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FC Barcelona anthem played with beer bottles.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8k6VWnknaD4&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8k6VWnknaD4&feature=player_embedded
+1
Wow, that was far better than I expected, thanks for sharing that mate! That guy is a proper fan and musician :)
So it seems like Ancelotti will become Real's next manager. Fantastic choice, the man is a great coach and an admirable person too. I look forward to our next clásicos if he'll be at their helm.
according to marca, thiago is unsettled and utd have tabled a bid...more bs or is there any reason to believe this?
He's recognised by pretty much everyone influential involved as our biggest talent, plays more than any other talent (except maybe Tello this season) and links up with the team very well.
What do you think? :)
What do you think? :)
^Maybe I'm being harsh on Thiago, but Busquets at his age had already won almost every title in sight and was the heart beat of the Barca team :P
The bid is 18 million.Barca last season rejected a bid from united for thiago in the reign of 25-39 million.If barca allow thiago to leave then it will be the most foolish decisions they took recently.There is also speculations that barca may consider his selling for the #11 shirt.
not as crazy as you think jeroen, he had 10 fewer appearances this season compared with last season because of the arrival of cesc fabregas, and it's not as if you guys are short on midfielders.
he's 22 and would be playing more regularly if he decided to leave. there are rumors that he has a buyout clause in his contract if he doesn't meet some kind of appearances quota.
besides i think barca will buy neymar this summer, which means they may need to make a few sales in order to afford him and the other places they want to fortify like defense.
i was just wondering if there was other news in spain to make this one seem more credible.
he's 22 and would be playing more regularly if he decided to leave. there are rumors that he has a buyout clause in his contract if he doesn't meet some kind of appearances quota.
besides i think barca will buy neymar this summer, which means they may need to make a few sales in order to afford him and the other places they want to fortify like defense.
i was just wondering if there was other news in spain to make this one seem more credible.
Bayern or Dortmund?
Rooting for Dortmund, but recent history has shown that the team that defeats Barca goes on to win the Champions League.
+1
Want Dotmund to win it.If so Klop will surely the best manager of the season
But Bayern is in super natural form
But Bayern is in super natural form
Defense:
Two proper defenders, who stay back always. Abidal should be given a change more often.
Wingers should keep doing as they are doing as altering it would affect barca a lot.
Mid: I think no alterations should be done, just need few switching and alterations on right time.
Attack:
Messi, winger Tello, my preferable 2nd winger Pedro (Pedro and Sanchez of same class, they need some time) and need to buy one quality striker.
Sanchez and Villa need to leave. Villa is a good player and can do good in any other club, but he's unable to fit in barca after his injury.
Two proper defenders, who stay back always. Abidal should be given a change more often.
Wingers should keep doing as they are doing as altering it would affect barca a lot.
Mid: I think no alterations should be done, just need few switching and alterations on right time.
Attack:
Messi, winger Tello, my preferable 2nd winger Pedro (Pedro and Sanchez of same class, they need some time) and need to buy one quality striker.
Sanchez and Villa need to leave. Villa is a good player and can do good in any other club, but he's unable to fit in barca after his injury.
No striker can play in barca unless messi returns to his previous winger role
+1
Alexis has been immense in the last few games. He started the season in very poor form but I have only seen him get better and better. His work ethic and dedication is world class, how is unselfish in front of goal, links well with most players on the field. So why would we sell such a young talent?
From here I can only see him get better. Also, if neymar does sign for us I would love to see a south American trio mixed with a brilliant Spanish mid field.
From here I can only see him get better. Also, if neymar does sign for us I would love to see a south American trio mixed with a brilliant Spanish mid field.
+1
Brazilian newspaper is reporting that Neymar has signed an agreement with Barcelona
http://www.101greatgoals.com/blog/o-globo-neymar-has-agreed-a-move-to-barcelona-after-the-confederations-cup-in-june/
Is it reliable??
http://www.101greatgoals.com/blog/o-globo-neymar-has-agreed-a-move-to-barcelona-after-the-confederations-cup-in-june/
Is it reliable??
Clearly you don't give a crap about others and don't read anything anybody else says.
