Rafael vs Valencia Rightback Debate

[Eric'sCollar]

"Not Man Utd class" - not good enough to be on the pitch against top European opposition. That's what we should measure players by if they want to be in the starting eleven. In my opinion neither Rafael or Valencia is in that category.

Not good enough to be on the pitch is a real shit statement in my opinion and screams of a gloryhunting fan (obviously not labelling you that, just the statement). I agree that we need to strive to be the best and always improve but we have had some great players who have done well for us in Europe who are not in the same class as the top European players but have held their own and done us proud. Both Rafael and Valencia have performed well in big European games for us, yes sometimes they haven't but that's life.

I agree that in the current situation, we are in need of a quality RB but to say one of our players isn't good enough to be on the pitch is just absurd, they are professional footballers who play for Man United, they must have something about them that got them to this level.

 

[Rednotdead]

Not good enough to be on the pitch is a real shit statement in my opinion and screams of a gloryhunting fan (obviously not labelling you that, just the statement). I agree that we need to strive to be the best and always improve but we have had some great players who have done well for us in Europe who are not in the same class as the top European players but have held their own and done us proud. Both Rafael and Valencia have performed well in big European games for us, yes sometimes they haven't but that's life.

I agree that in the current situation, we are in need of a quality RB but to say one of our players isn't good enough to be on the pitch is just absurd, they are professional footballers who play for Man United, they must have something about them that got them to this level.

The statement was "not good enough to be on the pitch against top European opposition" - not "not good enough to be on the pitch".

Firstly, Van Gaal clearly feels Rafael isn't good enough to be on the pitch against anyone.

As for Valencia, I simply do not see him as a right back in a team capable of getting deep into the CL knockout stage.

That's why I feel neither is "Man Utd class".

 

[jem]

The statement was "not good enough to be on the pitch against top European opposition" - not "not good enough to be on the pitch".

Firstly, Van Gaal clearly feels Rafael isn't good enough to be on the pitch against anyone.

As for Valencia, I simply do not see him as a right back in a team capable of getting deep into the CL knockout stage.

That's why I feel neither is "Man Utd class".

LVG must have reasons (not that I can see them,) but Rafael was trusted by Fergie in some huge European encounters, so clearly he is more than capable of playing on that stage. I would love to him getting a run-out in the team these days, as I think he, Mata and Herrera would be a sight to behold.

 

[Eric'sCollar]

The statement was "not good enough to be on the pitch against top European opposition" - not "not good enough to be on the pitch".

Firstly, Van Gaal clearly feels Rafael isn't good enough to be on the pitch against anyone.

As for Valencia, I simply do not see him as a right back in a team capable of getting deep into the CL knockout stage.

That's why I feel neither is "Man Utd class".

Not good enough to be on the pitch against top European opposition, you know what I was referring to.

In regards to van Gaal not thinking Rafael is good enough to be on the pitch against anyone, well that's wrong, he has played under van Gaal and in important games. In saying that, I agree that he simply doesn't have a future for him.

If you see my earlier post, I make the same argument about Valencia not being a RB for a team challenging for Europe but at the same time, I don't feel that means a player isn't Man United class. Can't have a team of world beaters in every position, we have never been about that.

 

[ATXRedDevil]

Wasn't rafael's last start Leicester? Wasn't LVG the manager of bayern when Rafael fecked us with a rash red (edit-Second yellow) against them?
Rafael may be a better RB when they're both at their best, but LVG would obviously rather have someone not quite so prone to poor discipline.
Then you've got the fact that Valencia has played well and the team is performing. Why ruin the consistency?
This thread has been an entertaining read.

 

[RoadTrip]

You're forgetting the far more important point that Rafael is a far better defender. So if we dont need someone bombing down the right? Great. That suits Rafael far better than Valencia, as Rafael is a defender first and foremost while Valencia is an athlete first and foremost

But you're forgetting that maybe Rafael (who did appear to be our first choice right back at the beginning of the year) failed to convince LVG that he was capable of reigning in his style of play to be conservative.

Man for man, very few would sit here and say Valencia is a superior player to Rafael overall. But for reasons that should be self explanatory, football is not simply about picking your best players. In the current system, with the current responsibilities of the right back, Valencia fits the role better than Rafael, because the attributes which Valencia has that are superior to Rafael are the ones which LVG is looking for.

