I was very impressed with this guy when Sao Paulo played us, but do we need another right back? Finnan is a rock, but I was very unimpressed with Arbeloa the last day. Liverpool have joined Roma in the hunt for Real Madrid's Brazilian ace Cicinho, according to reports in Spain. The full-back appears to have been pushed down the pecking order at Real Madrid under new coach Bernd Schuster. Michel Salgado and Sergio Ramos have been used on the right during most of Real's pre-season to date, and Cicinho realises he could be due for a season of bench-warming if he stays at the Bernabeu. Roma first showed an interest last month but have yet to strike a deal for the 27-year-old and Liverpool have now apparently been alerted, with claims that Rafael Benitez has already made a move. The Anfield boss wants competition on his right side and after seemingly cooling his interest in Sevilla's Daniel Alves, Cicinho appears to be an attractive alternative. Roma were believed to be looking into a possible loan, but it seems the Reds could bid 10million euros (£6.8million). However Cicinho is reported to have told Real that he would rather move to Italy than England.
It would be another good signing if we got him but Rafa never seems to buy players who dont particulary want to play for the club.Thats why i believe Alves wont be coming here because he said hes keen on a move to chelsea...But id still prefer a left back as id rather see Riise in midfield not in defence and im not particulary fond of Aurelio either and hes our only other choice...
I also think the left side needs strengthening as I think Riise is better going forward than defending and I think Rafa sees Arbeloa as back up for Finnan.
Well, he has been in high regard for 3-4 years and was seen as a natural sucessor to cafu. He was amazing for sao paulo and if i remember he was the second best player on the pitch in the world cup club final ( their keeper was the star that night). He is cost about 10 million, so hes hardly a poor mans anybody. I have to say Id prefer alaves ( younger, better). The left flank continues to be a worry. We wont win a league if we have to depend on riise ( not consistent) and Arbeloa (who has been excellent in 4-5 games and absolutely rubbish in every other game Iv seen him play).
Not at all. The guy would add quality to the right hand side but he is not as good as Finnan defensively. He would be a similar signing to Dani Alves but certainly not a "poor mans Alves". He picked up a bad injury last September and Madrid havent seen the best of him. He tore us to shreds in the World Club Cup before he went to Spain.
I think you summed it up perfectly there james when you said he's not as good as Finnan defensively. Thing is, going forward this guy is a class apart for a right back - a trait not really attached to Finnan. Signing him could prove a shrewd move, allowing us get more good balls crossed in for Crouch, Kuyt, Torres et al.