With the way Valencia has and is playing Rafael has a long wait on the sidelines.
No chance. Rafael is a lot better at RB and better going forward than Valencia.[/QUOTE
Wouldn't disagree with you but in this form I would be surprised if LVG drops Valencia.
Agreed. He had a good game last night - even looked magnificently composed when they broke out following our corner and was left as last man when he intercepted and turned effortlessly away from trouble and started our move back into their area again.His best game in a long time, that. Defended well and actually committed the opposition defender for a change. More of that please.
It helps when RvP stands on the defenders leg first.I haven't seen him beat a defender like he did yesterday since 2011/12.
I'd love a gif of that burst of pace in the 2nd half into the penalty box with the fantastic cross that went across the face of goal following it. It was classic Valencia, really good to see.Wonders do happen - I saw him pass the ball with his left foot yesterday, and against Hull!
Also, discussions about him having lost pace should probably be over, right? His pace when running through their defense a couple of times was Bale-esque.
I'd love a gif of that burst of pace in the 2nd half into the penalty box with the fantastic cross that went across the face of goal following it. It was classic Valencia, really good to see.
With the way Valencia has and is playing Rafael has a long wait on the sidelines.
He's such a coward. Please Rafael stay fit.
Lacking in confidence doesn't make you a coward. I hate the use of that word in football these days.He never takes on the defender, ever. He doesn't even try to. The first thing on his mind is whether he should pass it sideways or backwards. Part of the reason we had nothing going forward today, our wingbacks need to drive the ball forward in this system.
Is he really though?Good defensively, offers little to nothing going forwards. Last match he showed his pace and skinned a couple of players. He looked to have Bertrand on his knees a couple of times, but then decided against it. Is he so terrified of making mistakes or gaping holes in defense that he is unwilling to go forwards? He doesn't even make runs in behind defenses... Do you guys remember him when he played RB behind Nani? It was unfair to the opposition; Valencia's pace and crossing from behind must have been terrifying. Now they can put up a cone in defense and put two wingers instead.
No, he's awful defensively.Is he really though?
Coward might be too strong a word but he does not take any responsibility or iniitative. Young at least will try and beat his man, get a cross in, want the ball etc. Valencia if the ball finds it way to him just reverts to the same half yard burst then smash it against the defender, if he gets that far up the pitch. If we're not winning he has no confidence to try and change the game himself, he's a passenger most of the time. When we're decimated by injuries is the only time he should be playing, he shouldn't be anywhere near our first time otherwise, he just isn't the same player he was.He's such a coward. Please Rafael stay fit.