Nani will reignite our charge to the title

[Raees]

You are a ray of sunshine.

He's played too few a games to make a definitive judgement. No one has said he is world class, but there have been definite signs of late that he is finding some consistency, we just have to be patient. As for a 'shit' performance maybe you are the blind one

That through ball masked a poor performance, considering the opponents we were playing.

One great Nani performance I can remember on the left, was against Chelsea in the charity shield, it all came together in that match.

Its a rare occurrence.

I'm not saying Nani won't ever adapt to play on the left, he can.. I just think if you compare someone like Arshavin on the left to Nani, there is a big difference.

Obviously experience comes into it, but I don't know he just looks so lightweight on the left, he doesn't in my opinion at the moment have the capacity to take two-three men on the left hand side whereas on the right his technique is reminscent of Lennon and he can get past players with ease and whip it in.

I hope its just a confidence issue.

 

[Brwned]

For this season however, I ain't got a problem with Fergie using him on the left as we ain't got much options.. but you've got to be blind to think its a rip roaring success and that Nani looks world class in that position.

Nor should we be expecting him to be...

 

[datura]

That through ball masked a poor performance, considering the opponents we were playing.

One great Nani performance I can remember on the left, was against Chelsea in the charity shield, it all came together in that match.

Its a rare occurrence.

I'm not saying Nani won't ever adapt to play on the left, he can.. I just think if you compare someone like Arshavin on the left to Nani, there is a big difference.

Obviously experience comes into it, but I don't know he just looks so lightweight on the left, he doesn't in my opinion at the moment have the capacity to take two-three men on the left hand side whereas on the right his technique is reminscent of Lennon and he can get past players with ease and whip it in.

I hope its just a confidence issue.

But Nani has played a lot of games for us on the left and he has played very well there on a number of occasions. His main issue, irrespective of where he plays, is consistency and his decision making.

He has never ever been a Lennon type player, I don't really see that comparison at all.

 

[Brwned]

I'm not saying Nani won't ever adapt to play on the left, he can.. I just think if you compare someone like Arshavin on the left to Nani, there is a big difference.

You mean that little Russian lad who recently has been giving the ball away time and again with simple passes, been more successful with through balls than with 2 yard passes and his only real saving grace has been his shooting?

Sounds a bit like Nani.

Arshavin might not have been as comfortable on the left when he was 23, who knows. Apparently he started off on the right, and then moved in behind the striker for Zenit, so he might've looked a lot less comfortable on the left wing.

 

[Ekeke]

That through ball masked a poor performance, considering the opponents we were playing.

One great Nani performance I can remember on the left, was against Chelsea in the charity shield, it all came together in that match.

Its a rare occurrence.

I'm not saying Nani won't ever adapt to play on the left, he can.. I just think if you compare someone like Arshavin on the left to Nani, there is a big difference.

Obviously experience comes into it, but I don't know he just looks so lightweight on the left, he doesn't in my opinion at the moment have the capacity to take two-three men on the left hand side whereas on the right his technique is reminscent of Lennon and he can get past players with ease and whip it in.

I hope its just a confidence issue.

Well you'd hope so given Arshavin is much older. I think a better comparison would be Ribery, but again he's much older. He was only starting to make a big name for himself at Nani's age and like him or hate him, Nani's started to do that himself this season. He doesn't look natural on the left, but I think he's still capable of having a good game on the left. Its just the price you pay for wanting both Nani and Valencia on the pitch. But as Nani showed again today with that pass for Rooney early in the second half, it can often pay off to find him a position... Any position, just to have him on the pitch. Because he's capable of moments of game winning quality that perhaps only Rooney can come up with, other than him.

 

[Brwned]

And Berbatov, obviously.

 

[Raees]

Nor should we be expecting him to be...

I agree, its asking too much to expect him to suddenly transform into a world class talent on the left.

The jury is out though, we can arguably get away with his current level of performance due to Wayne and Valencia being that good, doesn't mean we shouldn't seek to improve and get a more specialised player in this position if he doesn't improve from his current standard of play from the left i.e. very inconsistent.

