[Danny]

Just felt the urge to debate the different perceptions of the role we all believe various players fill. The kind of players we all believe they are because I've noticed some disagreement. I'll start.

Abbiati: A keeper whose shot stopping skills have won me over completely and at times are utterly remarkable. Amazingly under-rated stopper who on form is as good as anyone. Prone to the odd gaff at times, but few goalies aren't. Seems to be getting better with age. Commands his box well. But does release the ball a bit early at times.

Abate: an industrious full back with pace but not the world's best defensively. He supports attacks well and adds a good balance, and has deserved his Italian place, but known to get caught out of position due to his attacking nature.

Antonini: more defensive than Abate - lacks the skill of his team mate and doesn't pretend otherwise. Reasonable in defence but overall an ordinary FB.

Mexes: never been a premier defender - has just been on the cusp of greatness but never really made it all the way. Good reading of the game and had a stodgy start to life at Milan but found his game. Not Silva by any means, but he's good enough to justify a first slot of his own. 29 caps for France at age 30 is about right for his ability.

Zapata: not seen a huge amount but seems to be very quick and capable of some vital challenges.

Bonera: tbh this guy, for a squad player, doesn't let his club down much. He is ordinary, but honourable and very reliable when called upon. Not sexy, not glamorous, but doesn't blunder a huge amount. Won't take his defence anywhere but does a job.

De Jong: a younger version of Ambrosini at his best. He keeps the game simple and doesn't try too much fancy - doesn't waste the ball much and rarely jogs out of position. But very hardy and solid in the challenge, sometimes too solid. Pretty reliable.

Monto: the closest we have to a D-LP, his use of the ball is not unlike Milan's Pirlo - capable of defence-shredding vision but also a bit wasteful at times too. Not all that different to Aquilani in truth, but more favoured by the management and has also been a fixture for his country.

Urby: a cheap and cheerful Seedorf - will never be half the player Clarence was but works hard, makes runs, and is able to score occasionally plus create for others. He's decent, not more, not less.

Ambro: past his sell by date and only now useful for sealing up a game when in the lead. Will start lesser Serie A games now and again but really should remain as little more than a squad member in case of injury.

Muntari: similar to De Jong and Ambro - can score as well which helps but isn't an overly valuable member of the squad.

Flamini: the modern Gattuso - works very hard and covers a lot of grass but very limited in forward-thinking ability and really only any use as a deep DM - could actually be a half decent 1 in a 4-1 formation.

Nocerino: box-to-box mid who covers a lot of grass. Very hard working and does what a lot of the others do - but in one overall package. Earned his call up to the Italian squad for sure.

Prince: very hard to use him properly - a sort of circle to box forward AM who can score and support attacks but isn't of a creative principle to create attacks himself. A system needs to fit around him.

Bojan: the povery-stricken man's Messi/Ronaldo. His frail frame is an issue in the tough Serie A, but he has skill and vision and can play in any angle going forward. It must be bared in mind he's only 22 and has developing to do, but if he goes in the right path could be a fine player for whoever he ends up at.

SES: not hugely quick but very skillful. The boy has talent and should be used as a SS supporting a front man. Found his scoring boots this season.

Pato: Potential potential potential. That is all.

Pazzini: the modern Pippo - a pure goalscorer but without the brilliant movement of Inzaghi. He just gets goals and little more. Needs service.

Robinho: Inconsistent finishing lets him down, and doesn't have the incredible pace he once did. A decent forward nonetheless, but not the player of old for sure.

I've missed a few as I couldn't be arsed covering all of them.

What do you guys think? Where do you agree/disagree?

[acid911]

Hold steadfast, Danny, it'll go on topic soon enough. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Besides, you elaborated your points well enough for all, I am not sure many will be adding to them, the detailed explanation and analysis you gave for all the players. For what it's worth, though, I agree with pretty much everything you said, save for your enthusiasm for Boateng.

I think he's a great player to have in a team, hard to bring the best of us, but he's one of those guys that can be labeled as a 'touch player'. If he is in form and find that extra bit of motivation, he can be pure devastation for the other team - if not, then he is a bit of a liability. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif) Particularly at the position he occupies for us currently.

A #10 (true or false) is one of the most important player in a team, the one others count on for changing a match.