Best Premier League XI Of The Last Decade

10. RB: Pablo Zabaleta

Understated and underrated might be the two best ways to describe Pablo Zabaleta's time playing for Manchester City. The veteran right back took the position from Micah Richards and made it his own, giving the team defensive stability alongside regular lung-busting runs down the right hand side of the pitch.

While the Argentinian didn't possess the same sort of flair as many of his other countrymen, what he lacked in flamboyant play he made up for with his disciplined approach to defending against marauding wingers.

During the best years of his run in the Manchester City backline, Zabaleta was able to handle a variety of threats, constantly adapting the way he played to keep attackers at bay on a regular basis. There were points during his time with The Citizens when he was practically undroppable due to his consistency and tenacity on the pitch.

Although age caught up with him, as it does with all great players, he still gave everything to make sure no-one breached his backline. That was more than enough to guarantee him a spot in one of the most competitive sides to ever play in the league.

 
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Co-host of The Ill-Informed Podcast, jiu-jitsu fiend, MMA lover, movie fan, anime nerd, music snob.