We've seen plenty of games with regards to Nani on the left, I've never been overly impressed.. from his under 21 days for Portugal to his time at United, always deemed him to be a potentially superior Simao but nothing more than that.

His performances on the right, opened my eyes to his potential.. whereas he can look in my opinion decent enough on the left, on the right he could be an astonishing player.. that ability to whip the crosses into dangerous areas, the angle is different on the left.. Beckhams Crossing for example would look average on the left as its more predictable coming in towards the keeper.

His dribbling, something I've been critical of in the past.. whereas someone like Valencia can burst past players easily,a young Ronaldo always had that in his locker.. Nani hasn't really shown that, but on the right his dribbling looked more natural, more effective.

But Nani has played a lot of games for us on the left and he has played very well there on a number of occasions. His main issue, irrespective of where he plays, is consistency and his decision making.

He has never ever been a Lennon type player, I don't really see that comparison at all.

Played very well there? thats bull. He's been decent, but on the whole unimpressive on the left.. most of the cafe wanted him out before his recent renaissance on the right.

Lennons dribbling technique relies on close control, with the laces... watch a video of Nani playing on the right and you'll see that he exhibits the very same technique.. its like the balls glued to his foot, on the left its very hard to take players on with the very same dribbling technique. You need alot of physical strength to be able to hack that inside out winger role, and that role is designed to make the most of a wide players vision and shooting ability. He has vision and shooting ability granted, but his decision making and ability to play the simple pass and adjudge the right weight for it has barely improved since the first season he spent with us.

You mean that little Russian lad who recently has been giving the ball away time and again with simple passes, been more successful with through balls than with 2 yard passes and his only real saving grace has been his shooting?

Sounds a bit like Nani.

Arshavin might not have been as comfortable on the left when he was 23, who knows. Apparently he started off on the right, and then moved in behind the striker for Zenit, so he might've looked a lot less comfortable on the left wing.

I've rarely seen Arshavin critcisized for his bad passing. You've probably seen him in a bad run of form or something, but I reckon he is quality at any form of short-mid range passing.

Exactly so you're saying he played other roles and then only now can he effectively play on the left, as he is mature physically and mentally.

I'm saying the same thing about Nani, I think in the future he might be great on the left wing, for now I don't think he should play there.. You could argue show him patience he'll come good, I don't think he's improved on the left wing in the time I've seen him, I'd rather just see him build his confidence as a backup player on the right and keep him rather than see him fail on the left and be sold.

Well you'd hope so given Arshavin is much older. I think a better comparison would be Ribery, but again he's much older. He was only starting to make a big name for himself at Nani's age and like him or hate him, Nani's started to do that himself this season. He doesn't look natural on the left, but I think he's still capable of having a good game on the left. Its just the price you pay for wanting both Nani and Valencia on the pitch. But as Nani showed again today with that pass for Rooney early in the second half, it can often pay off to find him a position... Any position, just to have him on the pitch. Because he's capable of moments of game winning quality that perhaps only Rooney can come up with, other than him.

True.

 

[datura]

Played very well there? thats bull. He's been decent, but on the whole unimpressive on the left.. most of the cafe wanted him out before his recent renaissance on the right.

Lennons dribbling technique relies on close control, with the laces... watch a video of Nani playing on the right and you'll see that he exhibits the very same technique.. its like the balls glued to his foot, on the left its very hard to take players on with the very same dribbling technique. You need alot of physical strength to be able to hack that inside out winger role, and that role is designed to make the most of a wide players vision and shooting ability. He has vision and shooting ability granted, but his decision making and ability to play the simple pass and adjudge the right weight for it has barely improved since the first season he spent with us.

He's had many good games on the left, it seems you and a few others seem to conveniently forget that to suit your argument that he's better on the right after a few good games on the bounce there.

As for the rest, do you actually believe that? The physical strength bit in particular doesn't make a whole lot of sense. As for the dribbling, Nani is far more technical than Lennon, who is far more similar to Valencia in style of play, relying more on change of pace and dropping the shoulder than using tricks to beat the defender.

As for building his confidence as a backup player, are you serious??

 

[Raees]

He's had many good games on the left, it seems you and a few others seem to conveniently forget that to suit your argument that he's better on the right after a few good games on the bounce there.