+2
hmmm.. hard to say.. guess we have to wait to hear it from one of the clubs themselves..
SanchezAlexis
Why the hell you are here?? Its the barcelona forum.So any one can post anything related to barcelona.Also I am not saying this news from my mind.I saw it in a Brazilian news paper.Neymar is playing in the Brazilian league.So Brazilian news paper may have more to say about Neymar saga.
If you are not interested just go without minding.Why are you opening your big mouth and posting s**t.Dont pretend to be oversmart
Why the hell you are here?? Its the barcelona forum.So any one can post anything related to barcelona.Also I am not saying this news from my mind.I saw it in a Brazilian news paper.Neymar is playing in the Brazilian league.So Brazilian news paper may have more to say about Neymar saga.
If you are not interested just go without minding.Why are you opening your big mouth and posting s**t.Dont pretend to be oversmart
+3
As far as im concerned im happy we have a couple of users that keep the rumor mill spinning. I dont know what the big deal is, we are approaching transfer season so you would expect more comments regarding that topic.
If anyone else has anything worthwhile to post, then please post it. But dont criticize other users for posting what they want, especially if its actually Barca related news. A few people cant speak for the many supporters who visit this page. We are all blessed with the power to scroll and click and view other pages, and if your or someone's forgotten post seems valuable to you then by all means, post it again!
Having said that though, please try and refrain from posting any rumor from any source, as 99% of it is BS.
If anyone else has anything worthwhile to post, then please post it. But dont criticize other users for posting what they want, especially if its actually Barca related news. A few people cant speak for the many supporters who visit this page. We are all blessed with the power to scroll and click and view other pages, and if your or someone's forgotten post seems valuable to you then by all means, post it again!
Having said that though, please try and refrain from posting any rumor from any source, as 99% of it is BS.
+1
Ill be honest, when it came to blaming someone this season for our defensive woes Alves was first one my list. But problem isnt Alves, the problem is two attacking fullbacks. This is where Abidal was essential for us.
"Rather, Barcelona has moved in a direction that doesn’t support his strengths enough, and Alves has been made the scapegoat for the issues that are actually a lot larger when looked at closely".
Another issue and one which the quote above illustrates is the change in our playing style. Our wingers simply were ineffective with their runs apart from Alexis in the second half of the season.
Another issue is our passing, we seem to be choosing the easier ball.Barcelona has been far less eager to use the defense splitting passes after the very beginning of the season.
This article has really changed my perspective so if anyone has time it is worth the read. One thing I can critique him on however is those horrible crosses.
http://www.totalbarca.com/2013/opinion-pieces/dani-alves-the-scapegoat-for-barcelonas-issues/#more-134015
"Rather, Barcelona has moved in a direction that doesn’t support his strengths enough, and Alves has been made the scapegoat for the issues that are actually a lot larger when looked at closely".
Another issue and one which the quote above illustrates is the change in our playing style. Our wingers simply were ineffective with their runs apart from Alexis in the second half of the season.
Another issue is our passing, we seem to be choosing the easier ball.Barcelona has been far less eager to use the defense splitting passes after the very beginning of the season.
This article has really changed my perspective so if anyone has time it is worth the read. One thing I can critique him on however is those horrible crosses.
http://www.totalbarca.com/2013/opinion-pieces/dani-alves-the-scapegoat-for-barcelonas-issues/#more-134015
+1
I have been wanting to talk about this for a while and it's 12:30 at night so I will try as best as I can. I honestly don't think having two attacking fullbacks is an issue. There are a couple of reasons:
A) both Alves and Alba are amazing defenders. They are fast and can read the attackers move quickly. I mean Dani Alves single handedly used to control Ronaldo and that's no easy work. Alves also has good strength for a skinny guy. Alba also is amazing at defending and I remember in the Euros first he shut down Nani then Cristiano moved to his side, couldn't do anything so then he moved back to his usual left position.