 

[Jev]

I love Rafael as well but the truth is Valencia has played impeccably all season. He deserves to start. That doesn't mean Rafa deserves to be frozen out, though.

 

[Ekeke]

But you're forgetting that maybe Rafael (who did appear to be our first choice right back at the beginning of the year) failed to convince LVG that he was capable of reigning in his style of play to be conservative.

Man for man, very few would sit here and say Valencia is a superior player to Rafael overall. But for reasons that should be self explanatory, football is not simply about picking your best players. In the current system, with the current responsibilities of the right back, Valencia fits the role better than Rafael, because the attributes which Valencia has that are superior to Rafael are the ones which LVG is looking for.

That would suggest that LVG isn't looking for fullbacks who can defend their areas. Which is alarming.

We already have him picking other CBs over Smalling who is clearly our best defender

 

[Rick88]

I like both the players. I sometimes have never understood the hate the people here harbour towards Valencia.

There must be a reason why Rafael has been frozen out if that is the case. His fitness has also never been up to the mark. Guess LvG wants someone reliable (defensively and fitness wise) to play. Furthermore, Valencia does also seem to win more headers both defensively and offensively. I don't know if anyone has noticed it, De Gea does regularly ping the ball towards Valencia who at least more than half the times wins the header.

Having both at right back is a good option to have. But there are better players at RB who might be a good fit here, but shall cost a bomb.

Clyne, I like. Wouldn't mind him here.

 

[bishblaize]

That would suggest that LVG isn't looking for fullbacks who can defend their areas. Which is alarming.

We already have him picking other CBs over Smalling who is clearly our best defender

Don't get that comment, Smalling has been first choice for a while now when fit?

 

[Ekeke]

Don't get that comment, Smalling has been first choice for a while now when fit?

When fit Jones and Rojo have consistantly been picked over him

 

[bishblaize]

When fit Jones and Rojo have consistantly been picked over him

There was a period in Jan/early Feb where those two were preferred. Then after the Burnley brace he's been chosen ahead of those two whenever they're all fit.

 

[Ekeke]

There was a period in Jan/early Feb where those two were preferred. Then after the Burnley brace he's been chosen ahead of those two whenever they're all fit.

Dropped to the bench for the league game after the double, against Swansea. Jones and Rojo started

Jones wasnt available for the next match and Rojo went to leftback, so it was Smalling and Evans. We've had 5 games since then, vs the whole of the season

 

[bishblaize]

Dropped to the bench for the league game after the double, against Swansea. Jones and Rojo started

Jones wasnt available for the next match and Rojo went to leftback, so it was Smalling and Evans. We've had 5 games since then, vs the whole of the season

Exaggeration. Before the Burnley game, there were a grand total of 4 occasions all season when all three were fit, and 3 of those it was Smalling's first game back from an injury.

The truth is up until New Year it was any fit centre back would start. In Jan/Feb Rojo & Jones got the nod. Bear in mind this was the first time LVG could see how they worked as a unit. Then Smalling came back into the team and seems settled there now. Either way the idea of some consistent policy by LVG to not play Smalling all season just isn't true.

 

[Walrus]

Just to say, based on my rough calculations, Valencia hasnt scored or assisted a goal his last 11 hours of playing time (just looking at league apps).

In fact he has only got 1 assist (no goals) in his last 1135 minutes in the league.

 

[JohnnyLaw]

Just to say, based on my rough calculations, Valencia hasnt scored or assisted a goal his last 11 hours of playing time (just looking at league apps).

In fact he has only got 1 assist (no goals) in his last 1135 minutes in the league.

Rafaels stats were no better in his last consistant period in the team though. In his best season (arguably 12/13) Rafael got 3 goals and 4 assists in all competitions so there's no vast difference in quality there.

 

[Eugenius]

Let's be frank about the fact that LvG has some very strong views on the way the team should play, and that this sometimes leads to decisions made to the detriment of the team. Stuff like insisting on playing Blackett because he needed a left footed centre back, or under playing Herrera because he was too adventurous for example.

LvG loves anyone who follows his instructions and I think the simple explanation here is that he likes Valencia's conservatism. He's very prudent in his overlapping runs and in his use of the ball (I imagine that exactly what LvG wants is for him to turn back and play the ball back infield if there's not a great option on). I think all LvG wants from the full back is to back up the play conservatively and play the percentage ball to Fellaini at the back post, or otherwise recycle possession. Valencia does that to a tee, and will do it 90 minutes no problem, whereas that's not Rafael's natural game.