As for the rest, do you actually believe that? The physical strength bit in particular doesn't make a whole lot of sense. As for the dribbling, Nani is far more technical than Lennon, who is far more similar to Valencia in style of play, relying more on change of pace and dropping the shoulder than using tricks to beat the defender.

As for building his confidence as a backup player, are you serious??

Very few and far between.

The strength bit is crucial, watch Ronaldinho/Seedorf, Pires/J.Cole, any half decent right-footer playing on the left and you'll see how much more strength they need in shielding the ball and taking on players in comparison to a right footer hugging the right hand touchline.

This role has been utilised by wingers who don't necessarily have great pace, but great feet and strength, cut inside and can't get pushed off the ball.

Nani is more technical I agree, but without the strength aspect.. his tricks on the left are useless, as once he gets someone off balance.. they can easily just barge him and he'll surrender posession.

Valencias strength on the right is just an added bonus, its his pace which is the vital asset. If nani had Valencias strength, he'd be a beast on the left.

Backup player yes, but with a regular supply of games on as a sub or start when need be.

As for now I'm willing to give the lad another season at left wing and hopefully there will be a great development in his game with regards to this position, I hope we don't have to continue this debate again next year.

 

[Brwned]

I've rarely seen Arshavin critcisized for his bad passing. You've probably seen him in a bad run of form or something, but I reckon he is quality at any form of short-mid range passing.

Exactly so you're saying he played other roles and then only now can he effectively play on the left, as he is mature physically and mentally.

I'm saying the same thing about Nani, I think in the future he might be great on the left wing, for now I don't think he should play there.. You could argue show him patience he'll come good, I don't think he's improved on the left wing in the time I've seen him, I'd rather just see him build his confidence as a backup player on the right and keep him rather than see him fail on the left and be sold.

Well yes, obviously he's not been in the best of form recently because he's a very astute short passer, one of the best creative passers in the league, but I was just making the point they're not all that different.

I don't see how you could ever think being a back-up player could do Nani's confidence some good. I mean, we've all seen it, he's very up and down with his confidence and seems very fragile(in every sense) so it's either bare with him on the left or let him go, that is unless Valencia has second season syndrome and Nani takes advantage of it then, but you're relying too much on chance there.

I don't see why we can't just give him time on the left, it's not like we're in need of change - we're doing more than fine going forward! If it ain't broke...

 

[Brwned]

J.Cole, any half decent right-footer playing on the left and you'll see how much more strength they need in shielding the ball

Joe Cole and strength don't go together.

Arshavin's not very strong either. Or Ashley Young. Or Park. I'm sure there's plenty of others too, so it's an odd requirement to just invent.

 

[Raees]

Well yes, obviously he's not been in the best of form recently because he's a very astute short passer, one of the best creative passers in the league, but I was just making the point they're not all that different.

I don't see how you could ever think being a back-up player could do Nani's confidence some good. I mean, we've all seen it, he's very up and down with his confidence and seems very fragile(in every sense) so it's either bare with him on the left or let him go, that is unless Valencia has second season syndrome and Nani takes advantage of it then, but you're relying too much on chance there.

I don't see why we can't just give him time on the left, it's not like we're in need of change - we're doing more than fine going forward! If it ain't broke...

Mate I said I'm willing to give him another season, free shot at that left wing spot.. if he clearly doesn't look right in it i.e Rooney still screaming at him this time next season then he obviously isn't suited to that position and we should get someone in that is.

If he is willing to stay as a backup to Valencia I'd keep him, though he may want first team football which might lead to him being sold.

Joe Cole and strength don't go together.

Arshavin's not very strong either. Or Ashley Young. Or Park. I'm sure there's plenty of others too, so it's an odd requirement to just invent.

Ashley Young is average, I don't rate him. He looks decent for Villa but their standard of play is not United, we demand more and you come under more scrutiny. Nani > Young anyday imo.

Arshavin has a great low centre of gravity, extremely tough to knock off the ball.. that dribble v Porto yesterday is typical Arshavin.

