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2014-15 Performances

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6.0 Season Average Rating
Appearances
11
Clean sheets
4
Goals
0
Assists
1
Yellow cards
2
Status
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Pogue Mahone said:
It's a bit odd that he's not been mentioned in injury updates. He is fit and available for selection, right?
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He came back in training as per insta couple of weeks ago. Then assume picked up another knock and now is back in training again.

Depends if LVG wants to wait 2 weeks again.
 
Last season Rafael started 18 PL games. He commited 19 fouls.
In the same season Zabaleta started 34 PL games and commited 53 fouls.

The season before that Rafael started 27 PL games and commited 36 fouls.
Zabaleta started 29 games and commited 45 fouls.

But Rafael is the rash one. The one that can't defend and the one likely to get sent off.

Edit: I should probably point out that I'm not digging at Zabaleta here, I think he's fantastic. Just trying to debunk the usual nonsense that is spouted about Rafa.
 
FromTheBench said:
He came back in training as per insta couple of weeks ago. Then assume picked up another knock and now is back in training again.

Depends if LVG wants to wait 2 weeks again.
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What I meant was it's odd that we're getting updates via Insta, rather than coming out of the club. He's kind of the forgotten man.

Which is a little strange, as he's quite an important player IMO. Nobody would have expected Valencia to perform so well in his absence.
 
Pogue Mahone said:
What I meant was it's odd that we're getting updates via Insta, rather than coming out of the club. He's kind of the forgotten man.

Which is a little strange, as he's quite an important player IMO. Nobody would have expected Valencia to perform so well in his absence.
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Journos have a terrible habit of only asking about the 'big name' injuries at the pressers.

Its incredibly frustrating as we always seem to be in the dark when one of the 'lesser' names get injured for any period of time.
 
FromTheBench said:
Ivanovic is overrated frankly. He is suited to Chelsea's structure but the greatest at one on ones or going forward.

Zabaleta maybe but he has dropped off recently too. Agree on Azpi but he's playing LB these days.

And Coleman is definitely better than Clyne. Clyne's defensive game and positioning is pretty average.


I think the best 3 for me would be Coleman, Rafael, Zabaleta. (Azpi being a LB). Put them in whatever order.
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I'd agree with this.
 
Sam said:
Last season Rafael started 18 PL games. He commited 19 fouls.
In the same season Zabaleta started 34 PL games and commited 53 fouls.

The season before that Rafael started 27 PL games and commited 36 fouls.
Zabaleta started 29 games and commited 45 fouls.

But Rafael is the rash one. The one that can't defend and the one likely to get sent off.

Edit: I should probably point out that I'm not digging at Zabaleta here, I think he's fantastic. Just trying to debunk the usual nonsense that is spouted about Rafa.
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Totally with you - but you forgot all the yellow and red cards that Zabeleta has accumulated in excess of Rafael - and having to take the blame for blind referees, by the way what happened to Clattenburg - probably back for the Liverpool game to give them 3 more penalties this season
 
Sam said:
Last season Rafael started 18 PL games. He commited 19 fouls.
In the same season Zabaleta started 34 PL games and commited 53 fouls.

The season before that Rafael started 27 PL games and commited 36 fouls.
Zabaleta started 29 games and commited 45 fouls.

But Rafael is the rash one. The one that can't defend and the one likely to get sent off.

Edit: I should probably point out that I'm not digging at Zabaleta here, I think he's fantastic. Just trying to debunk the usual nonsense that is spouted about Rafa.
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I'm really not surprised by those stats. I'm not sure why people seem so intent in downplaying how good Rafael is. He's definitely one of the very best in the league.
 
JPRouve said:
I said not great , i never said that he was poor and i never said that he was worse than Sagna or Debuchy.
I quite clearly said that he wasn't a great marker and that Coleman or Clyne were as good.
Rafael is probably the best RB offensively but defensively Azpilicueta, Ivanovic and Zabaleta are a lot better.
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I know that you said that he wasn't a great marker, but the fact that he's done very in marking top class players makes him better at marking than you think (for me, at least).

Also, in terms of your claim, I don't think they are that much better. Slightly, perhaps, but not "much". Comparing Coleman and Clyne's marking to Rafael's, I wouldn't say they are even. Both rely lots on their pace to recover themselves and stop opponents. Rafael used to be like that in the beginning, but he's now better than Clyne and Coleman at keeping track of the dribbler and maintaining his ground and stance. His marking is comparable to that of the top 3 that you mentioned.

It's fine that you think he isn't a great marker, but I disagree with that notion.
 
DWelbz19 said:
I'm really not surprised by those stats. I'm not sure why people seem so intent in downplaying how good Rafael is. He's definitely one of the very best in the league.
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The rash part is only due to the Munich game, some people can't past over it, and now he is seen as rash and apparently stupid.
 
I find it strange that a few think Ivanovic is overrated. As a central defender, sure, but as a right back, dirty tricks aside, he's one of.the best right backs in the league if not the best so far.
 
mazhar13 said:
I know that you said that he wasn't a great marker, but the fact that he's done very in marking top class players makes him better at marking than you think (for me, at least).

