I guess you hadnt seen Callejon and Di maria defending effectively last year. Di Maria's workrate is monstrous compared to any our of wingers. Its one thing to do it headless chicken style ala Pedro but those two actually cut out attacks and overlaps from fullbacks, particularly in the big...
There is a big difference with Puyol playing leftback, Abidal style, and Jordi Alba either out of position altogether or too weak and small to win any back post crosses.
Ill be delighted if this goes through. If they would just sell Di Maria too that would be bye bye 6 yard tap ins for Cristiano. Plus it seems like pretty much all of the set pieces headed in by CR, Varane Ramos and company were whipped in by Mesut.