J.Cole is very strong on the ball, rarely do you ever see him knocked off the ball and bullied off it, if there is any criticism of him its that he has lost a yard of pace but shielding the ball he is very accomplished and he doesn't lose the ball lightly.

Park on the wing last year v Barca looked out of his depth, against Arsenal he looks a world beater.. but regardless Park is a strong fecker, you only have to look at him today when he got kicked by Ronaldinho and the many occasions where he won the ball on his chest and stayed on his feet despite plenty of swipes at him.

 

[Raoul]

That trivela pass was Quaresma-esque.

 

[Brwned]

Mate I said I'm willing to give him another season, free shot at that left wing spot.. if he clearly doesn't look right in it i.e Rooney still screaming at him this time next season then he obviously isn't suited to that position and we should get someone in that is.

If he is willing to stay as a backup to Valencia I'd keep him, though he may want first team football which might lead to him being sold.

Ashley Young is average, I don't rate him. He looks decent for Villa but their standard of play is not United, we demand more and you come under more scrutiny. Nani > Young anyday imo.

Arshavin has a great low centre of gravity, extremely tough to knock off the ball.. that dribble v Porto yesterday is typical Arshavin.

J.Cole is very strong on the ball, rarely do you ever see him knocked off the ball and bullied off it, if there is any criticism of him its that he has lost a yard of pace but shielding the ball he is very accomplished and he doesn't lose the ball lightly.

Park on the wing last year v Barca looked out of his depth, against Arsenal he looks a world beater.. but regardless Park is a strong fecker, you only have to look at him today when he got kicked by Ronaldinho and the many occasions where he won the ball on his chest and stayed on his feet despite plenty of swipes at him.

I'm sure he's delighted you're willing to give him a whole season more, what a gent.

Ashley Young's average because he constantly picks the wrong option after getting himself into good positions time and again, i.e. his deficiencies are completely irrelevant to strength.

Park's not strong, if you're going to go that far to argue a point there's not a lot of point.

I just don't really see why you've decided that's one of the most important parts. If you'd said balance that would make a lot more sense, and seems to be more what you're talking about - because I've no doubt in my mind Nani's stronger than all three of them - but still...I don't understand why you think you can generalise roles like that, why you think football works like that.

 

[Laphroaig]

Cantona would've been proud of Nani's pass today. Genius.

 

[Plechazunga]

Cantona would've been proud of Nani's pass today. Genius.

That's the thing about Nani, he's got that bit of magic. There's not many players with that, Valencia doesn't have it despite being a generally more effective player.

His skill i'd say is probably the best in the squad

Giggs and Berbatov

 

[Raees]

I'm sure he's delighted you're willing to give him a whole season more, what a gent.

Ashley Young's average because he constantly picks the wrong option after getting himself into good positions time and again, i.e. his deficiencies are completely irrelevant to strength.

Park's not strong, if you're going to go that far to argue a point there's not a lot of point.

I just don't really see why you've decided that's one of the most important parts. If you'd said balance that would make a lot more sense, and seems to be more what you're talking about - because I've no doubt in my mind Nani's stronger than all three of them - but still...I don't understand why you think you can generalise roles like that, why you think football works like that.

Ashley Young doesn't look cut out for international football.. why? His decision-making is pretty good imo , he crosses well but he is poor at getting past quality full backs. He lacks the ability to glide past players.

Balance yes, its crucial.. but what aids balance on a football pitch, core strength.. the more stronger you are less likely you'll fall over or be shrugged off the ball.

Nani is stronger than Young, but he is not stronger than Arshavin/Cole/Park.. but they're all older than him so its a factor which has to be taken into account.

My point merely is that I don't think he's ready to be employed in that role at this moment in time, but through a lack of options we have to use him there anyway, so lets just wish him well and hope he improves enough to make it his own.

 

[Brwned]

Oh, and Arshavin weighs less than Nani too, so it's obviously not just because Nani doesn't have much fat.

I know muscle's not the only factor but it plays a big part, I just don't see where you'd get the idea Arshavin's stronger than Nani. Reminds me of when people said Nani's not quick. Just because it hasn't been made obvious doesn't mean it's not the case.

