Arbeloa

[Sir Tokyo Sexwale]

think we saw what we've been missing for the last few games, last night.

 

Very underrated by our fans and he gave us a lot of our balance back

[Woodsyla]

think we saw what we've been missing for the last few games, last night.

 

Very underrated by our fans and he gave us a lot of our balance back

I don't get people who think we need a new rightback. He's tremendous.

[CarraLegend]

He's ace, I remember when he first got here he was good but 2 good games would be followed by a few mistakes but he seems to have cut that out completely and is incredibly solid. Despite his age he's still pretty inexperienced aswell or at least was when he first signed so should of been cut some slack anyway. Quality right back, who supports his winger well, if only he had Finnan's crossing!

[Flight]

think we saw what we've been missing for the last few games, last night.

 

Very underrated by our fans and he gave us a lot of our balance back

 

 

Well said. We miss both him and Aurelio massively, when they aren't playing.

[Sion]

I don't get people who think we need a new rightback. He's tremendous.

 

we need ANOTHER RB, not a replacement for Arbeloa

[stressederic]

There was a moment in the first half where it looked like the ball was going out for a throw in before Arbeloa motored in and kept it in play on the line and was suddenly haring past the Madrid midfield.

 

I was applauding.

[Chili Palmer]

we need ANOTHER RB, not a replacement for Arbeloa

 

 

in other words, a replacement for Degen.

[Bootle Buck]

We should get him signed up for the next 5 years. He seems to get better every game. I would love for the fans at the game to acknowledge him.

[tomasjj]

He has one major flaw - poor crossing. Apart from that, he is fine.

[carrafan]

He has one major flaw - poor crossing. Apart from that, he is fine.

 

Yes, he said in an interview the other day that he needed to improve there. He said that he's been finding himself in bloody wonderful positions with the ball and needs to do more with it and has been training a lot with regards to crossing.

 

Arbeloa's improved all the time in his time with us and i'm quite sure he has the right mentality..the same mentality which will improve his attacking game even further especially after a good pre season next time. I wasnt quite sure at the beginning of this one that Alvaro might be able to shoulder the responsiblity of replacing Finnan but he's been brilliant! 3 million euro he cost us.

 

Whats wonderful about Alvaro is that he knows when to go forward and is usually back defending when he actually needs to. That instinct is the most important quality in a fullback and he's one of the best at it. I wouldnt sell him even if Atletico or Valencia want him part replacement for one of their players, a good fullback is very hard to find.

Edited March 11, 2009 by carrafan

[CarraLegend]

Another one who's out of contract in about 15months aswell isnt he? This is a massive concern and f***ing embarassing all these great players are being allowed this low on their contract.

[Leo No.8]

Has really won me over this year Arbeloa, very solid defensively and gets forward well. I previously had concerns over his positioning but it looks to me like Rafa has ironed out those issues with him and he's rarely caught out now.

 

Understandable really I suppose as he'd been playing centre half mostly before he came here, but it was an area I wanted to see an improvement in before I felt completely comfortable with him as our right back for years to come.

 

Totally agree on the crossing though, he gets himself into fantastic positions and wastes them too often. If he had Stevie Finnan's ability to stick it in the right areas with either foot he'd be one of the best around.

 

Good that he's aware of it and working on that aspect of his game though, he'll get better if thats the case.

Edited March 11, 2009 by Leo No.8

[surf]

i think he's ace

[Bailo]

For a slim lad, he's fecking strong as well.

[Gerrardrules]

The biggest compliment he got, was that everybody was hoping he would be fit. And when he was in our starting eleven everybody was happy and our concerns were gone.

 

Had a good game. Has improved a lot this season.

[Kahnee]

in other words, a replacement for Degen.

 

That suggests he turned up at some point

[johngibo YPC]

Has really won me over this year Arbeloa, very solid defensively and gets forward well. I previously had concerns over his positioning but it looks to me like Rafa has ironed out those issues with him and he's rarely caught out now.

 

i thought he was badly positioned a couple of times last night, but put it down to rustiness

He's had a good season. But i think Fabio has been great

[Senrab_nhoj]

But i think Fabio has been great

 

When he arrived he was damned with the praise form Rafa that he was a good a passer as Alonso....

 

 

... some of his infield passing as he collects and carries the ball out from defence is a wonder to behold, not seen the like to be honest. Its often all along the deck, akin to a reverse pass in that it cuts across the line of pitch often to the feet of Gerrard motoring into the number 10 channel 5-10 yds short of the opponents 'D'