I still think Rafael is head and shoulders a better right back, but just because LvG doesn't fancy him it doesn't make him crap. It was only two years ago that by caf consensus Rafael was one of the best RBs in Europe, probably a close second to Zabaleta in England. Most posters were also aware of his reputation to opposition fans who went by media stereotypes and old performances as not being able to defend/rash and thought it was nonsense, so it's odd to see the same arguments coming out again as a knock against him. To my mind, his biggest issue is not staying fit. Even then, his last injury was a broken cheekbone (i.e. not his fault) and he's been fit ever since. So he's been free of any muscle injuries for how long? 3-4 months? Can someone just clarify that for me?

 

[RoadTrip]

That would suggest that LVG isn't looking for fullbacks who can defend their areas. Which is alarming.

We already have him picking other CBs over Smalling who is clearly our best defender

That makes absolutely no sense and how you derived such a conclusion from what I wrote is beyond me. Anyway, what this thread has shown is you're not prepared to listen to reason or discussion so it's a fruitless exercise to discuss this with you, with respect. You're more than in your own right to have your own view though so no issues.

 

[Walrus]

Rafaels stats were no better in his last consistant period in the team though. In his best season (arguably 12/13) Rafael got 3 goals and 4 assists in all competitions so there's no vast difference in quality there.

Perhaps, but Rafael hasnt been given any consistent gametime at all this season. Is it not worth at least giving him a try?

 

[Keeps It tidy]

Rafaels stats were no better in his last consistant period in the team though. In his best season (arguably 12/13) Rafael got 3 goals and 4 assists in all competitions so there's no vast difference in quality there.

Judging a FB by goals and assists is pretty silly.

 

[mazhar13]

LvG loves anyone who follows his instructions and I think the simple explanation here is that he likes Valencia's conservatism. He's very prudent in his overlapping runs and in his use of the ball (I imagine that exactly what LvG wants is for him to turn back and play the ball back infield if there's not a great option on). I think all LvG wants from the full back is to back up the play conservatively and play the percentage ball to Fellaini at the back post, or otherwise recycle possession. Valencia does that to a tee, and will do it 90 minutes no problem, whereas that's not Rafael's natural game.

I was basically going to say the same thing here. I believe van Gaal sees Rafael as too adventurous for the 4-3-3 with the point back in which the central midfielders tend to push higher up the pitch than in a 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 with the point forward. When van Gaal played his 4-3-3/3-4-3 diamond with Ajax, he had Reiziger and Frank de Boer as full backs. With Barcelona, he had Barjuan/de Boer and Reiziger. With Rafael being more adventurous going forward than Valencia, van Gaal will always opt for Valencia's safer, more conservative style. Even Herrera and Mata still have to fully adjust to Valencia's conservatism (notice the few passes they play forward with Valencia not even making a run into the space).

I'm sure that, at the moment, Rafael is currently not playing as he's probably too adventurous with his runs and positions for van Gaal in this formation. If we were to play a 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 with the point forward, I'll have no doubts that he'd play Rafael over Valencia. When Rafael was fit, he'd be playing in the diamond setup ahead of Valencia. It was only when he got injured that he was taken out of the scene. Since then, van Gaal won't shift out Valencia unless Rafael pretty much becomes as conservative as, if not more, than Valencia going forward.

Defensively, I still think Rafael's better, but going forward, I believe Rafael isn't conservative enough, yet. However, I'm sure van Gaal will change Rafael's game so that he can suit the classic 4-3-3 better, just like he did to Herrera.

Judging a FB by goals and assists is pretty silly.

To be fair, ever since Dani Alves and Maicon came into the scene with their ultra-attacking style, football fans now expect full backs to be more productive. Still, though, you don't really see many full backs be that productive, judging full backs solely by their goals & assists isn't the best barometer for a full back's attacking output.

 

[Pexbo]

Evra's attacking statistics were terrible as was his delivery into the box yet he was regarded as a fans favourite and one of the best attacking fullbacks in the world. Why? Because of his link up play and how he facilitated the winger in front of him.

Why does Valencia's attacking input get judged differently when they do exactly the same job?

Just checked Evra's stats. 7 goals and 21 assists over 281 Premier League games in 8 1/2 seasons.

