Ivanovic was the best RB last year by Opta stats and I think he was in the best Premier League first 11 team one season.

Ivanovic was first choice (and arguably the best in the division at the time) when we won the double, no?

That simply isn't true. He was exceptional last year, the best right back in the Premiership for my money.

 

I have no problem with Azpilicueta replacing him, however, as Ivan's play at fullback had declined noticeably this year, for whatever reason.

 

Strange that just last season he was the best right back in the premiership but at the moment he seems pretty incompetent in that position. Wonder what went wrong.

Edited December 27, 201213 yr by Amputechture

I'm not disputing the stats nor Ivan's contribution to the side (especially the goals) when he has played in that position. It's my humble opinion that Dave is our long term full back and Ivan is one of our long term central defenders.

Very good signing. Finally some good competition for that position.

Very good signing, and the under the radar type of player I love when we sign them

 

He came in and displaced Ivan, and that was no small feat.

 

Maybe we could give the board some form of credit for this one?

Very good signing, and the under the radar type of player I love when we sign them

 

He came in and displaced Ivan, and that was no small feat.

 

Maybe we could give the board some form of credit for this one?

And thank f**k we steered well clear of Van der Wiel. Awful in the Euro's and can't get a game at PSG.

And thank f**k we steered well clear of Van der Wiel. Awful in the Euro's and can't get a game at PSG.

 

Amen to that. Scores a couple from outside the box and all of a sudden he's one of the best fullbacks in the world...

 

Tbh, surprised Liverpool weren't interested.

Yes, I thought Van Der Wiel could ahve been a good player for us, but he has dropped off the radar quite a bit.  Thankfully we did stay clear of him.  I know VDW was fast, but I always feared that was all he had, and a hamstring injury would have seen the end of him

Van der Wiel = Bosingwa minus the unibrow. 

And yet they both have made their respective National Teams

He's been solid and probably the spanish speaking manager helps as well. It is funny how much that helps and make things easier...

I hope you are not basing his 'fantastic crossing' on that one great cross against Villa because I don't remember another one he made that got us a goal. Haven't seen all games or don't rememer all goals so refresh my memory, please.

Good buy anyway.

Excellent signing(one of many lately). Hopefully this caries on in January.

Rumour has it that he is Albert Ferrer reincarnated.

I see his inclusion and Mikel's exclusion as the biggest reasons for the upturn of our form since Rafa took over.

He's been solid and probably the spanish speaking manager helps as well. It is funny how much that helps and make things easier...

I hope you are not basing his 'fantastic crossing' on that one great cross against Villa because I don't remember another one he made that got us a goal. Haven't seen all games or don't rememer all goals so refresh my memory, please.

Good buy anyway.

 

Torres in most cases circles back, hides behind defenders or is nowhere to be found inside the box, thats why alot of these great early crosses by "Dave" don't lead to more goals. I've seen several of his crosses go between the oposition defence and their keeper to a throw in on the other side, just needs someone to take a chance on getting there first.

 

 

I see his inclusion and Mikel's exclusion as the biggest reasons for the upturn of our form since Rafa took over.

 

+1

 

I also think Luiz has done wonders in that DM role, him rushing in to situations is a positive in that position, because it has lead to several good counter attacks for us. 

When Terry comes back into the team, I hope Azpi is kept at RB and Ivanovic at CB. Cahill should be dropped to the bench IMO and Luiz stay in midfield. Terry is our best CB, but Ivanovic is actually very good too, it was highlighted by Alan Hansen on MOTD just how good Iva is. Terry and Ivanovic are our best CB pairing.

I'd prefer Terry and Luiz.

I'd prefer Terry and Luiz.

 

Noooo, Luiz has got to stay in mf. He suits our midfield, it gives us greater defensive solidity but allows Luiz to use his fantastic attacking skills. Terry and Iva at CB.

It's the silent, low fee transfers that turn out the best. That is how i see it with Azpilicueta. I am pleasantly surprised by how well he has played so far.

 

Also his smile is awesome. David Luiz has the hair, but he ain't got nothing on Azpilicueta's smile

Cahill has been better than Iva for me this season, but we're spoilt for choice with the 3 of them (JT/Cahill/Iva), they're all wonderful.

I like him, only dissapointing thing is crosses can be a bit hit and miss.

He's young, the crossing can be (and doubtless IS being) worked on and other than that he's superb. I hope he's for keeps and ends up as one of our "Old Guard" as I can see him going from strength to strength.

I like him pretty solid although i was expecting him to be better going forward,better on the ball.Like someone said earlier his crossing needs to be worked on as it is inconsistent,but so far so good.

Nobody likes a 'told you so merchant' but its interesting that a lot of people are now accepting his crossing isn't great - something I was slaughtered for suggesting on page 1.

I maintain what I said, it DID get better. But now these past few games its dipped again. Interesting, I wonder what the cause could be.

Anyway , still a very decent signing. Very solid without ever looking like he is going to be spectacular. Reckon he might score soon too!