B) Although we are vulnerable against counter attacking teams, I still think going with both Alba and Alves won't be a problem. We need those two for the teams that park the bus and I love seeing both sides being lively rather than Alves crossing the ball every time. And against counter attacking teams like Madrid, how about one of them just stay back while the other pushes up. I mean they are professionals, they should talk to each other and if Alves is playing as a RW, then Alba and the 2 CB should become our 3 CB rather than both of them crossing the half. So the problem honestly is our CB. We need capable, focused defenders who even in possession know when to switch gears and that's what we lack. We lack speed physically and mentally and without a leader, Piqué is lost. I know many of you are against Silva but with his speed and aggressiveness, we might finally solve our problems at the back. Every time we attack we will have Alba, Silva and Piqué or Silva, Piqué and Alves.
C) Now if switch to a more defensive LB or right back, we end up where we were two seasons ago where one side was dead. It was fine back then cause Alves ran the show but now with his form, they shut him easily and we have to go through the middle which they put all their players in. If we do get someone more reliable at the back then having a back three of either Alves or Alba won't be a problem. And in attack we will be just as deadly with Tello becoming a boss and the possible arrival of Neymar. Now imagine the left side with Alba, Iniesta and Tello/Neymar attacking and if that doesn't work then go to the right side with Alves, Xavi and Sanchez but with piqué in form and a good, reliable defender. Both Tello and Sanchez track back well so they can help out their side when the other side is attacking.
So all in all, having attacking full backs is fine as long as we have proper CB and not Shakira boy with a Brazilian winger turned defender.
A) both Alves and Alba are amazing defenders. They are fast and can read the attackers move quickly. I mean Dani Alves single handedly used to control Ronaldo and that's no easy work. Alves also has good strength for a skinny guy. Alba also is amazing at defending and I remember in the Euros first he shut down Nani then Cristiano moved to his side, couldn't do anything so then he moved back to his usual left position.
B) Although we are vulnerable against counter attacking teams, I still think going with both Alba and Alves won't be a problem. We need those two for the teams that park the bus and I love seeing both sides being lively rather than Alves crossing the ball every time. And against counter attacking teams like Madrid, how about one of them just stay back while the other pushes up. I mean they are professionals, they should talk to each other and if Alves is playing as a RW, then Alba and the 2 CB should become our 3 CB rather than both of them crossing the half. So the problem honestly is our CB. We need capable, focused defenders who even in possession know when to switch gears and that's what we lack. We lack speed physically and mentally and without a leader, Piqué is lost. I know many of you are against Silva but with his speed and aggressiveness, we might finally solve our problems at the back. Every time we attack we will have Alba, Silva and Piqué or Silva, Piqué and Alves.
C) Now if switch to a more defensive LB or right back, we end up where we were two seasons ago where one side was dead. It was fine back then cause Alves ran the show but now with his form, they shut him easily and we have to go through the middle which they put all their players in. If we do get someone more reliable at the back then having a back three of either Alves or Alba won't be a problem. And in attack we will be just as deadly with Tello becoming a boss and the possible arrival of Neymar. Now imagine the left side with Alba, Iniesta and Tello/Neymar attacking and if that doesn't work then go to the right side with Alves, Xavi and Sanchez but with piqué in form and a good, reliable defender. Both Tello and Sanchez track back well so they can help out their side when the other side is attacking.
So all in all, having attacking full backs is fine as long as we have proper CB and not Shakira boy with a Brazilian winger turned defender.
Personally, I feel that the article isn't too convincing.
First of all, he contributes the poor offensive form of Alves to the lack of runs he makes, the lack of space he has due to our wingers not creating space, and the lack of passes he becomes. Nowhere does he mention the fact that when Alves does have space and does get the ball, he hasn't been able to take on defenders and his crossing has been woeful. He can make runs all day every day, but if 9 out of 10 crosses are off the mark, they won't end in assists.
Second, the poster tries to use the fact that Alves has been less effective offensively as proof of the fact that he has been playing more defensively. A false dichotomy. The same reason that makes him less effective in the offense also makes him worse in the defense. That's his lack of form. His positioning has been woeful, and one on one he hasn't been convincing. Alves *used* to be able to shut down Ronaldo single handedly, but not anymore.
While there has been plenty of other problems with our defense this season, none of them make Alves' season any better. If someone blames our problems solely on Alves, he's not looking that closely, but the same exact thing can be said for those who say that Alves hasn't had a bad season. The worst ever in a Barcelona shirt, by far.