 

[redpie]

Nani has that bit of magic in his locker than makes you want to carry on believing. That outside of the foot pass was sublime but it was also a pass from a left winger who only really trusts his right foot.
I know Nani can be infuriating but you have to realise he has spent almost all his United career playing out of position.

 

[Shimo]

Maybe if we had a pure left winger our tactics may change but, more and more you see our way of playing is that whoever is on the left drifts in quite a bit. Nani showed a few times all the way on the right against Milan and has done it other games, Park does the same, Giggs does the same.

Perhaps because we have Evra out on the left to attack with the space left to him.

If the tactics are because of our right footed players playing left wing, then maybe there is a reason to get that same exact carbon copy as Valencia on the left. However, if we are going to continue to play tactically the same where whoever is on the right - hugs the right but, left side we are a little more free to drift around, then there isn't a reason to go buy another winger.

Nani I thought did okay in the first half. Having watched the game after the fact reading the various comments, figured was an absolute shocker. Certainly gave away the ball badly, the Pirlo shot that VDS spilled was due to him. I do remember one pass that didn't get to Rooney which Wayne then just threw his arms up in frustration but, soon after Wayne was even worse in giving the ball needlessly away. Obviously no one reacts the same to him.

As others have noted its a confidence thing with him. That there was no Giggs on the bench today probably was a good thing because very well could have got pulled and then had his confidence hurt. Instead, kept at it and paid off with a better attacking display in the second half.

He did some very good work defensively and got to say I don't get where he comes across as easy to knock off the ball. He usually gets the attention of a couple defenders but, one one he is usually quite strong.

 

[Denis' cuff]

I'm sure he's delighted you're willing to give him a whole season more, what a gent.

Ashley Young's average because he constantly picks the wrong option after getting himself into good positions time and again, i.e. his deficiencies are completely irrelevant to strength.

Park's not strong, if you're going to go that far to argue a point there's not a lot of point.

I just don't really see why you've decided that's one of the most important parts. If you'd said balance that would make a lot more sense, and seems to be more what you're talking about - because I've no doubt in my mind Nani's stronger than all three of them - but still...I don't understand why you think you can generalise roles like that, why you think football works like that.

tbf, he probably means Park is tough. And that he certainly is. He can take the knocks really well for a little fella and is quite clever in shileding the ball but obviously if some 6'4" Nigerian comes barging into him he's not really gonna be able to stay on his feet whilst PL referees look on oblivious.

 

[Carl]

I'm a fan of Nani and usually defend him on here but i thought he was pretty poor last night. Easily our worst performer.

Having said that, it was a great pass to Rooney.

 

[Red_Aaron]

still has a tendancy to slow the play at the worst moments though

when he plays quick, like his pass to Rooney tonight and pretty much the whole game at the emirates, he's class on the left or right

he seems to need to stop and think about things, use the force Nani, use the force!

 

[radd]

still has a tendancy to slow the play at the worst moments though

when he plays quick, like his pass to Rooney tonight and pretty much the whole game at the emirates, he's class on the left or right

he seems to need to stop and think about things, use the force Nani, use the force!

Nooooooo! Please don't make the boy think, he's at his best when he's not thinking but just feeling it. Now there's a cliche for you.

 

[Carl]

Nooooooo! Please don't make the boy think, he's at his best when he's not thinking but just feeling it. Now there's a cliche for you.

That's the point he was making, that he seems to stop and have a think.

 

[radd]

That's the point he was making, that he seems to stop and have a think.

Aye, that seems so. I seem to have misread it.

 

[Redfighter]

I like the lad, and want him to do well, but overall I thought he was poor last last night and gave the ball away too often. He is capable of brilliance, as his pass showed but I feel that a natural left sided player would bring far more balance to the team. Forget all this shite that other clubs seem to favour at the moment about playing wingers on the opposite sides, it's a ridiculous gimmick that produces less goals.

Nani will always play better on the right where he can cross a ball quicker and with more control, he will beat players more often and be more consistant in that position.

The question is who would you want in the team each week? Valancia, or Nani?

Neither will be want to be a back up player, both contribute different things but ultimately it's one or the other when we get a left sided player.

