Re: I think Panucci has been one of the most underrated right backs during the last ten years. I think his bad rep in Italy is more to do with him always being considered the weak link when he played for the Azzurri. But I don't think it's that embarressing to be considered the weak link when the other players are Maldini, Nesta, and Cannavaro. And the English look down on him because of his short stay at Chelsea. But you can't deny that he's been successful just about every else he's been. He's won league and European titles with both Real and Milan. And if it wasn't for his feuds with the Azzurri bosses(Sacchi, Lippi) he would have had a much better international career(he should be a world champion since he was Italy's best right back last year but Lippi didn't call him up because of personal issues). I feel defensively he's Gary Neville's equal(both are prone to the occasional blunder) but going forward he gives much more to his team than the Englishman.
Re: He's defensively unsound and always has been. As an attacking fullback he's pretty good, but not of the quality of the other attacking fullbacks on this list. He's been responsible for too many goals leaked by the Azurri for me to really consider him ahead of Neville, who, while not spectacular is very steady. Which, of course, is what really characterizes Neville - he's very, very steady. Not really great, but consistently very good for a very long time.
I voted for Cissinho. Cissinho played for WC team against Japan, and Cisshinho totally outplayed Japanese defenders and totally made a goose of Japanese defenders. Cissinho is the prospect of post-Cafu.
Cafu was an amazing player in his day, but now hes got older hes no longer the player he was, Ill go with Zambrotta now though, an excellent player whos an underrated and integral part of both the Italian NT and Barcelona team.
underrated? Really? Integral for Italy and Juve when there but I have yet to see him really make an impact at Barcelona.
He's playing his role good, not outstanding like at Juve, but in a better team, he's doing his job. Not poorly, but not outstading either...
surely neville would not make any list these days? he's half the player he was. Miguel was awesome in the W/C but not sure how he plays at club level
If he's supposedly 'half the player he was' and still clearly merits mention in this thread then that says a lot about the overall standard of his competition.
there's been lots of posting in your forum from Dark Savante and others about the decline of Neville this season.
Gary Neville should not be in the conversation for best rb in the world. He is very consistent and very dependable, but he's in no way spectacular at either offense or defense and just b/c he's England and Man Utds rb doesnt mean hes great. Zanetti and Sagnol are spectacular, have been for the last 10 yrs, and continue to be today. Thruam at rb is one of the best in the world. IMO Miguel doesn't get the respect he deserves. Zambrotta and Lahm should probably be in the conversation simply b/c they have the ability to dominate when playing out of their natural position. Cafu doesn't have the legs to be Cafu anymore and so shouldn't be in this discussion. I like Hugo Ibarra a lot too, but the player i think everybody's forgotten about is Sergio Ramos. I know he doesn't play there all the time, but when he does he's one of the best and it's his best position if you ask me. In short I say it's a toss up b/w Zanetti and Sagnol -- pick your favorite.
I'm not really sure why Eboue is mentioned in this thread... EPL - Neville, Ferreira Liga - Alves, Miguel (beats out Ferreira for Port.) Serie A - Zanetti Bund. - Sagnol WC - well the semifinalists were Sagnol, Zambrotta, Miguel, and I think Schneider. I think it really comes between Zambrotta and Sagnol, two outstanding right backs who have played well for a long time on all levels.
Oh and at this point (other than perhaps Cannavarro, and that too not on current form) I don't think any Real Madrid defender can be discussed as "world's best (insert position) defender". Sorry Ramos.
On current form I'd say Dani Alves, though it remains to be seen if he can maintain at this level for the next few years.