Fabio Aurelio

[Red Chilli]

I think he more than makes up for his flaws with what he adds in terms of attacking play. I would like to see a new LB but if one has to go I would rather see Riise go (who I also suspect would be the least happy of the two to be a mere backup).

I'd bin Riise and Aurelio, bring in Bridge with Aurelio as back up. Insua to get the odd game.
On the right it'd be this new lad Rafinha with Finnan as backup

[Reece]

Not sure on Bridge now. A couple of years ago yes, but now - not so much.

Can't believe I'm saying this but I'd like to see Insua given a chance.

[Red Chilli]

I wrote Aurelio as backup but meant Arbeloa


Bridge is still a good player but he's missing match sharpness. IMO

[g.red]

he's missing match sharpness. IMO

And a football brain

[Parm]

He's better than Riise but I still would like a new left back next season.

true, chance for insua maybe/.

[Guest]

Bridge is nowhere near as good as Aurelio.

[Zapater]

I really think that people are overlooking the importance Aurelio has had in our run of good form. His passing from the back has been vital especially with Agger out. not only that but he's getting more and more dangerous pushing up on the left. His overlappping is looking to what it was like when he was getting regular games before.

I would like to sign a new left back although imo it's Fabio's position to lose. If he stays fit he'll keep on improving and no doubt he'll keep his position.

[Red Chilli]

Bridge is nowhere near as good as Aurelio.

Yes he is fredo, he's better at defending and he's better at crossing.

[Guest]

Yes he is fredo, he's better at defending and he's better at crossing.

Hmmm ... debatable. Aurelio has been excellent for us of late. He's been excellent at defending and excellent at attacking. He's a much more intelligent player too and his passing is very very good.

Can't say that for Bridge though. Good player but nothing special to my eyes. Bridge wouldn't be an improvement on both Aurelio or Riise.

[carlton]

Fabio's been good but but he doesnt appear that strong and have much pace. Good squad player.

[Fan65]

I'm going against the concensus of opinion here, I think he's an excellent player in the making, He's improving all the time and has a touch of quality about his play. That's got to be great news that we have a full back that can actually use the ball well.

Fitness was an issue but he seems to be over it now. If Insua comes through as he's threatening to do then we'll be covered at left back for some seasons to come.

[frank the tank]

i think aurelio is a very good player and also an excellent signing on a free transfer by rafa.

I also think that he needs to get a long run in the team, something he's never had due to injuries, and then i think he will get better and better. I actually dont think we need a new left back due to the fact arbeloa is a good player there, and also we should start to bring in insua a bit from next season onwards. Finally, if we really need to, agger could play there if we were stuck and also finnan has played left back for the republic of ireland a few times....

Put it this way, if we could spend 12-14m on a right winger / playmaker (basically to replace kuyt in the current formation) and 6 or 8m on a new left back, then i feel that we would be better off spending 20m on a top top class playmaker instead....

[Kenneth]

I'm going against the concensus of opinion here, I think he's an excellent player in the making, He's improving all the time and has a touch of quality about his play. That's got to be great news that we have a full back that can actually use the ball well.

Fitness was an issue but he seems to be over it now. If Insua comes through as he's threatening to do then we'll be covered at left back for some seasons to come.

A defender who passes with confidence is a breath of fresh air. Very happy with him.

[sitoca]

I'm going against the concensus of opinion here, I think he's an excellent player in the making, He's improving all the time and has a touch of quality about his play. That's got to be great news that we have a full back that can actually use the ball well.

Fitness was an issue but he seems to be over it now. If Insua comes through as he's threatening to do then we'll be covered at left back for some seasons to come.

[homer1]

I think he more than makes up for his flaws with what he adds in terms of attacking play. I would like to see a new LB but if one has to go I would rather see Riise go (who I also suspect would be the least happy of the two to be a mere backup).

I think that hits the nail on the head

I think fitness levels is the only thing Riise has over Aurelio - Fabio has infinitely better passing / crossing skills and has a more accurate shot - he has the ability to take on a defender and beat him with trickery and adds a completely new dimension to our attacking play

Both could do with improving their defensive play and although Aurelio is prone to making errors, I have less of a problem with him losing possession trying something constructive & trying to beat a man than I do when Riise gets the ball, kicks it to the left of his opponent and runs around the right of him with the ball invariably going out of play before he gets to it

Would like a top, top LB to come in (Bridge is not that man) but Aurelio before Riise every time for me