Zabaleta linked with summer move?

[xenon_]

Great to see Zabba ripping up that right flank on Saturday. Even when our football was building on the left side, everytime you checked the right flank, there was Zabba getting the most out of having it to himself.

We have two well-rounded right backs. We have one with top-class positional strength, and one with top-class offensive movement. We are blessed and it's such a shame that both of these guys are over their peak years, but hopefully we will get at least another season out them. I'm of the belief that Zabaleta in particular will thrive next season.

 

[BillyShears]

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.

New managers find it easier to make the big calls. And Pep has a history of binning fans favorites.

 

[Phil1]

Zabba at full fitness and it's not even a close call between Sagna and him. Zabba offers so much more to the way we play than just defending, which is much more important to the team. Sagna has done well since getting a run of games but given the choice its a no brainer for me.
If Zabba decides it's time for him to move on then fair enough but there's no way he should be pushed out of the club at this time - he's good for another 2 seasons at least at the very top level.

 

[domalino]

New managers find it easier to make the big calls. And Pep has a history of binning fans favorites.

No he doesn't, he got rid of fan favourites once, and it was because they were lazy and bad professionals.

 

[Fat Chance]

I like Sagna and Zab but Zab can stand in at left fullback with ease...and that's an handy trait cause nobody said the injuries are finished just yet..mango might well buck-up with zab barking on his side of the pitch...just a thought.

 

[Lancet Fluke]

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.

I agree that Sagna is better defensively but something else I would factor in is that Zab seems more of a talker, more able to cajole the other defenders and in a defence that (without Vinny) has lacked the leaders to get a grip of things this season, I think his return could be essential for us. Barely worth speculating about next season, we don't know whether Vinny will be back and fit and if Pep is here then anything could happen, who knows who will stay and who will go, especially in terms of the back four?

 

[BillyShears]

I agree that Sagna is better defensively but something else I would factor in is that Zab seems more of a talker, more able to cajole the other defenders and in a defence that (without Vinny) has lacked the leaders to get a grip of things this season, I think his return could be essential for us. Barely worth speculating about next season, we don't know whether Vinny will be back and fit and if Pep is here then anything could happen, who knows who will stay and who will go, especially in terms of the back four?

Yeah that's a very fair point and absolutely he still has a huge part to play this season. We've missed him and actually not being able to rest Sagna has effected his performances.

In terms of the future beyond this season we are going to have to accept there'll be tons of speculation around our players as Pep will definitely want the squad refreshing and the average age brought down.

I love Zab and wrote recently I hope he retires at the club but those comments suggest he's got one eye on leaving.

 

[BillyShears]

No he doesn't, he got rid of fan favourites once, and it was because they were lazy and bad professionals.

Eto'o Toure Schweinsteiger were neither lazy nor bad professionals. Deco and Ronaldinho probably were.

I also think you can't underestimate the age of our fullbacks. It's unlikely all four will stay.

 

[Neville Kneville]

Zaba looked a lot fitter v Palace, than he has for about 18 months imo. He was absolutely shocking last season & nowhere near good enough for City, imo due to fatigue. I thought he might be finished, but Saturday was very encouraging, he looked like he might be getting it back.

Sagna has been miles better this season than Zaba was last season, but not better than Zaba at his best imo. Zaba at his best, was the best rb in the country. I can't see any chance Pep will keep both purely as right back options though. I don't think Pep would want Sagna as a fullback due to his lack of attacking skills but he might possibly want him as cover for rb & cb if he dumps Mangala & Demi.

It might be that Zaba has to prove he can get up & down the pitch without falling to bits, for the remainder of the season. If he can, he might get a short term new deal from Pep/Txiki.

 

[Phil1]

Eto'o Toure Schweinsteiger were neither lazy nor bad professionals. Deco and Ronaldinho probably were.

I also think you can't underestimate the age of our fullbacks. It's unlikely all four will stay.

I'd be amazed if we don't lose at least one from either side. Two to stay if given the choice would be Kolorov and Zabba for me but as has been said, it's impossible to second guess what will happen come the Summer.