He went 5 seperate seasons without a single goal, in 10/11 he got just 1 assist from 96 crosses, 3 from 113 in 09/10 and 1 from 74 in 07/08.

 

[Keeps It tidy]

Evra's attacking statistics were terrible as was his delivery into the box yet he was regarded as a fans favourite and one of the best attacking fullbacks in the world. Why? Because of his link up play and how he facilitated the winger in front of him.

Why does Valencia's attacking input get judged differently when they do exactly the same job?

Just checked Evra's stats. 7 goals and 21 assists over 281 Premier League games in 8 1/2 seasons.

He went 5 seperate seasons without a single goal, in 10/11 he got just 1 assist from 96 crosses, 3 from 113 in 09/10 and 1 from 74 in 07/08.

Because Valencia's link up play is nothing special.

 

[JohnnyLaw]

Perhaps, but Rafael hasnt been given any consistent gametime at all this season. Is it not worth at least giving him a try?

Sure, but why now?

Judging a FB by goals and assists is pretty silly.

I'm not the one who brought it up.

 

[Lawman]

Just to say, based on my rough calculations, Valencia hasnt scored or assisted a goal his last 11 hours of playing time (just looking at league apps).

In fact he has only got 1 assist (no goals) in his last 1135 minutes in the league.

Valencia put a peach of a cross in for Fellaini who should have scored Saturday as it was put on a plate. Going by assists/goal conversion stats is only half a story imo.

 

[berbatrick]

Let's be frank about the fact that LvG has some very strong views on the way the team should play, and that this sometimes leads to decisions made to the detriment of the team. Stuff like insisting on playing Blackett because he needed a left footed centre back, or under playing Herrera because he was too adventurous for example.

LvG loves anyone who follows his instructions and I think the simple explanation here is that he likes Valencia's conservatism. He's very prudent in his overlapping runs and in his use of the ball (I imagine that exactly what LvG wants is for him to turn back and play the ball back infield if there's not a great option on). I think all LvG wants from the full back is to back up the play conservatively and play the percentage ball to Fellaini at the back post, or otherwise recycle possession. Valencia does that to a tee, and will do it 90 minutes no problem, whereas that's not Rafael's natural game.

I still think Rafael is head and shoulders a better right back, but just because LvG doesn't fancy him it doesn't make him crap. It was only two years ago that by caf consensus Rafael was one of the best RBs in Europe, probably a close second to Zabaleta in England. Most posters were also aware of his reputation to opposition fans who went by media stereotypes and old performances as not being able to defend/rash and thought it was nonsense, so it's odd to see the same arguments coming out again as a knock against him. To my mind, his biggest issue is not staying fit. Even then, his last injury was a broken cheekbone (i.e. not his fault) and he's been fit ever since. So he's been free of any muscle injuries for how long? 3-4 months? Can someone just clarify that for me?

Spot on, all of it.

 

[tombombadil]

Rafael has been my favorite right back for many years. I personally think Rafael is also the better player, but this is not about who is the better player. It is about horses for courses.

Rafael was devastating under SAF because he was given free reign to rampage down the right flank. LvG would have been hospitalized with arse spasms if Rafael did that now.

LvG has already stated many times. He wants his players to stick with the system, stay in position, don't make unnecessary runs with the ball, maintain possession and keep distributing the ball until an opportunity arises. Clearly, Valencia is seen as the better choice for that. He is also stronger, less likely to get carded and gets injured less often. His performances linking up play with Herrera and Mata the past few games have been exemplary as well. So why shouldn't Valencia be given the first choice? He has earned it.

Of course the hope in the long run is that Rafael will eventually learn the discipline required for this role (to give us more options at right back), but that remains to be seen. Players who play based on instinct (especially when their instinct contradicts LvG's instructions) tend to suffer under LvG. Di Maria is another example as well. So I'm not getting my hopes up. Still, it would be great if the whole team eventually adapts. Saves us a bucket load of money.

 

[ivaldo]

Evra's attacking statistics were terrible as was his delivery into the box yet he was regarded as a fans favourite and one of the best attacking fullbacks in the world. Why? Because of his link up play and how he facilitated the winger in front of him.

Why does Valencia's attacking input get judged differently when they do exactly the same job?

Just checked Evra's stats. 7 goals and 21 assists over 281 Premier League games in 8 1/2 seasons.

