I've been following Liverpool transfer target Gabriel Milito ever since the South American Under-20 Championships of January 1999 - and six-and-a-half years later I still can't make up my mind about him.
Real Zaragoza's Argentine defender - 25 in September - has undoubted class.
He reads the game well, possesses excellent timing in the tackle and can set attacks in motion with accurate passes. But the doubts remain.
He is not particularly quick, tall or strong. The lack of pace, height and power poses a serious question; is Milito that most dangerous of footballing animals, a centre-back who looks better than he is?
Clearly I am not alone with my doubts.
Two years ago Milito found himself in the middle of a tug of war of internal Real Madrid politics.
One faction wanted to sign him from Independiente, one faction was against. The latter won, and the deal fell through.
The blame was placed on a serious knee injury that Milito had suffered two years earlier.
It was an excuse. Milito had already shown that he had made a complete recovery with Independiente, and has continued to do so in Spain with Zaragoza.
Milito, then, is fit enough. But is he good enough to be called a genuinely world class defender?
Even his mentor, Argentina coach José Pekerman, seems not to be entirely sure. Pekerman groomed Milito through the youth ranks, and raved about the youngster as he made his way up.
When Pekerman became senior coach late last year it was assumed that Milito's international career would take off.
In fact he has been used sparingly. He featured when Argentina fielded reserve sides away to Bolivia and Ecuador, and had a shaky game when given a chance at home to Venezuela.
He hardly had a look in during the recent Confederations Cup even though the first choice duo of Coloccini and Heinze both had poor tournaments.
And when he has played he has frequently been brought off as Pekerman seeks to change the team's formation.
He is a long, long, way from making himself indispensable for Argentina. A successful move to the European champions would clearly help.
Definition time is approaching for Gabriel Milito. Raised on Hansen and Lawrenson, the Anfield crowd know how to spot a top-class defender.
If Milito can win them over then I'm prepared to bury my doubts.