Sven Roeder
2:33 Wed May 17
Re: Zabaleta
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Pep is letting him go because his system requires players who are more winger than full back. Like a Dani Alves
I quite like Argentinian players in most cases ... Tevez Lanzini ... they work hard and are often like English players. Except they can play football.
Much preferable to those God bothering weirdos from Brazil who tend to have a good season or two then slack off.
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alfie romeo
2:31 Wed May 17
Re: Zabaleta
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For all those wondering about fullbacks in their early 30's. Depends on each individual player. cafu & roberto carlos went on for years getting up and down and Juve signed Dani Alves at the same age and he's done alright for them. how many assists in the CL this season? It can happen. Not all old players are a waste of space simply because they've got a few candles on their birthday cake. You need to scout and interview to see if they want and what their attitude is. Apparently Zabaleta embraced the language and life in Manchester, helped with local causes and was a good influence and man to have around.
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Eerie Descent
2:24 Wed May 17
Re: Zabaleta
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Best years behind him – TICK
Hunger and desire to get to the top been and gone – TICK
No other team prepared to give him a long contract – TICK
No idea if he’s got the legs for another couple of years – TICK
Fans happy just because he is coming from Man City – TICK
Seriously, how many times have we got to go through this routine as a club? We need to strive for better, not keep making the same mistakes over, and over, and over, and over again.
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alfie romeo
2:13 Wed May 17
Re: Zabaleta
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I'm not against this on a free. he was one of their cheaper signings when they were first flashing the cash about and he cemented a place on effort and ability. At 32, he should be a good influence and can contribute. He also seems to be available for games too rather than always crocked but i'm sure that will change with our medical team headed up by Frank Spencer.
Not quite in the Nigel Winterburn age bracket when harry brought him in at 37.
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Mart O
2:06 Wed May 17
Re: Zabaleta
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Er, he's a right back. When was the last time we had a proven right back ? Look at the send off he got from the Citeh boys last night. That's because he's one of the most professional players they've ever had.
So even if he only lasts one season, and given that he is such a pro there's a fair chance he will, it's a punt worth taking.
Christ, if he played DM for us (as he has for them when needed) he'd probably be one of our best players.
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Eggbert Nobacon
12:59 Wed May 17
Re: Zabaleta
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also City did offer him a contract to stay
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Northern Sold
12:51 Wed May 17
Re: Zabaleta
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Not being good enough for Manchester City does not necessary mean not good enough for us... you know we ain't Real Madrid yeah ???
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Private Dancer
12:40 Wed May 17
Re: Zabaleta
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A hard one to call IMO. 32 for a footballer is borderline age, ie he may still easily have another 2 years left at the same level, or he could decline very quickly, seen it many times before with players of that age.
Personally, I'd stick with Byram. Also, Fonte plays right side CB, so you've then got a 33 and a 32 year old on that side of the defence.
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Rossal
12:38 Wed May 17
Re: Zabaleta
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Theres a big difference of 'not good enough' and 'not a good addition or not a good signing'
Zaba - better then what we have....sure he would be the best right back in the squad. But is commiting to his wages for a few years on a slow right back - when we have Fonte, Ginge playing alongside him who are slow too - the right decision ?
In the same way we found Kouyate, Masuaku, Obiang from the leagues of Europe i'd like to think we could essentially get a double of Cresswell to play right back....but it would mean spending a bit of money
He is a legend at City, well liked....seemingly happy to be a squad player.....has performed well for Pep when asked upon. Why is he happy to let him go.....can he see that he is starting to decline ?
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tnb
12:36 Wed May 17
Re: Zabaleta
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Byram either needs to be good enough, or to be moved on. He will be 24 just after the start of next season. 25 the season after, obviously. How long is he supposed to be 'learning' for? Til he's 25? 26?
He played over 100 games for Leeds, and has been with us for a season and a half already. He's not a raw kid anymore.
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Northern Sold
12:30 Wed May 17
Re: Zabaleta
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Yup... 36 goals between the two of them... not good enough... apparently !!!
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Alex V
12:30 Wed May 17
Re: Zabaleta
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>>> He doesn't have 1 good season in him, he has 3 or 4.
That is pie in the sky. At 32 he is way beyond peak age for any position other than keeper. Many clubs will not sign players of that age for more than a season at a time for the simple reason that at that age his longevity cannot be predicted. He could be finished now, or in six months, or in 3 or 4 years. It's a punt.
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Alwaysaniron
12:29 Wed May 17
Re: Zabaleta
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IN IN IN for me. The bloke has serious pedigree and still has a good few years left in his legs. He may also be able to bring a little bit of decent coaching knowledge with him, God knows our defense coaches need all the fucking help they can get!
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Northern Sold
12:29 Wed May 17
Re: Zabaleta
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Thing is Moose people believed the bullshit Brady came out with and think that if we snap our fingers that suddenly the best right back in the world will land on our lap... all because we now play in a big stadium... it's laughable to think Zab' is not a big step up on what we currently have...
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1307
12:29 Wed May 17
Re: Zabaleta
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Inpe, this is a great example of someone trotting out cliches.
Best rb in pl last season? He played 13 times in the league last season.
In January he will be 33, yes 33, but some of you lot still convince yourself it is a progressive signing.
Claret and blue specs from supporters like you is the reason the owners continue to treat fans like MUGS.
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Rossal
12:27 Wed May 17
Re: Zabaleta
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Regret not signing either of them.....
Not really
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InpectaMoose
12:25 Wed May 17
Re: Zabaleta
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The bloke is THIRTY TWO.
He doesn't have 1 good season in him, he has 3 or 4.
Don't understand how people can think this is short sighted. He is a proven player in a position we desperately need to invest in.
He was arguably the best right back in the Prem last season
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Northern Sold
12:21 Wed May 17
Re: Zabaleta
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Rossal
19 Goals
17 Goals
... would have made a fucking big difference eh??
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Grumpster
12:16 Wed May 17
Re: Zabaleta
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Unlike some clubs, we're not in a position to be spending serious dollars on young superstars in all positions, so until we are (never), we'll always have to get in the odd experienced pro instead.
Happy that at least with this one, he's decent and proven.
Obviously be annoying and bollocks if our entire summer policy is getting in old cunts.
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Rossal
12:11 Wed May 17
Re: Zabaleta
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Walcott
Dont need him, we have Antonio. He hasn't proved himself as a out and out striker. Oh and he is on about 140k a week isnt he ?
Benteke
I dont think he has looked like a bargain this season at £32M
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El Scorchio
12:11 Wed May 17
Re: Zabaleta
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He's decent but it's a short term move. I'd like to think it's so we can help develop Byram or another right back to be the man without affecting the quality of the first team in the short term.
Zabaleta is quite versatile as well, isn't he? If he can play a couple of positions that's really handy.
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