He went 5 seperate seasons without a single goal, in 10/11 he got just 1 assist from 96 crosses, 3 from 113 in 09/10 and 1 from 74 in 07/08.

Are you really comparing Valencia build up/attacking play to Evas?

 

[Pexbo]

Are you really comparing Valencia build up/attacking play to Evas?

Look at the Top 4 passing combinations against Villa:

1. Valencia -> Mata 38
2. Herrera -> Valencia 33
3. Mata -> Herrera 32
4. Valencia -> Herrera 31

And the Top 5 vs Liverpool:

1. Valencia -> Mata 34
2. Mata-> Valencia 23
3. Blind -> Fellaini 20
4. Valencia -> Herrera 17
5. Herrera -> Valencia 17

Top 2 vs Tottenham

1. Valencia - Mata 22
2. Herrera - Valencia 20

Now do you think it's coincidence that he's so involved? He constantly makes himself availiable on that right hand side and consistently manages to get the ball back to two of our most dangerous players.

What more can you ask of him? Considering Evra's end product was poor and his crossing terrible, why shouldn't I compare them?

 

[tombombadil]

Look at the Top 4 passing combinations against Villa:

1. Valencia -> Mata 38
2. Herrera -> Valencia 33
3. Mata -> Herrera 32
4. Valencia -> Herrera 31

And the Top 5 vs Liverpool:

1. Valencia -> Mata 34
2. Mata-> Valencia 23
3. Blind -> Fellaini 20
4. Valencia -> Herrera 17
5. Herrera -> Valencia 17

Top 2 vs Tottenham

1. Valencia - Mata 22
2. Herrera - Valencia 20

Now do you think it's coincidence that he's so involved? He constantly makes himself availiable on that right hand side and consistently manages to get the ball back to two of our most dangerous players.

What more can you ask of him? Considering Evra's end product was poor and his crossing terrible, why shouldn't I compare them?

I agree. Valencia's link up play with Mata and Herrera has been one of the highlights of our past few games. Combined with Young's runs down the left and Fellaini's towering performances, they are the reason why we have a higher tempo and more penetration the past few games.

 

[ivaldo]

Look at the Top 4 passing combinations against Villa:

1. Valencia -> Mata 38
2. Herrera -> Valencia 33
3. Mata -> Herrera 32
4. Valencia -> Herrera 31

And the Top 5 vs Liverpool:

1. Valencia -> Mata 34
2. Mata-> Valencia 23
3. Blind -> Fellaini 20
4. Valencia -> Herrera 17
5. Herrera -> Valencia 17

Top 2 vs Tottenham

1. Valencia - Mata 22
2. Herrera - Valencia 20

Now do you think it's coincidence that he's so involved? He constantly makes himself availiable on that right hand side and consistently manages to get the ball back to two of our most dangerous players.

What more can you ask of him? Considering Evra's end product was poor and his crossing terrible, why shouldn't I compare them?

Yeah because pass completed stats absolutely reflect attacking play. Our performances other than the last few matches have been poor, despite dominating teams on possession and therefore pass completion no? At no point do you think, wow that's a good pass, that's a clever bit of play, that's an intelligent run.

 

[Di Maria's angel]

Yeah because pass completed stats absolutely reflect attacking play. Our performances other than the last few matches have been poor, despite dominating teams on possession and therefore pass completion no? At no point do you think, wow that's a good pass, that's a clever bit of play, that's an intelligent run.

Against Villa, Valencia put in a delightful ball for Rooney, who chose a spectacular over head kick attempt as opposed to heading it in. Later on in the game, he put in another pin point cross for Fellaini who headed the ball into the ground, and really should have scored. Valencia, basically, should have had 2 assists against Villa, had it not been for the poor finishing from those named.

I'm not sure how Young receives praise for putting cross into an empty area, and Valencia gets criticised for putting in crosses towards actual players... Standards need to be revised.

 

[Nighteyes]

Are people seriously comparing Valencia to Evra? wtf?

Against Villa, Valencia put in a delightful ball for Rooney, who chose a spectacular over head kick attempt as opposed to heading it in. Later on in the game, he put in another pin point cross for Fellaini who headed the ball into the ground, and really should have scored. Valencia, basically, should have had 2 assists against Villa, had it not been for the poor finishing from those named.