 

[Tibs]

I think whoever plays on the right, Valencia or Nani, will do the job for us - but Nani has that slight magic about him...but is likely to annoy you at time., whereas Valencia will do the same thing to a good effect all day long.

The reality is though, Valencia cannot play on the left, he is limited to the right. I can't ever see an occasion where Valencia will move to the left, and Nani on the right.

You can see it in open play too, Nani and Park will move around and sometimes end up on the right with Valencia - but he'll never ever be on the left.

 

[RedSky]

That's the thing about Nani, he's got that bit of magic. There's not many players with that, Valencia doesn't have it despite being a generally more effective player.



Giggs and Berbatov

Better than both imo.

I thought he had a good game last night tarnished by a poor 1st half. His 2nd half performance was excellent and far more effective going forward than Valencia. Setup Rooney (goal), setup Gibson (miss), setup Park? (think it was Park, shortly after the Gisbon chance). He started to utilise his pace better in the 2nd half and had the beating of their RB everytime. Still he was a bit guilty occassionally with his defensive duties, but Evra didn't have the best of games.

 

[Member 39557]

I've always thought Nani looked great on the ball but his passing/decision making let him down and make him a very frustrating player to watch and I'd imagine his team mates find him frustrating to play with. This season he seems to be finding the right pass a bit more often and I hope it continues.

I think he has more natural skill than Valencia in terms of dribbling and creativity but Valencia seems to have better crossing ability and links well with Rooney and Berbatov, possibly because he is easier to predict than Nani?

I am pleased with Nani's progress this season as I thought he may have been let go in the summer if he didn't improve. There may be a problem when Giggs is fit as Fergie will then have to decide who is first choice to play wide left from Giggs and Nani if we're to assume that Valencia is nailed on for the right wing spot. If Nani gets dropped then his confidence might dip again.

 

[Devilton]

I'm just glad to see the boy is finding some kind of form again. He wasn't at his best in the first half and there were still moments of frustration there (classic Nanisms I like to call them), but that glorious pass to Rooney showed his quality and I did appreciate how much tracking back he did to protect the backfour.

Most importantly, from an investment point of view his performances will boost his price again. There was a time when it looked like we would have been hard pressed to even get 50% of what we spent on him. Now however, I'm sure we could easily get 15 million.

I hope the lad has a strong World Cup. I don't know if SAF see's him as a long term player at United, but till we do find that left winger to take over from Giggs we all need to support Nani and hope he keeps turning in strong performances for the team.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

Better than both imo.

I thought he had a good game last night tarnished by a poor 1st half. His 2nd half performance was excellent and far more effective going forward than Valencia. Setup Rooney (goal), setup Gibson (miss), setup Park? (think it was Park, shortly after the Gisbon chance). He started to utilise his pace better in the 2nd half and had the beating of their RB everytime. Still he was a bit guilty occassionally with his defensive duties, but Evra didn't have the best of games.

Giggs is fecking light years ahead of Nani - on every level - and has been for over a decade. I know that some of you are desperate to big up every half-decent performance but at least try to keep your comments grounded in reality.

Oh and the Gibson chance? That was a flick from Valencia, not Nani.

Bit of a mixed bag from Nani yesterday, which sums up his season really. If a player ever finishes strongly, or scores a goal, the caf decides he's had an outstanding match. Which seems to be what happened over Nani's performance yesterday.

He was absolutely terrible for 45 minutes. Really really poor. Not only did he not create anything he was a real danger to our defence. Losing possession in the most dangerous areas of the pitch with mis-directed passes and repeatedly getting caught out of position defensively. Not a reflection on his work-rate as he worked his socks off (he always does) it seemed to be down to naivety if anything. The fact that Milan got all their joy attacking down our left flank - and none down our right, despite Neville's aging limbs up against Ronaldinho - was a reflection on Evra being slightly jaded but Nani has to share the blame.

