I don't know about that. He does play for Real and Portugal (defensively retarded teams), but I've seen many individual fuck-ups from him. I think he's rich man's Materazzi.
He does have his lapses of concentration and sometimes his positioning can be suspect, he does however make up for it most of the time with his recovery pace. But all in all he is a dominating defender. Very strong physically, extremely fast(one of the fastest defenders around actually), very strong in one on ones and he's good in the air.
he's a skilful and athletic guy, but makes some very bone-headed mistakes...I would much rather have a less athletic guy who is more composed than someone who is a very gifted player but prone to making rash errors
He hasn't been up to standard so far this season. Sometimes playing ok games, sometimes being downright horrible. But last season and the second half of the season before he was really a dominant figure at times. When on form, he is a top defender.
IMO Pepe is an excellent defender for teams that don't put much emphasis on defending, I know that doesn't make sense and I can't really explain it any better but he just seems to fit. He has exceptional qualities aside from being a bonehead who makes poor decisions.
Pepe is quite good, he has the talent but is prone to poor decision making. Perhaps with a more disciplined level headed center back such as Cannavaro he could form a world class partnership, wait something about that sounds fishy...
True. Then again Real Madrid don't know the meaning of defence and leave their defence to isolated at times. Albiol looked a better defender at Valencia I thought than he does at Madrid.