Zabaleta- Cult hero

[Ted Hughes]

Out of curiosity, why isn't he considered world class? People say he never puts a foot wrong and performs at 100% in whatever position he's asked to play, and given that he's playing for one of the best sides in Europe, how does that not constitute he himself having that status?

An outstanding defender who compensates for any lack of pace with great tactical awareness and sheer determination.

I didn't even read the topic first time around but this is precisely what I thought reading the first post. For arguments sake, I'd like people to list 5 better fullbacks.

Your just asking for it now.

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

Out of curiosity, why isn't he considered world class? People say he never puts a foot wrong and performs at 100% in whatever position he's asked to play, and given that he's playing for one of the best sides in Europe, how does that not constitute he himself having that status?

An outstanding defender who compensates for any lack of pace with great tactical awareness and sheer determination.

I didn't even read the topic first time around but this is precisely what I thought reading the first post. For arguments sake, I'd like people to list 5 better fullbacks.

Your just asking for it now.

LMAO!
Ok, let's pretend some idiot will name that Munich bastard and that other mune bastard. And perhaps Dani Alves. Who else? And of those three, Zabaleta is probably best out and out defender.

[Esky]

I've just joined up today lads and immediately had to add to this zabba thread, what I guy, city through and through, just wonder, with inevitable improvements to our team this summer are his days numbered? Great squad player though and great to have around.

Welcome to the site.

Can't say his days are numbered though. He can play anywhere along the back line and is a fantastic footballer. As someone said earlier, City have signed better players and, each and every time, he's improved to match them. Wholesale changes are a thing of the past and we don't need to upset our defence (the best in the league for two seasons running).

Thinking back, I was really disappointed that we sold Corluka before Pablo came in. Wouldn't trade him for anyone in the world now.

[Ted Hughes]

Out of curiosity, why isn't he considered world class? People say he never puts a foot wrong and performs at 100% in whatever position he's asked to play, and given that he's playing for one of the best sides in Europe, how does that not constitute he himself having that status?

An outstanding defender who compensates for any lack of pace with great tactical awareness and sheer determination.

I didn't even read the topic first time around but this is precisely what I thought reading the first post. For arguments sake, I'd like people to list 5 better fullbacks.

Your just asking for it now.

LMAO!
Ok, let's pretend some idiot will name that Munich bastard and that other mune bastard. And perhaps Dani Alves. Who else? And of those three, Zabaleta is probably best out and out defender.

Tbh I'd go for Micah Richards as one. Zabba has some advantages over him certainly but he's faster, better in the air & imo better going forward. I think he drops a bollock or two but so does Zabba; all defenders drop a few, especially fullbacks.

[Wonderwall]

Zabba was a liability in his early days and I was nervous that he would bw sent off every time he played. Now I have ultimate confidence in him at LB RB or DM, even when pace like walcott runs at him, he has improved his game tactically to deal with the opponents greater strengths.

Love zabba now and the zabman video on the OS typifies him and his approach.

NONE SHALL PASS

[Rag_hater]

Zabba was a liability in his early days and I was nervous that he would bw sent off every time he played. Now I have ultimate confidence in him at LB RB or DM, even when pace like walcott runs at him, he has improved his game tactically to deal with the opponents greater strengths.

Love zabba now and the zabman video on the OS typifies him and his approach.

NONE SHALL PASS

Agree with you and think it's why he is preferred to Micah.

[Blue Since 76]

In addition, because of Zab they played Black Lace in the stadium and it didn't sound camp. You can't say fairer than that.

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

Out of curiosity, why isn't he considered world class? People say he never puts a foot wrong and performs at 100% in whatever position he's asked to play, and given that he's playing for one of the best sides in Europe, how does that not constitute he himself having that status?

An outstanding defender who compensates for any lack of pace with great tactical awareness and sheer determination.

I didn't even read the topic first time around but this is precisely what I thought reading the first post. For arguments sake, I'd like people to list 5 better fullbacks.

Your just asking for it now.