Also, in terms of your claim, I don't think they are that much better. Slightly, perhaps, but not "much". Comparing Coleman and Clyne's marking to Rafael's, I wouldn't say they are even. Both rely lots on their pace to recover themselves and stop opponents. Rafael used to be like that in the beginning, but he's now better than Clyne and Coleman at keeping track of the dribbler and maintaining his ground and stance. His marking is comparable to that of the top 3 that you mentioned.

It's fine that you think he isn't a great marker, but I disagree with that notion.
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Rafael is not a great marker, what makes him a great player is that while most of the time he is good defensively, he is one of the best offensively.

The combination of his offensive and defensive abilities makes him great for us. But when i judge two fullbacks the most important things are the defensive attributes and Rafael have a lot to work before being the equal of Ivanovic, Azpilicueta or Zabaleta.

Now it wasn't the initial discussion, the real problem with Rafael isn't about his level, but about his durability and the department he is the worst. And some of us think that we should have a better player to play with when Rafael is injured.

Personally, i don't want to get rid of him or consider him as a back up, i want two starters. Like Marcelo and Coentrao or Felipe Luis and Azpi.
 
JPRouve said:
Rafael is not a great marker, what makes him a great player is that while most of the time he is good defensively, he is one of the best offensively.

The combination of his offensive and defensive abilities makes him great for us. But when i judge two fullbacks the most important things are the defensive attributes and Rafael have a lot to work before being the equal of Ivanovic, Azpilicueta or Zabaleta.

Now it wasn't the initial discussion, the real problem with Rafael isn't about his level, but about his durability and the department he is the worst. And some of us think that we should have a better player to play with when Rafael is injured.

Personally, i don't want to get rid of him or consider him as a back up, i want two starters. Like Marcelo and Coentrao or Felipe Luis and Azpi.
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I know that that wasn't the initial discussion, but I'd like to know what Rafael is missing that is making him a great defender nowadays.

Also, I very much agree with the notion that we need a right back of good quality to be a part of this squad alongside Rafael rather than a mere backup player like Valencia or Young. Rafael's injuries, whilst not at the same level as Saha's or Hargreaves', is still worrisome for a club that wants to play at the top level. However, I am struggling to think of right backs who are available for this role in the squad and is defensively decent. Maybe Aurier?
 
Paul the Wolf said:
Always injured eh?
2012/2013 Only RVP De Gea & Carrick started more PL games
2013/2014 started same number of PL games as RVP
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What a strange argument.

It's widely accepted that the 2012/13 season was Rafael's best, mainly because of his lack of injuries.
It's also widely accepted that van Persie had a fairly shite 2013/14 season, and that injuries played their part.

There's no denying that Rafael is an injury prone player anyway.
 
mazhar13 said:
I know that that wasn't the initial discussion, but I'd like to know what Rafael is missing that is making him a great defender nowadays.

Also, I very much agree with the notion that we need a right back of good quality to be a part of this squad alongside Rafael rather than a mere backup player like Valencia or Young. Rafael's injuries, whilst not at the same level as Saha's or Hargreaves', is still worrisome for a club that wants to play at the top level. However, I am struggling to think of right backs who are available for this role in the squad and is defensively decent. Maybe Aurier?
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Great defender ?
It's very subjective but I would say consistency, if was like he was against Hazard all the time, he would be a great defender.
Nowadays the fullbacks who are great defenders are rare there is only Ivanovic, Zabaleta, Lahm, Alaba, Arbeloa and Carvajal.
 
KiD MoYeS said:
What a strange argument.

It's widely accepted that the 2012/13 season was Rafael's best, mainly because of his lack of injuries.
It's also widely accepted that van Persie had a fairly shite 2013/14 season, and that injuries played their part.

There's no denying that Rafael is an injury prone player anyway.
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His 2012/13 season was his best season because he was a competent defender too. He just didn't become the league's best defender just by being fit for most of the matches.
 
fishfingers15 said:
His 2012/13 season was his best season because he was a competent defender too. He just didn't become the league's best defender just by being fit for most of the matches.
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Yeah, there's multiple reasons he enjoyed the 2012/13 season, but the lack of injuries was the major factor.
 
