Aug
19
2008
Who’s Better: Finnan or Arbeloa?
Rafael Benitez has preferred Alvaro Arbeloa in the right-back position in recent times over Steve Finnan, and to be honest, it’s not a move that’s made much sense.
On ability they are roughly equal, and Finnan has the added advantage of experience that helps him read the game better and not only defend better but be more effective going forward.
So why is Rafa picking Arbeloa ahead of Finnan?
This is a really good question. I think Steve Finnan was as consistent a fullback as Liverpool could ever have wished for when he was first choice. There’s little to choose between them, and I’m disappointed when I read that Steve might be being ushered out.
I get the feeling Benitez prefers Arbeloa as he’s younger, possibly has more potential as an attacking fullback, and may fit in better with the spanish-styled players he’s looking for.
Just another in the series of nonsensical moves of the great Rafa. Why didn’t he ever give Crouch a run of games with Torres last year? Why does he start Hyypia over Agger and Skrtel on Saturday? Why did Torres start on the bench for important matches last year? Why did he use 147 substitutes in a key preseason warmup game?
Arbeloa has never been a real danger going forward, he is mistake prone, his crossing is awful, and he gets beat wide on the right way too often. Finnan has been solid at Liverpool. His crossing is top notch for a right back, he makes smart plays going forward and getting back, and he complements Carragher better than anyone else that has been beside him. Benitez obviously feels that Arbeloa is solid on the ball, and can sustain a passing offense through midfield better than Finnan. I don’t see it.
And then he picks up Degen? If Arbeloa and Finnan aren’t getting it done for him, why go out and get a player that isn’t a significant improvement? Why get a squad player, just to say you filled the right back position? He’s obviously down on Finnan, so my only hope is that he starts Skrtel on the right with Carragher and Agger at center, and don’t get me started on the left side.
I really think that Degen (when fit) will be our first choice right back. Finnan will be gone this summer in my opinion.
Its simply because finnan is coming back from an injury and wont be rushed back in.
Arbeloa is good enough defensivly but lacks going forward he will act as cover until finnan gains a little more fitness or degan recovers quicker, degan will be hopefully the first choice right back with arbeloa as cover and stephen darby as reserve back up.
finnan is better than arbeloa in many ways.he has a very good defensive minded, once he attacks, he could make good crossings and unexpected skill as he also low profile player.very consistent than arbeloa.if finnan gone, it would be problem in right back soon as arbeloa still unexperience.
Arbeloa is not as solid as Finnan defensively, but he makes up for it in creativity and pace going forward. He links up with Kuyt and Gerrard magnificently, and adds a lot to the Liverpool attack. With Mascherano as the rock supporting the defense, Rafa has chosen to employ fullbacks that are better going forward. Our best lineup this season will include Fabio Aurelio at left fullback and Arbeloa on the right, with Mascherano and Lucas Leiva in the midfield. RIGHT ON RAFA!
Dossena is a proper attacking full back