Cannavaro to Chelsea.

[shelly]

no, not at all
he got an incrediblke amount of praise during the world cup for doing regular centreback stuff
ridiculous punditry imo

I think most of his praise was for his spirit.
He played well for Italy especially in view of the circumstances. What he did was I agree no more than what Carra did during the CL final but hey Carra gets praise too.
The never say die attitude in spite of everything going on back in Italy- the demand to strip him of the captaincy and what was going on with his club and the whole of Calcio - that could have easily messed with his head, kudos to him, it did not. He stayed calm.
In addition, he was marshalling his defence very well despite the ridiculous rotating doors of partners he had including the infamous unpredictable calamity that is Metarazzi. Mainly down to Sandro Nesta's injury. To be honest, I admire anyone who can partner Marco and do well without getting a heart attack.
but I think he gave his whole heart to that one tourney and has burnt himself out. He was always good but even in Italy he's never been the best defender. He was overrated to start with and now the praise is way over the top. Poor short-arse, he should have stayed with Juve.