What this thread has shown is how much we've all missed Rafael! Lets hope the lad and his brother can stay fit and really find some form!

Rafael is a bit harsh tackler...has a bit problem with anger management issue

At the moment it's Rafael, but lad is made of glass. Seriously hope we get Clyne this month as I rather have Smalling in the center where he's already one of the best in the league.

Rafael

rafael and smalling. Rafael is fast ,can dribble and move forward to feed Valencia but should improve his final pass forward. Smalling is physically well built and can deal with physically strong wingers better than Rafael

mojojojo101:

Rafael is our best Right back by a long shot.

This.

If he stays fit he is totally unplayable at times. If he wouldn't lunge in as much he would be far less prone to injury

Rafael is our best Right back by a long shot.

Rafeal is our best RB at this time and when we are allowed to play him it enables other players to go back to their best positions as well. Sure we have others that can fill the slot but it causes many problems as well when were forced to put a RW at RB or CB's at RB.

jones

Rafael, i think Smalling is better ar CB and i think jones is best at RB or DCM, But rafael is our best right back.

We have to go for Rafael? We also need to complement him by playing a right sided centre back the same and Smalling has to be the one at the Moment.. The other side has to be Vidic (when fit).. and Evra..???? Or Fabio needs his chance or the very good youngster we have in Fryers? RIO has no legs left.. reminds me of when we had Lauren Blanc? Top in anticipation of the ball and on crosses but no legs when players run at then or around them? Before any body starts shouting about RIO, he has been a Legend for us but the time has come for a new Leader for us..

Rafeal, Smalling is better at center back and Jones is better in midfield imo!

Rafael. I hope we can train up Fabio to play left-back, twins on either side would be class!

without a doubt, Rafael.

Ruben Frankish:

jasper99:

Ruben Frankish:

kieranalder17:

personally i prefer rafael/fabio becuase as we are an attacking team our full backs should have attacking qualities ,and rafael offers this also he has a great cross , then jones becuase i prefer him in adavnced positions as he is too good , to be restricted as a centre back . but not the biggest fan of smalling becuase hes not the best with his feet and lacks a final ball , anythoughts?

Yeah for me it's Rafael, Jones, Smalling in that order but I do disagree when you say Smalling is not the best with his feet... I think he's great it's just he doesn't have the crossing ability of the other two... he's more of CB for sure and that's where he will most likely play in the future.

rafa for me too,he may be a little too cavalier at times,but that will come with experience,but his attacking sense is outstanding i think..

Yeah he can be a little to eager at times but with experience he'll learn when to get stuck in and when to back off... now we just need him to stay fit for the remainder of the season and show his best form. The remarkable thing is he looks like he's been fit all season the other day so imagine him with a few games under his belt... just please stay fit this time Rafa!

lets hope so,we all know his ability,but sometimes you must learn when NOT to go in as it seems his bravery is his own worst enemy.