5. Alvaro Arbeloa – This may seem like a strange choice to some, given the great players we’ve had over the years but if ever there was the definition of ‘reliable’, ‘solid’, ‘consistent’ for me then it was his bargain buy from 2007. He may well have been with us a very short time but during his stay he covered all positions across the back – competently – and I seem to remember him being slipped into midfield on a handful of occasions too. For me, his defining moment will always be the afternoon he became the first player (from his own side) to stand up to Jamie Carragher’s constant whining and moaning at his own teammates, when they had their memorable tiff after Carragher attempted to blame his own error on Arbeloa. Personally, as exciting as the likes of Babbel, Ziege and Riise were capable of being, they were always prone to errors and given what we’ve been subjected to with Paul Konchesky so far this season, I would give anything for the solidity and reliability of a player like Alvaro.
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Top read.
Hyppia was bought in 99 right?
yes, both Hyypia and Hamann were bought in the summer of 99 so i’m not sure what the writer is using as his criteria for the last decade
With those 2 removed Alonso has to be in the list. Then take your pick out of Masch, Finnan, Riise, Garcia or Poulsen
poulsen..ha ha ha…
might top the list for “one of the worst players to play professional football”..
So – what’s in a year eh! Let’s make it the last 11 years then. I can forgive the writer for that. Can’t forgive you for putting Poulsen in your list! (unless it was a joke). I can’t really think of Finnan as a foreign import either.
whr’s mascherano???
alonso..??
who are your favourites Stan? – I think a lot depends on age as well. I’m in my 50’s so Molby high on my list. Got to agree on Hyppia though.
Enjoyed this. Sami also my favourite “import” for all the reasons you’ve mentioned. @stan asks “whr’s mascherano” and we all, depending on our age, will have different opinions. Masch probably went down in the estimation of many fans because of the way he left.
Nice read this. Well done! I agree with all your mentions mate. All great buys and good servants to the club esp Hyypia…I would have put him number 1 myself.
sure, the way masch left was not right but when he did play, he was usually the most effective player on the pitch…and i still think he is one of the best, if nt the best defensive midfielder in the world..
Alvaro Arbeloa was a good signing but when it comes to the top five then he should make way for John Riise or Alonso.