Who is Cristian Zapata?

free_cat wrote:But, but, but.... Is it possible that Zapata was actually good that season and he just went downhill?
I only watched him at Vilareal, and he sucked from day 1.

On Muriel, I didn't know this guy until today.

It was the system and way of play at Udinese that pretty much made his life easier and suit his characteristics nicely , and for the most part hid his weak side as a player . Basically , playing the ball and all that weren't something he would do often at all (or under pressure), or have any responsibility to do so in general lines. Didn't play in any high line and all that either.

I suppose he was good and can still be 'good' , with the right team. He never was or will ever become what he was hyped to be . He's very poor playing the ball and lacks composure , positioning truly your average CB (on good days). His main strength , speed , well his football IQ isn't enough to even utilize that properly in his game . Zapata was such a letdown really , with his athleticism and speed he could be so much more as a player , but lacks the character , expertise and brains .

At Udinese most of that weren't at all obvious though , simply because when he was called into question , most of the time people just saw a young , fast CB who was up to the task given to him . Didn't really have to do more . There wasn't any downhill if truth be told , he just got found out.