LMAO!
Ok, let's pretend some idiot will name that Munich bastard and that other mune bastard. And perhaps Dani Alves. Who else? And of those three, Zabaleta is probably best out and out defender.

Tbh I'd go for Micah Richards as one. Zabba has some advantages over him certainly but he's faster, better in the air & imo better going forward. I think he drops a bollock or two but so does Zabba; all defenders drop a few, especially fullbacks.

Micah is physically more gifted (clearly) and is faster but Zabaleta has more composure and when he is attacking he always makes sure he doesn't lose the ball which is the mst important thing for fullback surging forward as that leaves as vulnerable at the back. Micah often does this.

Don't get me wrong, I love Micah but I prefer Pablo marginally.

[Swales4ever]

basically City are just sooo lucky to have such a great pair of RBs to pick from.
then, I suppose Zaba is a preferrable choice when it comes to face a fast, low centered tricky type of winger a la Chamberlain, Walcott, AJ, Bale; in every other occasion I'd pick Micah over anyone. in the world.

[Fullartj]

Love him to bits. Average enough player who gives 100%, never moans and would stick his head in front of bus for the Team. Even my wife who is not a City fan loves him and always sings the Zabba song when he's on the tele.

City legend and future Hall of Fame inductee!

[Fullartj]

Love him to bits. Average enough player who gives 100%, never moans and would stick his head in front of bus for the Team. Even my wife who is not a City fan loves him and always sings the Zabba song when he's on the tele.

City legend and future Hall of Fame inductee!

[steve isle of man]

zabba-dee-doo-da, zabba-dee-ay
my oh my what a wonderful utility player

[Alioune DVToure]

I think Zaba is fucking ace. Great guy, great player and (seemingly) now a fan.

That aside, I'm surprised that so many are raving about his crossing, which I think is a bit shit. Even in Sunday he was knocking in countless balls behind Mario and Dzeko at shoulder height. Crossing is his worst attribute in my opinion. He also hasn't quite shaken off the habit of giving away daft free-kicks in dangerous areas.

He's an absolutely priceless addition to any squad, given his ability at RB, LB and, when required, DM.

As for him being one of the top five FBs in world football, I don't quite agree with that. In England alone I rate Micah, Clichy, Cole and possibly Baines more highly.

[BobbyDazzler]

A proper warrior and one of my all time favourite players. I think the fact that when he arrived at the club, he spent his first two years living in didsbury because he wanted to get to know the fans and the city better than he would living in alderley edge says a lot about him. Defensively, he is not as capable as some but he works ten times harder. He's probably looked a bit better this season because he hasn't had to do as much defending as he used to, and is happier bombing on. He's like a more hard working (and likeable) Kolarov.

[Dameerto]

A proper warrior and one of my all time favourite players. I think the fact that when he arrived at the club, he spent his first two years living in didsbury because he wanted to get to know the fans and the city better than he would living in alderley edge says a lot about him. Defensively, he is not as capable as some but he works ten times harder. He's probably looked a bit better this season because he hasn't had to do as much defending as he used to, and is happier bombing on. He's like a more hard working (and likeable) Kolarov.

I disagree with the last bit - he's done A LOT of defending in our end of season run in, and he's done it well, from blocking to tracking back to intercepting to outright tackling.

[Blue Since 76]

A proper warrior and one of my all time favourite players. I think the fact that when he arrived at the club, he spent his first two years living in didsbury because he wanted to get to know the fans and the city better than he would living in alderley edge says a lot about him. .

He looks like someone who would live in Ordsall, just for the craic of annoying the rags there.

[sheikh it all about]

Top guy. Polar opposite of his contemporary, Wayne Bridge. (Who the fuck he?)

[SteveHPage]

His missus is pretty damn hot too. Don't know whether anyone else noticed her Sunday with lap around the pitch.

[Vantage]

He is fucking shit an a liability he's the worst player in squad and has me nervous when defending his own area

Worst post of the close season so far FACT

[Warwickblue]

Zabs is a City legend end of.
He is a model pro,and runs his lungs out for the cause,he'd be one of the first names on my team sheet (after Vinny and Joe of course!)