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Posted: **Sat Mar 20, 2010 1:47 pm**

Roberto Mancini has paid tribute to unsung hero Pablo Zabaleta as he gears up to try and burst Fulham's bubble after their sensational midweek victory over Juventus.

The versatile Argentinian, who has become a firm crowd favourite since his move from Espanyol, has figured in virtually every match since Mancini arrived at the club in December.

Zabaleta's willing work-rate and tenacious tackling have endeared him to fans, who tease him over his lack of goals since a spectacular winner against Wigan 14 months ago.

Mancini said: "It's great for a manager to have a player like Pablo around. He can play in almost every position - maybe not striker, but I'm sure he would do it if I asked him!

"He has done very well in every position I have asked him to play, but for me he is at his best in midfield. I prefer to play him there, but he has been good at left back, right back or anywhere across the midfield.

"It's also important that if I am making changes during a game, I have players like Pablo can change position when I ask them."

City's manager was at Craven Cottage on Thursday night to see Roy Hodgson's side recover from a 4-1 deficit in their Europa League tie to see off Serie A giants Juventus with a huge effort.

He said: "I want a win on Sunday - we have three very important games coming up next week, it's a crucial time for us and three points would be the best way to start.

"It will be a hard game, but if we are fully committed on Sunday and keep our concentration then we have a very good chance of doing well."

Victory is vital in the bid for fourth place. Zabaleta, who switched roles twice at Sunderland, said: "Just hearing the Champions League anthem is exciting! I've not played in it yet and I want to change that with City."

mcfc.co.uk

Posted: **Sat Mar 20, 2010 2:52 pm**

Wow , if he thinks his best position is midfield he cant rate him highly as a full back. This worries me a little as Zaba isn't great in midfield.His awareness isn't good , his first touch isn't good , he doesn't pass particularly well, he is always a booking waiting to happen and his attacking ability from central is minimal. Sounds like I think he is crap but I actually like him for his fantastic attitude , willingness to play anywhere and put his body on the line but I just don't see that he should be played in the middle unless we are missing the other detroyers in there.

Posted: **Sat Mar 20, 2010 3:07 pm**

Douglas Higginbottom wrote: I just don't see that he should be played in the middle unless we are missing the other detroyers in there.

Like Vieira ?

;)

Posted: **Sat Mar 20, 2010 3:15 pm**

Douglas Higginbottom wrote:Wow , if he thinks his best position is midfield he cant rate him highly as a full back. This worries me a little as Zaba isn't great in midfield.His awareness isn't good , his first touch isn't good , he doesn't pass particularly well, he is always a booking waiting to happen and his attacking ability from central is minimal. Sounds like I think he is crap but I actually like him for his fantastic attitude , willingness to play anywhere and put his body on the line but I just don't see that he should be played in the middle unless we are missing the other detroyers in there.

I was thinking the same thing not exactly the best in midfield i much prefer him in the full back role myself.Great work rate wherever he plays and its great to have a versatile player willing to put in a shift wherever he is played.
His chances however of a regular place in the midfield in my opinion would seem far less than his chances of getting a run as full back.

Posted: **Sat Mar 20, 2010 3:24 pm**

Really like Zabs, every team needs a player like him. Granted he isn't exceptional in any position but he always does a good enough job when asked to fill in. Its his versatility that makes him such a great player to have in the side.
Im sure he won't be a starter next season but is the perfect squad player to have coming off the bench. Once more he gives a fuck and always puts in 100% unlike some of the primadona's we have /had at the club.
Hope to see him in blue for a good few years to come!

Posted: **Sat Mar 20, 2010 3:57 pm**

didn't he play in midfield for the argentina squad that won the olympic gold?

Posted: **Sat Mar 20, 2010 4:29 pm**

LookMumI'mOnMCF.net wrote:
Douglas Higginbottom wrote: I just don't see that he should be played in the middle unless we are missing the other detroyers in there.

Like Vieira ?

;)

Not sure which way you think re Vieira but for me he would be better than Zaba as a constructive midfield player likely to push the team foward and create something. As a purely destructive player I would probably have Zaba first just because of his mobility and half decent pace.
Given the choice and assuming we don't need either as a defensive midfielder I would have Ireland every time.

Posted: **Sat Mar 20, 2010 4:31 pm**

ahh zabaleta... the sun jihai of oil money era

Posted: **Sun Mar 21, 2010 7:01 am**

MUS wrote:ahh zabaleta... the sun jihai of oil money era

Exactly my thoughts....and that is unfair on Zabba as he's a decent enough player; at right back!

I really don't buy into the concept of the "utility player". We have the resources to have specialists in every part of the pitch....I think that make-do-and-mend use of players often diminishes what they have to offer the team (for examples see Stephen Ireland, Wayne Rooney, Vincent Kompany et al)

Posted: **Sun Mar 21, 2010 11:54 am**

I prefer him at DM. I thought he was excellent at Chelsea. His dreadful decision-making is much costlier at right-back.

Posted: **Sun Mar 21, 2010 11:56 am**

Alioune DVToure wrote:I prefer him at DM. I thought he was excellent at Chelsea. His dreadful decision-making is much costlier at right-back.

at least he's learned to stay on his feet when closing down a runner!

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