I'm glad Rafa has taken the time out to praise the unsung hero of our defence so far this year. Arbs is the only player to play every minute of every game this season, and he seems to be a real team man, playing wherever he's asked to at right back, left back, or in the centre. He's starting to get some forward runs into him which we saw in the Derby game. Good to see!
Arbs is playing really well, hope he keeps it up. I actually prefer him to JAR at LB, with Aurelio coming back JAR might be squeezed out of the team. As much as I love him, apart from that cannon of a left foot what does he bring? Not a great defender or crosser of the ball.
Tenacity, defensive vision to be in the right place at the right time. Backing up (sweeping) for his fellow defenders. And in case you missed it, that 'superb' defense splitting pass that gave Babel the second goal against Derby. Other than that, he's crap... Edit: OK.....I reread your post. You were talking about JAR....Duh! Well, I can't imagine Liverpool without him right now.
I criticised Arbs a whole lot last year and most times I thought I was justified but he did have great performances (the Barca leg for example) so I knew he had it in him. It was just a matter of time and a good run of games for him to adjust and fit in and get the confidence. Who knows, he could become another Finnan? Always love when defenders get singled out for praise like this!
he is most definitely the long term successor to Finnan at RB. my guess is Rafa brings in somebody next summer for the LB spot. I just hope we get to see Hobbs have a crack at the first team (let's hope he performs well in the Carling...). in three years: Arbs---Hobbs---Agger---?? Carra filling our 'Sami' role?
About time people started coming around on this guy. I've been saying for a while that he should be as permanent a fixture as Finnan or Carra.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9ODu8-FbE4 THAT SHOULD ANSWER YOUR QUESTION, regarding to what the arabs do for us!!!
He's seemed quite solid this year. I think JAR is gonna loose playing time to him. With all our mid's, he'll find it tough to get as many minutes there also. Kewell, Babal and Benny all can play LM or wing.