First of all, he contributes the poor offensive form of Alves to the lack of runs he makes, the lack of space he has due to our wingers not creating space, and the lack of passes he becomes. Nowhere does he mention the fact that when Alves does have space and does get the ball, he hasn't been able to take on defenders and his crossing has been woeful. He can make runs all day every day, but if 9 out of 10 crosses are off the mark, they won't end in assists.
Second, the poster tries to use the fact that Alves has been less effective offensively as proof of the fact that he has been playing more defensively. A false dichotomy. The same reason that makes him less effective in the offense also makes him worse in the defense. That's his lack of form. His positioning has been woeful, and one on one he hasn't been convincing. Alves *used* to be able to shut down Ronaldo single handedly, but not anymore.
While there has been plenty of other problems with our defense this season, none of them make Alves' season any better. If someone blames our problems solely on Alves, he's not looking that closely, but the same exact thing can be said for those who say that Alves hasn't had a bad season. The worst ever in a Barcelona shirt, by far.
+1
Not sure about the article but I agree with you Messiesta.
A couple of season ago we had a fit and young Abi, a younger and in-form Puyol who lead a more focused Pique. These three were our defensive soul and backbone. It gave Alves the license and cover to make his forward drifts.
Now, Puyol is older, more injury prone and is moving past his prime. Abi had an unimaginable 2 years fighting his illness, and although he is one of my heroes, his cancer and age took its toll. He isnt the same Abi of 3 years ago :(
And then we have Pique.
Whenever I remebemer Pep's words about some Barca players getting complacent, I cant help but envision Pique as the poster boy for that statement.
I have a feeling Pique really thinks he is 'untouchable' at Barca (Pep used that word last year when referring to him.) Couple that with the fact that he has a superstar of a girlfriend, a new born and a few modelling gigs here and there and what you have is one distracted player.
Pique however cant harbor all the blame or responsibility. He needs other players to compete for his position. He needs a more experienced leader to bark at him when Puyol is not around. And if he wants to be future captain, he needs to focus and mature.
And what about Busquets - Has anyone else noticed how Busquets now sits deeper than he has in previous years?
Since now, we have 2 attack-minded fullbacks, Busquets has been shifting as center back cover more and more. I dont think Busquets has the physicality or speed to fill in that role. For his height, he barely contest's any air balls and looks too flimsy to hold off powerful attackers.
Plus, with him sitting deeper we are not capitalizing on his pivotal role, his offensive tactical vision and his forward passing ability.
Tito has had a very difficult and challenging year fighting his cancer, it is unfair for fans to criticize him, as its also his first season in charge. I hope he will be fit and healthy for next season, but he seems set to undergo more treatment in New York. If thats the case, maybe Barca should look for a replacement. Roura shouldn't be in the hot seat. Its hard enough taking on one of the most demanding jobs in the world without having a terminal illness to fight. Its unfair both for him and the club.
Its clear we need some tweaks and adjustments in our tactics, and as redundant as I sound saying this, but we need some new, talented blood in our ranks!
Other than the obvious GK, CB, and Attacker we so desperately need, I think we should also look for a fullback.
PSG and Monaco have shown some interest in Dani Alves. And as much as it would hurt me to see him leave, if they table a good offer, we should capitalize! Alves himself said he would be open to a move, and we all know these two clubs have the money to spend.
If that does happen, to me, one replacement name stands out like a fart in a hot elevator - ZABALETA, Pablo Zabaleta!
City is in no desperate need for him. Micah Richards has been recovering from him injury and they have Maicon as a replacement too. Im sure City would need some cash inflows to balance the books as FFP looms. But, until anything actually materializes, one can only dream.
Having said all this, I am very proud of what Barca achieved this season.
A couple of season ago we had a fit and young Abi, a younger and in-form Puyol who lead a more focused Pique. These three were our defensive soul and backbone. It gave Alves the license and cover to make his forward drifts.
Now, Puyol is older, more injury prone and is moving past his prime. Abi had an unimaginable 2 years fighting his illness, and although he is one of my heroes, his cancer and age took its toll. He isnt the same Abi of 3 years ago :(
And then we have Pique.
