The Argentine right back, in common with several Blues team-mates, had never before been asked to play so many games in such a short space of time during a period when he would normally be taking a winter break.
However, the 22-year-old has adapted quickly to the Premier League ways and is looking forward to tucking more games under his belt.
"I feel bit by bit I am getting better and better," he said. "I feel as if I am fitting into the team more with each match that I play.
"I know that it is a big project here and that the club is building for the future. Every match is like an examination for every player. Each of us is playing to be part of the long term plans here. That I know is my big challenge."
Replacement
Having been prised from Espanyol for £6m in the summer window as a replacement for the Spurs-bound Vedran Corluka, Zabaleta would like nothing more than to reprise his run to the UEFA Cup final in 2007 with the Spanish side.
"We lost that day but of course there is the chance for me to help City get to the final this season," he went on. "I want to go as far as possible in the competition and get the opportunity to play against the top teams in Europe again."
He would also like to add to the six senior caps that he has accumulated so far after playing a captain's role in Argentina winning the World Youth Cup of 2005.
It was in Holland that Zabaleta, who was originally a midfielder and not a full back, led a side containing Lionel Messi to success and he pines to replicate that success at senior level.
Zabaleta watched his country's win over Scotland at Hampden Park from the stands and is anxious to catch the eye of new national coach Diego Maradona.
"He hasn't been in touch yet but I am hoping he will notice my performances for City," concluded the full back.
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Comments
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I have been very impressed with Zab at RB and I knew he wasn't old but I didn't realise he was only 22!
I've been impressed with Zabaleta, he's not perfect by any means but he is a quality player, and I didn't realise he was only 22-so he should get better and better. If we can get a left back as good as he is I will be very happy.
superb signing, if we could get a left back to mirror pablo we would score more goals and concede less!
After seeing Zab embracing Hughes after the Blackburn equaliser, maybe the boss really does have some respect at Carrington - at least from Zab, anyway!
A typical no-nonsense Argentine defender with a decent amount of skill, a good work ethic and able to put in a good cross when he raids forward. Along with Kompany and Robinho definatly 1 of the better signings of the summer, and will improve as the season goes on.
Zabelta is not that good or else he would be a regular for Argenteena, we need somebody who is provern.
"I know that it is a big project here and that the club is building for the future. Every match is like an examination for every player. Each of us is playing to be part of the long term plans here. That I know is my big challenge."
Now that's the right attitude!
One of the few shining lights.he will get better and better,CTID.
Very solid no nonsence kind of player. He's not 22, but 23 (born January 1985), still young enough to become one that will be long remembered by the Cityfans.
I'm amazed that zab is only 22. A great payer already with lots more to come.
You will be even better with proper defenders around you hopefully soon.Reinforcements are on there way!Zab is without doubt one of the City players who will not be worrying about his place in the team come Jan.
Zabelta is not that good or else he would be a regular for Argenteena, we need somebody who is provern.
Donald Farrer, Rochdale
Donald, I bet you say things like everyfin and your knuckles drag on the floor when you walk
D FARRER What in gods name do you about Zab zilch ,no go away back on your rag site, or if you can read get back to your gutter paper the mirror,it was made for idiots like you.
donald farrer......I see you didnt get that word speller off santa then, shame!
I have to support a lot of my fellow blues on this one with the general opinion that this guy is class. He dosnt mess around, kick first ask questions later no nonsence style is just what we need. Unfortunately I think he come to the club for the wrong reasons as I believe the Corluka was an ace defender aswell. Maybe if we could have kept corluka and signed this guy, then we wouldnt have to put up with the awful awful displays of ben haim. I know corluka wanted to go, bright lights big city and all that, but I think he would have been better stayng. Need a good left back and get rid of ben haim now.
CTID
When I heard that Charlie was on his way to Spurs I was gutted and furious that the Club could let this happen, especially with so little money changeing hands. Then after seeing Zabbadabbadoo play a couple of times it became clear that someone, somewhere knew what they were doing and at 6 mil, they were doing it just fine. If Maradonna cant see this lads potential, he's a bigger nonce than even I give him credit for. Still think we should have got more than 8.5 for Corluka though.
oh and he's 24 in just over 2 weeks, so not as young as reported here but still certainly young enough to make a long lasting impression
personally i dont think pablo's any better than corluka ?? he's a rash tackler and looks like he lacks a yard of pace. were 2 points above the drop zone so if he's one of the better players i think its telling you something
A superb signing to go with the majority of Hughes' great buys!! More of the same please Sparky!!
good god... poor zab's gonna be bald by the time he's 30... He looks more like 29-30 already.
Like him, he's a tough tackler unlike that wimp Corluka; and he has added to the teams attacking play again unlike that wimp Corluka.
Zaba is the greatest - we need him. He will be even better when we strengthen in January. PLUS for Pete's sake play Garrido at LB!!
Personally,the only thing that cushioned the blow of us selling Corluka was getting hold of this geezer.
Along with Kompany he's going to be one of the lynchpins of our coming success.Top,top signing,with years left in the tank.
Excellent signing. I was interested to read that he played in midfield for Argentina. He would definitely be worth looking at to be switched in to midfield sometimes as he is a no nonsense, tough tackling player. He can pass and likes to get forward. We could then put Micah in at RB. A Wigan or Bolton away type of game would be perfect for this.
Going to be a great player when he learns how to cross a ball, and he looks about 40 !