo. And knowing how Pep values that side of his full backs, i can't see any future for Sagna under Pep's tenure.
I'm not advocating for one over the other here, just pointing out Evra is not a good example.
Do we? Not as currently constituted though.Not sure I would agree. Sagna (IMO) is the better defender (even with Zab fit), and surely Pep, first and foremost will want that to be the main attribute. Surely we have enough strength up front without the fulbacks adding to the mix.
Like everyone on here, we all love Zabs to bits, but I'm not sure he will regain his performance levels of two/three seasons ago. Hope I'm wrong though.
ZZmaestro
Well-Known Member
Copa America again this summer unfortunately
You're right, have completely forgotten about the copa, had the Euro in my mind.
Hopefully they will play Peruzzi in most of the games and keep Pablo as a sub.