Whenever I remebemer Pep's words about some Barca players getting complacent, I cant help but envision Pique as the poster boy for that statement.
I have a feeling Pique really thinks he is 'untouchable' at Barca (Pep used that word last year when referring to him.) Couple that with the fact that he has a superstar of a girlfriend, a new born and a few modelling gigs here and there and what you have is one distracted player.
Pique however cant harbor all the blame or responsibility. He needs other players to compete for his position. He needs a more experienced leader to bark at him when Puyol is not around. And if he wants to be future captain, he needs to focus and mature.
And what about Busquets - Has anyone else noticed how Busquets now sits deeper than he has in previous years?
Since now, we have 2 attack-minded fullbacks, Busquets has been shifting as center back cover more and more. I dont think Busquets has the physicality or speed to fill in that role. For his height, he barely contest's any air balls and looks too flimsy to hold off powerful attackers.
Plus, with him sitting deeper we are not capitalizing on his pivotal role, his offensive tactical vision and his forward passing ability.
Tito has had a very difficult and challenging year fighting his cancer, it is unfair for fans to criticize him, as its also his first season in charge. I hope he will be fit and healthy for next season, but he seems set to undergo more treatment in New York. If thats the case, maybe Barca should look for a replacement. Roura shouldn't be in the hot seat. Its hard enough taking on one of the most demanding jobs in the world without having a terminal illness to fight. Its unfair both for him and the club.
Its clear we need some tweaks and adjustments in our tactics, and as redundant as I sound saying this, but we need some new, talented blood in our ranks!
Other than the obvious GK, CB, and Attacker we so desperately need, I think we should also look for a fullback.
PSG and Monaco have shown some interest in Dani Alves. And as much as it would hurt me to see him leave, if they table a good offer, we should capitalize! Alves himself said he would be open to a move, and we all know these two clubs have the money to spend.
If that does happen, to me, one replacement name stands out like a fart in a hot elevator - ZABALETA, Pablo Zabaleta!
City is in no desperate need for him. Micah Richards has been recovering from him injury and they have Maicon as a replacement too. Im sure City would need some cash inflows to balance the books as FFP looms. But, until anything actually materializes, one can only dream.
Having said all this, I am very proud of what Barca achieved this season.
I am not sure how everyone feels about it, but I hope this can be a place where we can voice our opinions regarding transfer rumours, especially those from questionable sources, as well as the numerous links which flood our chat.
First I want to make this clear that I am targeting any individuals and am not trying to insult anyone either. My intention is to try to return the Barca chat to what it once was... an actual "chat" a place where we could discuss several topics with several different contributors. A time where the Barcelona chat was considered one of the most friendly and most intelligent places on Footytube.
In the past months we have seen a huge drop in participation in decent discussion and have seen many members distance themselves away from the site and have started to be deterred from the site. I understand that a large portion of it could be explained by the lack of activity and hype around the Barcelona team since we had such a big lead in La Liga and then crashed and burned in the Champions League against Bayern Munich. I can't speak for everyone but I know many of the once frequent users have distanced themselves because of the inability to have discussions on the chat anymore.
I just want to repeat this in saying I am not targeting anyone.
I feel that we have been posting way too many links and videos and because of that, the good conversations move from the front page of the Barca chat towards the back, and it also deters others from starting meaningful conversations.
I understand that links aren't a bad thing, but lots of them are. The ones which state the headline followed by a link do much more harm to the site than good. If you feel an article is worth while to the site than talk about it. Generate your opinion about it instead of just posting the link by itself. ALWAYS CITE YOUR SOURCES.
I also have a pet peeve regarding some transfer news. I know lots of people approach transfers news as if they see it on twitter and will post it (retweet it) right away instead of actually doing some secondary research.
Remember, this is all just me... I just felt like someone needed to start something regarding what we, as a group, feel would help revive our chat. What changes would you like to see, what can be improved? Voice it all here.
First I want to make this clear that I am targeting any individuals and am not trying to insult anyone either. My intention is to try to return the Barca chat to what it once was... an actual "chat" a place where we could discuss several topics with several different contributors. A time where the Barcelona chat was considered one of the most friendly and most intelligent places on Footytube.
