Zabaleta linked with summer move?

[worsleyweb]

Still think he could go in the summer. Only 1 year left on his contract and he could earn one last pay day at Inter. Hope I am wrong but we will see.

 

[BillyShears]

Still think he could go in the summer. Only 1 year left on his contract and he could earn one last pay day at Inter. Hope I am wrong but we will see.

Yeah those quotes don't fill me with hope. I suspect that Zaba's on pretty good money at City, around 90,000 pounds a week. Not sure the club would want to commit to another 3/4 year contract at that size for him. His quotes seem to suggest though that he sees himself playing on for another two or three years at the "top level". Not sure that will be at City.

Gonna be sad to see some of the heroes of the post take over success leave the club in the coming two summers, but age catches up with all of us.

 

[jollylescott]

I thought Zab looked great on the weekend. He looked thinner and fitter than he has for some time, and this is a credit to him considering the long lay off.

If it comes down to a choice between Zab and Sagna in the big games, then my vote goes to Zab. I say this for a number of reasons. Firstly I think he offers more in attack than Sagna. He times his runs into the box with perfection and also seems to cope better with the idiosyncrasies of Navas. In addition I don't think we should ever underestimate his leadership skills. He has that tough presence that is arguably lacking in some of our stars. Having someone on the pitch that would die for the cause lifts the other players in the team.

I am very appreciative of the fantastic contribution of Sagna this season, but to me Zab is the man for the big games.

 

[BillyShears]

I thought Zab looked great on the weekend. He looked thinner and fitter than he has for some time, and this is a credit to him considering the long lay off.

If it comes down to a choice between Zab and Sagna in the big games, then my vote goes to Zab. I say this for a number of reasons. Firstly I think he offers more in attack than Sagna. He times his runs into the box with perfection and also seems to cope better with the idiosyncrasies of Navas. In addition I don't think we should ever underestimate his leadership skills. He has that tough presence that is arguably lacking in some of our stars. Having someone on the pitch that would die for the cause lifts the other players in the team.

I am very appreciative of the fantastic contribution of Sagna this season, but to me Zab is the man for the big games.

I would disagree mate. I think Sagna is the big game go to guy because he's a better defender than Zab. Zab is excellent going forward as you say and he has a certain warrior mentality which is great for supporters to see, but fundamentally there's a reason why in the big European games or when a specialist winger needs to be dealt with, Pellegrini has always plumped for Sagna.

If it was a choice between the two and we can only keep one this summer, and I say this with a heavy heart, I'd have to pick Sagna to keep.

 

[decmancity]

Be surprised if we sold him. Be surprised if he wanted to leave.

I think Pep will want players like Zaba around the team, he won't come in and upset the apple cart straight away and sell off the dependable players. I think he could mold Zaba as well. We all saw the remarkable improvements under Mancini and Pellegrini, why not continue it with Guardiola.

 

[domalino]

I watched the game again today, and I'm convinced that Zabaleta coming back into the team will be as big a boost as Aguero staying fit or Dave finding form.

He's so integral to our attacking play, and Sagna, while solid, just pales in comparison.

 

[OB1]

I would disagree mate. I think Sagna is the big game go to guy because he's a better defender than Zab. Zab is excellent going forward as you say and he has a certain warrior mentality which is great for supporters to see, but fundamentally there's a reason why in the big European games or when a specialist winger needs to be dealt with, Pellegrini has always plumped for Sagna.

If it was a choice between the two and we can only keep one this summer, and I say this with a heavy heart, I'd have to pick Sagna to keep.

It's a tough one but sentiment cannot get in the way of the best decision for the squad. Sagna has been one of our best performers this season; remains to be seen what sort of form Zab can find. I think we will need a new RB in the summer and I am glad that I am not the one that has to decide who should leave if we do sign someone.

 

[Marvin]

I would disagree mate. I think Sagna is the big game go to guy because he's a better defender than Zab. Zab is excellent going forward as you say and he has a certain warrior mentality which is great for supporters to see, but fundamentally there's a reason why in the big European games or when a specialist winger needs to be dealt with, Pellegrini has always plumped for Sagna.

If it was a choice between the two and we can only keep one this summer, and I say this with a heavy heart, I'd have to pick Sagna to keep.

Surprising claim.

Sagna is a good defender but nowhere near as good an all round player as Zabaleta going forward. Sagna is also older.

Zabaleta looked very fit when he played against Palace and his return could be very important.

 

[eversince 76]

Pretty sure to see Zab build on his form if he gets decent playingtime. Sagna having a good season will only spur Zab on even more. The character has seen him step up everytime over the past 8 years. Including head injuries...

Wouldn't surprise me to see Navas at right back under Pep. If Pep is taking over that is.

 

[wythenshaweblue£££]

Let's see how he performs till the end of the season he looked good on Saturday against palace. Also depends if pellegrini stays or goes with zaba and his contract issue and fitness obviously.