With an injury to Antonio Valencia earlier in the season moving Nani from the left wing to the opposite flank, Sir Alex Ferguson has had the choice of four players to field in the full-back position behind the flying Portugese wide man. Getting that balance to the team just right has proven to be an issue for the United boss, as he’s swapped John O’Shea, Wes Brown, Gary Neville and Rafael time and again this season. In the past couple of weeks, though, the displays of the young Brazilian Rafael suggest that Fergie may have found the answer to his selection dilemma.
As the two chalkboards above show, whereas Ji-Sung Park, on the left wing, made just 44% of his passes in the final third -which allows Patrice Evra to push on forward behind him- Nani made 74% of his passes in the same area, which requires not just mobility from United’s right-back to cover the winger’s forages forward, but a defensive discipline to cover at the back.
Rafael possesses a natural ability for the role and has the advantage of youthful dynamism over his rivals for the spot and now, as he picks up experience, seems to be blossoming into a viable first-team option for the league leaders.
As the above Average Position chart against Blackburn shows, there’s not that much difference between Rafael (21) and Evra (3). However, a look at these chalkboards shows how impressive the defensive side of Rafael‘s recent performances have been.
He made fourteen tackles against Blackburn, winning thirteen, whereas on the opposite flank, Evra made seven tackles and won only four of them. Against Wigan the previous week, Evra grabbed the credit and a goal in the 2-0 win, but again Rafael put the shackles on the opposition. He made eight tackles and won seven, whereas Evra made none at all, in a performance that saw Rafael grab an assist and pick up all 3 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Bonus Points.
As this Average Position map shows, Rafael played almost as a winger that day – a role that perhaps he is the most technically adept of all United’s right-backs to fill- allowing plenty width down the United right as Nani (17) continually drifted into the middle,
Despite these impressive displays, the real test is just around the corner for Rafael, with games against Arsenal and Chelsea following this week’s match at Blackpool. Selection for these showdowns will surely be testament to Ferguson’s faith in his ability and, given United’s current form, will make Rafael a real Fantasy prospect, at just £5.6m FPL.