In the past months we have seen a huge drop in participation in decent discussion and have seen many members distance themselves away from the site and have started to be deterred from the site. I understand that a large portion of it could be explained by the lack of activity and hype around the Barcelona team since we had such a big lead in La Liga and then crashed and burned in the Champions League against Bayern Munich. I can't speak for everyone but I know many of the once frequent users have distanced themselves because of the inability to have discussions on the chat anymore.
I just want to repeat this in saying I am not targeting anyone.
I feel that we have been posting way too many links and videos and because of that, the good conversations move from the front page of the Barca chat towards the back, and it also deters others from starting meaningful conversations.
I understand that links aren't a bad thing, but lots of them are. The ones which state the headline followed by a link do much more harm to the site than good. If you feel an article is worth while to the site than talk about it. Generate your opinion about it instead of just posting the link by itself. ALWAYS CITE YOUR SOURCES.
I also have a pet peeve regarding some transfer news. I know lots of people approach transfers news as if they see it on twitter and will post it (retweet it) right away instead of actually doing some secondary research.
Remember, this is all just me... I just felt like someone needed to start something regarding what we, as a group, feel would help revive our chat. What changes would you like to see, what can be improved? Voice it all here.
+7
You pretty much got it all. And hopefully no one gets offended by what you wrote. I mean transfer widows is an exciting time but we can only talk about it so much. Messiesta just mentioned a good point above you and explained well his opinion of an article about Barcelona. We should try to get into those kinds of conversations more rather than rumours.
for me Pique has to be out he is slow and despite his hight does not score with head. I would like to see Silva as a full back, he is fast, playes with head and takes responsibility
I think it is time to Xavi to play as sub and we need good mid player like Reus. Don't think Thiago can be good sub for Xavi, he has everything but always fails to perform super as Xavi once been. I think because of his character.
And we need new blood into attacks like Neymar.
I think it is time to Xavi to play as sub and we need good mid player like Reus. Don't think Thiago can be good sub for Xavi, he has everything but always fails to perform super as Xavi once been. I think because of his character.
And we need new blood into attacks like Neymar.
Sell Pique? Sub Xavi? Thiago not good enough?
No Askhatjan. Just No.
No Askhatjan. Just No.
Ter stegen turn down Arsenel and inter milan for a move to barcelona
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/arsenal-transfer-news-marc-andre-ter-1903044
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/arsenal-transfer-news-marc-andre-ter-1903044
Ooh I really hope we end up signing him!
Since Courtois is not a realistic option it has to be Ter Stegen.
Since Courtois is not a realistic option it has to be Ter Stegen.
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1) THE DEFENCE:
There can no longer be room for two central midfielders in the heart of defence. That is the first step we must take towards becoming a stable team again. Mascherano has made costly mistakes every single game when he wasn't partnered with Puyol, Busi is just horrible as a central defender, Song is a hard-working creative midfielder, not a defender, and Piqué himself is insecure unless the Captain is standing next to him.
This all implies either Masch or Song will probably have to leave the club. I have a preference to let Masch go, because Song has been good in nearly every game as a DM for us, and because he's much younger. But to be honest, I do not know how important Masch is in the dressing room or for the team's determined attitude.
2) THE MYSTERY THAT IS FÀBREGAS:
Secondly, I want Cesc in midfield, not in the striker or wing position because he is clearly not a striker. He's been overloaded with criticism for his inconsistent displays, but how can you blame a guy who's a natural central midfield playmaker when he has to play in a completely different position all the time?
This is Cesc at his best at Arsenal:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6AF1cxOQOA
How we do not use him in the CM position if Xavi does not play, I do not know.
3) THE OLD GUARD:
I can be brief here. Puyol, Xavi, Abi and Iniesta will be our oldest and most experienced players next season. I hope Abi does not leave, because his mere presence can be a beacon for every player when times are hard. The fact a man like him is still standing there in top football after all he's been through is so inspirational that that fact alone makes Abi worth keeping. I also think his experience, determination, bravery and sheer quality are still traits we badly need. What should happen to Puyol, Xavi and Iniesta is all clear: if they are fit, they have to play every (important) game. They are all so good that they lift the team to its highest level, and along with Messi they are the core.
