Seen alot of these comparisons in their individual threads, here's a singular thread to put this debate into context.
Perhaps we've reached a stage where it's too late to change anything and we're looking to keep things stable as possible in an ever changing injury prone defence. But for the sake of debate, I'm going to put this thread out there so there can be a discussion on who should be playing in that role and why LVG has allowed the omission of Rafael to occur. Perhaps it's something we'll look into next season if Rafael is still here.
It's no secret Rafael is adored in the caf, an absolute fan favourite and recognized for his drive and passion. He's a talented fullback; pacey, great dribbler and delivers delicious crosses effortlessly. He's one of the most positive fullbacks in the world. Always looking for forward passes and an absolute engine, never seems to get tired. He was once notoriously known for his lapse of concentration early on in his career but has significantly improved and sharpened his game all around, the prospect of Rafa being on the right side of our 4-3-3 by being the "byline man" with Herrera and Mata damaging the inside seems quite mouthwatering to us fans but perhaps there's more to it. Perhaps the injuries in his career have hampered his consistency and his overall gametime in a back 4 that seems to change all the time. He was harshly denied opportunities to prove himself at times for an unproven McNair and it's fair to say that he hasn't been given the benefit of the doubt like other players (RVP, Falcao) when under-performing. If he leaves, whoever signs him will get the bargain of the century.
Next we've got Antonio Valencia, personally I think he's been one of our most consistent players. It's clear he can't do the job as a winger anymore. He was a monster for us in 2009 and 2010 on the right flank. Providing consistent crosses and pretty much robotically driving through the wing and driving past opponent fullbacks but it seems he has declined since suffering huge injuries. However he seems to have found a role as a right back. Fergie has been converting him into one since the 2012 season and after a few howlers he's become quite a stable man on the byline, his crosses aren't what they use to be but I commend him for his workrate and getting into great positions, he work's hard for the team and tracks back well. Excluding the Arsenal FA Cup match, he's been more or less consistent all season. Due to only being one-footed I did worry about him being pressed and conceding poor back passes but to my surprise that's rarely occurred. He understands his role very well and links up rather nicely and allows Herrera and Mata to do the creative side of the game and unselfishly acts as a runner for most periods of the match.
Share your thoughts on who would be more beneficial as a right back for us.
Perhaps we've reached a stage where it's too late to change anything and we're looking to keep things stable as possible in an ever changing injury prone defence. But for the sake of debate, I'm going to put this thread out there so there can be a discussion on who should be playing in that role and why LVG has allowed the omission of Rafael to occur. Perhaps it's something we'll look into next season if Rafael is still here.
It's no secret Rafael is adored in the caf, an absolute fan favourite and recognized for his drive and passion. He's a talented fullback; pacey, great dribbler and delivers delicious crosses effortlessly. He's one of the most positive fullbacks in the world. Always looking for forward passes and an absolute engine, never seems to get tired. He was once notoriously known for his lapse of concentration early on in his career but has significantly improved and sharpened his game all around, the prospect of Rafa being on the right side of our 4-3-3 by being the "byline man" with Herrera and Mata damaging the inside seems quite mouthwatering to us fans but perhaps there's more to it. Perhaps the injuries in his career have hampered his consistency and his overall gametime in a back 4 that seems to change all the time. He was harshly denied opportunities to prove himself at times for an unproven McNair and it's fair to say that he hasn't been given the benefit of the doubt like other players (RVP, Falcao) when under-performing. If he leaves, whoever signs him will get the bargain of the century.
Next we've got Antonio Valencia, personally I think he's been one of our most consistent players. It's clear he can't do the job as a winger anymore. He was a monster for us in 2009 and 2010 on the right flank. Providing consistent crosses and pretty much robotically driving through the wing and driving past opponent fullbacks but it seems he has declined since suffering huge injuries. However he seems to have found a role as a right back. Fergie has been converting him into one since the 2012 season and after a few howlers he's become quite a stable man on the byline, his crosses aren't what they use to be but I commend him for his workrate and getting into great positions, he work's hard for the team and tracks back well. Excluding the Arsenal FA Cup match, he's been more or less consistent all season. Due to only being one-footed I did worry about him being pressed and conceding poor back passes but to my surprise that's rarely occurred. He understands his role very well and links up rather nicely and allows Herrera and Mata to do the creative side of the game and unselfishly acts as a runner for most periods of the match.
Share your thoughts on who would be more beneficial as a right back for us.