To be fair, he really turned it on after half-time. The assist was sublime and he upped his game dramatically after that (although this did coincide with Milan completely giving up the ghost)

The burning question remains whether it's worth keeping a player in the side who is capable of moments of real magic but also capable of being a total liability for long periods. More performances like he did against Arsenal and City and there's won't be any doubt at all. In those games he was brilliant going forward as well as disciplined in defence and accurate with his passing. More performances like last night and you can see why SAF would be wise to keep selecting two wingers from Park, Valencia and Giggs - with Nani restricted mainly to the role of an impact substitute.

He's definitely shown enough in recent weeks to put to bed the idea that he should be got rid of in the summer but he remains a work in progress, who continues to have some very real flaws in his game. He's got time on his side though. Yong and Lernin'.

 

[RedSky]

Giggs is fecking light years ahead of Nani - on every level - and has been for over a decade. I know that some of you are desperate to big up every half-decent performance but at least try to keep your comments grounded in reality.

Oh and the Gibson chance? That was a flick from Valencia, not Nani.

That is your opinion Pogue (which doesn't mean much when you're being an argumentative tart). We were talking about skill levels.

The Gibson chance came from the left a Nani pass from the byline.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

That is your opinion Pogue (which doesn't mean much when you're being an argumentative tart). We were talking about skill levels.

I know we're talking about skill levels. Giggs' skill levels are phenomenal and always have been. You're entitled to your opinion though.

The Gibson chance came from the left a Nani pass from the byline.

The one he blazed over? That was down to a really clever flick by Valencia in the box.

In terms of chances created by Nani in the second-half, I though the best one (after the goal) was the floated cross to the far post which the keeper flicked away from Valencia's head. That was an excellent bit of keeping to prevent an easy goal. It was a lovely dinked cross.

 

[Top]

The one he blazed over? That was down to a really clever flick by Valencia in the box.

In terms of chances created by Nani in the second-half, I though the best one (after the goal) was the floated cross to the far post which the keeper flicked away from Valencia's head. That was an excellent bit of keeping to prevent an easy goal. It was a lovely dinked cross.

The one to Gibson was after a great Nani move on the left where he found Valencia open at the edge of area who insetad of taking the shot made a neat flick to Gibson. But it was created by Nani.

He also created another chance very similiar to that one. He had two very good passes to the edge of the area. Both of which were better chances (both in terms of vision and skill) than the cross for Valencia, in my opinion.

 

[Raees]

Oh, and Arshavin weighs less than Nani too, so it's obviously not just because Nani doesn't have much fat.

I know muscle's not the only factor but it plays a big part, I just don't see where you'd get the idea Arshavin's stronger than Nani. Reminds me of when people said Nani's not quick. Just because it hasn't been made obvious doesn't mean it's not the case.

What does body have to with it.. based on that body, he should be the strongest player in the world!

Its about using your strength effectively, weight doesn't have that much of an effect... I'm pretty small but I've barged 6 footers off the ball, so how do you explain that?

Same goes for players like Maradona etc

Arshavin is strong! I wonder whether you've actually watched him play at all.. he struggled when he first came to the prem, but very rarely do you see him lose the ball under pressure due to being muscled out which I see plenty of times from Nani.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

What does body have to with it.. based on that body, he should be the strongest player in the world!

Its about using your strength effectively, weight doesn't have that much of an effect... I'm pretty small but I've barged 6 footers off the ball, so how do you explain that?

Same goes for players like Maradona etc

Arshavin is strong! I wonder whether you've actually watched him play at all.. he struggled when he first came to the prem, but very rarely do you see him lose the ball under pressure due to being muscled out which I see plenty of times from Nani.

Erm... Easily... Short people have a lower centre of gravity.

 

[Raees]

Erm... Easily... Short people have a lower centre of gravity.

Exactly! I'm trying to point that out. Arshavin may be of less weight, but he has a good low centre of gravity and uses it effectively. Its about using your Arse too. IMO Nani doesn't.. not yet anyway.

 

[CnutOfAllCnuts]

I'm pretty small

I hate small people. All cnuts with massive chip on their shoulders.

 

[Brophs]

I thought Nani was terrible in the first half last night, and decent in the second. But make no mistake, that was a very poor Milan team playing a midfielder at right back, so I'd expect him to do well.

The benchmark for him is still the Arsenal game, in terms of overall contribution.