3) THE GOOD:
Alexis and Pedro cannot be sold. Both have endured criticism this season, and especially Alexis' criticism was over the top most of the time. Pedro proved he can be awesome if the team would play in a slightly different manner (look at his Spain games) but he's not the type to complain when he has to adapt to another strategy to suit the team. Alexis may have missed goals most of us would score with our eyes closed (well, not really), but not considering those, he was very good. The fact he clearly lacked confidence most of the season and didn't do what he is best at (taking on defenders directly) to create chances, paired with the fact he has been excellent in recent games where he did look confident, makes me think he can still be one of our best players in the near future.
4) THE BAD:
Players who do not show the eagerness and determination they ought to in pre-season, should be sold, regardless of who they are. Dani Alves has been the best right-back in the world for about 5 years, but this season he has been well below par. His passing and crossing especially went from very good to wayward, and he no longer tracks back efficiently to cover for his constant loss of possession.
Piqué looks lost like a newbie in defence at times, often out of position though his positional game once was one of his main assets. He needs a capable defender next to him to play well. I believe that if he has a player like Puyol or Ramos next to him, he is one of the very best defenders in the world. If he does not, he is uncertain and lost, and very prone to positional mistakes.
Then there is Sergio Busquets, who I think is our 4th best player, but at the same time I don't agree he's as perfect as many make him out to be. He has been sloppy too much this season, sometimes giving the ball away in very dangerous areas where he could've played a simple pass or even just booted it out of the way when he was likely to lose it.
And finally there is Jordi Alba, who made a number of mistakes too, but since he is new and not a natural left-back, I hardly blame him. Everyone knows it is suicide to play two attacking full-backs (like Alba and Alves) at the same time against teams good on the counter, and yet we did it too often. This is why I think Montoya should get more chances. He has been brilliant for us every game he played, and apart from his last game, I don't think I've ever seen him make a costly mistake. Jordi Alba has contributed much more to our attacks than Alves this season too, and he is also showing a lot more effort in defence. His energetic runs forward are often game-changers for us if we cannot break the opposition down the usual way.
David Villa is a Spain legend, but he no longer is the player he used to be, not by a mile. I think it would be best we sell him. His (tiny) fights with Messi are something we can miss as well.
5) THE UGLY:
I'd like to say something about Real Madrid for comical relief, but I'll just focus on our ugly side. There can be no true football fan in the world who likes us complaining to the referee, even showing hand-gestures of cards when we are fouled. A few of our players are guilty of that, and it always makes me angry a player of our club would do that. It must be hard to play many games where you're constantly fouled and the ref waves 'play on' all the time, but these things tend to happen to all clubs with technically gifted players. Especially when we're winning I think trying to influence the ref should be out of the question.
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So in conclusion, I think a few players should get a kick in the back so they start playing with their heart again (Alves, Piqué, Busi, Cesc) every game, but I also think a few have been playing poorly because they didn't have the back-up they needed. Having faith in your partners in defence is essential as a defender, it is essential as a midfielder too because you can focus more on your attacking positioning then. And we clearly lacked that the second half of the season without Puyol. It should be our club's first task to get an inspirational central defender of the highest quality that will fit in as soon as possible, and then I think all players will start playing better again.
Victor Valdés is a world class goalkeeper, but it is clear he's leaving so we need a replacement. A top notch goalkeeper for Barcelona these days would have to ooze confidence, be able to comfortable deal with high balls (our most vulnerable spot), to be able to make saves from point-blank range, to be great in 1v1s and to be a good footballer who can play as the 'last man distributor' as well. High demands, because there are scarcely few goalkeepers like that, but I am (sort of) confident club will find the right man.
My line-up for the next season would be:
---------------------New goalkeeper----------------------
---Montoya------Piqué----New defender-----Alba---
-------------------------Busi/Song--------------------------
---------------Xavi/Cesc-------------------------------------
--------------------------------Iniesta/Thiago--------------
---Alexis-------------------------Tello/Pedro/Neymar?-
--------------------------Messi--------------------------------