I'm not sure how Young receives praise for putting cross into an empty area, and Valencia gets criticised for putting in crosses towards actual players... Standards need to be revised.

The ball to Rooney was miles behind him. I'm not sure how he's supposed to head that unless you mean head towards his own goal which would be pointless. The ball to Fellaini was ok, nothing special. And for every decent cross he has he wastes another 6 or 7 excellent crossing opportunities by smashing it straight against the full back. He's become good defensively and has good movement but his final ball is atrocious.

 

[Di Maria's angel]

Are people seriously comparing Valencia to Evra? wtf?



The ball to Rooney was miles behind him. I'm not sure how he's supposed to head that unless you mean head towards his own goal which would be pointless. The ball to Fellaini was ok, nothing special. And for every decent cross he has he wastes another 6 or 7 excellent crossing opportunities by smashing it straight against the full back. He's become good defensively and has good movement but his final ball is atrocious.

Not sure if this is serious... Clearly you don't remember the cross. Here, skip to 2.20 minutes, it's not a mile behind Rooney, it was plain stupid from him to attempt an over head.


The ball to Fellaini was absolutely fine, and it should have been an easy goal.

 

[Walrus]

Sure, but why now?

Fair enough, I can see why LVG may not want to take any risks at this stage of the season, but I think anyone could have predicted that Valencia's output would be basically zero.

Valencia put a peach of a cross in for Fellaini who should have scored Saturday as it was put on a plate. Going by assists/goal conversion stats is only half a story imo.

I dont recall it being quite such an easy chance as you are making out, but the fact that Valencia has a reputation for crosses hitting the first man, I dont think giving one example of a good cross really affects the discussion in the slightest. Crossing is Valencia's bread and butter (or should be) - he is one footed, he cant cut inside, he does one of two things every time - passes back to Mata/Herrera, or runs down the outside and attempts a cross. Really, he should be creating chances like the one you described with far more frequency, especially with a target like Fellaini to aim for.

 

[Nighteyes]

Not sure if this is serious... Clearly you don't remember the cross. Here, skip to 2.20 minutes, it's not a mile behind Rooney, it was plain stupid from him to attempt an over head.

You should watch the video yourself. There's absolutely no way Rooney can head that towards goal; the ball is quite plainly played behind him.

 

[Carl]

Are people seriously comparing Valencia to Evra? wtf?



The ball to Rooney was miles behind him. I'm not sure how he's supposed to head that unless you mean head towards his own goal which would be pointless. The ball to Fellaini was ok, nothing special. And for every decent cross he has he wastes another 6 or 7 excellent crossing opportunities by smashing it straight against the full back. He's become good defensively and has good movement but his final ball is atrocious.

Ball to Fellaini only ok? Come on, what's the point in a reasoned debate if you can't give credit where it's due.

It was on a plate for Fellaini.

 

[Señor]

Tony V played okay against Villa but he still makes far too many mistakes for my liking and does not contribute enough going forward in most games, preferring to take the safe option. I hate the fact that we're settling for a makeshift right back when we could easily buy someone much better. I even read on another thread that Coleman and Clyne aren't upgrades on him. Of course they fecking are!

I miss Rafael and he is defintely the superior right back who should be given more of a chance by LvG but for whatever reason, he isn't. He is infuriatingly injury prone though so you can't blame LvG too much for not picking him, although it doesn't explain why Jones, Evans and Smalling get so many chances and Rafa doesn't.

 

[ravelston]

We don't know if LvG doesn't think Rafael is capable of playing as he wants him to, or if he just feels like Valencia is doing it better. I'm inclined to think it's the latter because Rafael seems to be on the bench most games. The other factor (looking forward to next season) is going to be how Varela has developed on his loan. If he's now Prem ready, the pecking order will probably change - and we're not likely to carry three right backs into the season.

 

[Fully Fledged]

If Tony was making mistakes week in and week out he would be dropped, he's not.

We don't know if LvG doesn't think Rafael is capable of playing as he wants him to, or if he just feels like Valencia is doing it better. I'm inclined to think it's the latter because Rafael seems to be on the bench most games. The other factor (looking forward to next season) is going to be how Varela has developed on his loan. If he's now Prem ready, the pecking order will probably change - and we're not likely to carry three right backs into the season.

I think it's more that while he believes AV is playing well he wont be dropped no matter how much he thinks of Raffa.