Paul the Wolf said:
Always injured eh?
2012/2013 Only RVP De Gea & Carrick started more PL games
2013/2014 started same number of PL games as RVP
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Groin/Pelvis InjuryManchester United Injuries2014 October 30th
Groin StrainManchester United Injuries2014 July 25th
Groin/Pelvis InjuryManchester United Injuries2014 July 25th
Hamstring InjuryManchester United Injuries2014 March 29th
Ankle/Foot InjuryManchester United Injuries2014 March 8th
ConcussionManchester United Injuries2014 February 12th
Groin/Pelvis InjuryManchester United Injuries2013 December 26th
Ankle/Foot InjuryManchester United Injuries2013 November 2nd
KnockManchester United Injuries2013 October 5th
Hamstring InjuryManchester United Injuries2013 August 11th
Groin/Pelvis InjuryManchester United Injuries2013 March 30th
Hamstring InjuryManchester United Injuries2012 December 14th
KnockManchester United Injuries2012 September 23rd
KnockManchester United Injuries2011 December 2nd
Shoulder InjuryManchester United Injuries2011 October 21st
Shoulder InjuryManchester United Injuries2011 August 14th
Ankle/Foot InjuryManchester United Injuries2011 August 1st
Knee InjuryManchester United Injuries2011 April 6th
Hamstring InjuryManchester United Injuries2011 March 16th
ConcussionManchester United Injuries2011 January 26th
Thigh Muscle StrainManchester United Injuries2010 November 11th
Calf Muscle StrainManchester United Injuries2010 February 28th
Ankle/Foot InjuryManchester United Injuries2009 December 5th
Shoulder InjuryManchester United Injuries2009 May 1st
Ankle/Foot InjuryManchester United Injuries2009 February 21st
Hamstring InjuryManchester United Injuries2009 January 20th

And by comparison

Knee InjuryChelsea Injuries2013 December 29th
Hamstring InjuryChelsea Injuries2012 March 31st
Muscle InjuryChelsea Injuries2012 March 21st
Hamstring InjuryChelsea Injuries2011 December 22nd
Back InjuryChelsea Injuries2010 August 28th
Knee InjuryChelsea Injuries2010 May 14th
MCL Knee Ligament InjuryChelsea Injuries2010 March 21st

The alarming part is the number of injuries to his thighs, that's ridiculous.
 
KiD MoYeS said:
Yeah, there's multiple reasons he enjoyed the 2012/13 season, but the lack of injuries was the major factor.
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I don't know, It was not 'the' major factor. Him being a competent defender, equally adept at attacking, keeping Bale at the height of Bale mania in his pockets was the major factor. I think we are pretty close to be honest, we both are saying he's a stand out player if he can be fit and his best season was when he was was injured, because if he's fit, he's class anyway.
 
fishfingers15 said:
I don't know, It was not 'the' major factor. Him being a competent defender, equally adept at attacking, keeping Bale at the height of Bale mania in his pockets was the major factor. I think we are pretty close to be honest, we both are saying he's a stand out player if he can be fit and his best season was when he was was injured, because if he's fit, he's class anyway.
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Rafael and Fabio always had big potential, the injuries stunted their development somewhat. 2012/13 allowed Rafael to develop into a fine young right-back, but the injuries remain unfortunately.
 
KiD MoYeS said:
What a strange argument.

It's widely accepted that the 2012/13 season was Rafael's best, mainly because of his lack of injuries.
It's also widely accepted that van Persie had a fairly shite 2013/14 season, and that injuries played their part.

There's no denying that Rafael is an injury prone player anyway.
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And RVP isn't, just for an example?
 
KiD MoYeS said:
Rafael and Fabio always had big potential, the injuries stunted their development somewhat. 2012/13 allowed Rafael to develop into a fine young right-back, but the injuries remain unfortunately.
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Sorry, what? Rafael is not potential material, he's the first choice RB for a club like Manchester United. Unless you are saying players like Coleman are just players with potential.
 
fishfingers15 said:
Sorry, what? Rafael is not potential material, he's the first choice RB for a club like Manchester United. Unless you are saying players like Coleman are just players with potential.
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What? I said the lack of injuries throughout the 2012/13 season allowed Rafael to fulfill his potential.
 
I remember watching a match on BT Sport last season and Michael Owen said that Rafael is prone to cramps and that is why he gets injured so often. Wonder how true that is.
 
KiD MoYeS said:
van Persie is quite an injury prone player, yeah. As is Falcao. As is Smalling. As is Jones. As is Evans. None of 'em are all that dependable, are they?
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Exactly, there are a lot of players who are regularly injured, not just Rafael - look at Chelsea, very few injuries - what is the reason? this is the key
 
fishfingers15 said:
So he managed to rack up nearly 80 appearances because he had potential? Not seeing it tbh, he was the first choice defender going in to the 12/13 season.
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Of course he was, I'm not sure what you're trying to argue here? There is no doubting Rafael had potential up until the 2012/13 season, a potential he was finally able to fulfill with a full season with little to no injuries.
 
Shamwow said:
I remember watching a match on BT Sport last season and Michael Owen said that Rafael is prone to cramps and that is why he gets injured so often. Wonder how true that is.
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Likely true I'd say, especially as Michael Owen played here and I doubt he just pulled the cramps thing out of his ass.
 
Paul the Wolf said:
But look at Chelsea's defence injury wise - they have a had a settled defence with very few injuries for some time, the problem lies elsewhere
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I think that the club isn't careful enough when it comes to stay away from crippled players, and sentimentality other clubs get rid of the players who can't play, we give them new contracts.
But in Rafael's case, i understand the "gamble".
 
limerickcitykid said:
Likely true I'd say, especially as Michael Owen played here and I doubt he just pulled the cramps thing out of his ass.
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He said he knew it from his time at the club. They probably spent a lot of time together in the medical center.
 
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