The versatile Argentina international even has his own comic book sketch on the Manchester City website called 'Zabman'.
Last campaign was marked by a stunning Zabaleta goal at Craven Cottage as City romped to a 4-1 win over former boss Mark Hughes' Fulham, and add to that an FA Cup Winners medal, it was a very successful season for the former Espanyol man.
Ironically, he is another one of Hughes' signings - like Vincent Kompany and Nigel de Jong. All three are the spine of the team, willing to throw themselves at a brick wall in order to defend the goal at all costs.
|Image courtesy of mcfc.co.uk|
At just £6.5m, Zabaleta was an absolute steal by Hughes in August 2008. His importance to the team was emphasised when he made his 100th appearance for the club on New Year's Day in the 1-0 win over relegated Blackpool.
His commitment and work rate is what sets him aside from most players, as the 26-year-old runs himself into the ground on a regular basis for City. Above everything else, the fans love a player who shows that sort of determination - which is why they have adopted want-away striker Carlos Tevez as one of their own.
But what does this season hold in store for the man capped nine times by his country?
With his ability to play at either right or left-back and in the middle of the pitch, there will always be a position available for him. The arrival of Gaël Clichy from Arsenal this summer has added another player to the left side of defence, which means Zabaleta will be giving stern competition to fellow right-back Micah Richards.
With the Champions League games set to have a huge effect on player fatigue, Roberto Mancini will no doubt continue his rotation policy, meaning the 2008 Olympic Gold medalist with Argentina will be used to great effect both in the league and domestic competitions in order to keep the squad fit to fight on all fronts.
Hoping to add to his FA Cup triumph, Zabaleta will be even more hungry for success (if it is even possible).
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