In Neville, who although retired is still very much involved with the club, and Patrice Evra – arguably one of the top left backs in the world, the Da Silvas have two exceptional role models for their favoured positions and I’m sure that this is one reason why they have rapidly improved in quality since arriving at Old Trafford.
It was in the Champions League quarter final against Bayern Munich last season that the inexperience of Rafael, who up until that point had received much more first team opportunity than his brother, was, in a way, highlighted. After receiving a yellow card in each half he was sent off in this crucial game leading to an almighty comeback from the German team and ultimately an away goals win, knocking United out. This seemed to highlight an underlying flaw in both of the twins’ games. The rashness of some of their tackles, and inexperience in making them, often resulted in either receiving bookings.
On occasion the card was actually given to the wrong twin! After the game Ferguson did not condemn Rafael but in fact praised the youngster for his swashbuckling display. He stated that Rafael “absolutely dominated Franck Ribery,” and in hindsight it is easy to see how even the most experienced of defenders could encounter problems when facing the athletic Frenchman.
Both of the brothers have come a long way since then however and this season have made many first team appearances, Rafael making the right back position his own after the retirement of United legend Gary Neville and Fabio stepping in whenever Patrice Evra is unavailable or in need of a rest.
As another successful season for the red side of Manchester draws to a close, and a breakthrough year for the Brazilian twins is nearly concluded, with only Barcelona standing in the way of a double for United, they will certainly be tested if either, or both, start in the Champions League final. The sheer class of Messi, David Villa, Xavi and Iniesta will surely highlight exactly how far the twins have come in the last two seasons. Never the less one certainty is that they have very bright futures ahead of them.
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