++ [ originally posted by Ian ] ++
Hmm...That's interesting that you shoudl say that. Thuram, this year has been crap, not all the time, but an inconsistent defender is just as bad as a poor defender IMO. On current form, and looking back on this season, I wouldn't rate Thuram at all. Given his age, it's a bit of an assumption to say that he is still one of the best. He may have lost it, it's happened to players before...
LETS BE FAIR.
On the UEFA polls to elect team of the year 2003 Lillian Thuram receive 25 % of the votes, finishing second only surpased by Paulo Ferreira from Porto and long way up from Zanetti, Salgado and Travelsi.
Thuram is younger and faster than Maldini, Costacurta, Ferrara.
He was vital in our two last scudettos and last year in freezing Deportivo, Barcelona and Real Madrid in CL. He can play central or side defender, he is fast atacking and excellent as an airballs defender.
He get an injurie in december an loses physical condition, as he reconisses.
and now we said he is old and maybe has lost his touch...CMON...what do we expect from players?