Who is he? Where does he play?
He is another off the Barcelona production line, the immensely gifted midfield graduate of the famed La Masia academy in Catalonia and potential heir to the aging Xavi. He is 22, has 3 caps for Spain despite being born in Italy and is hogging all the newspaper gossip column space as he seems on the verge of heading to Manchester United.
Leaving the sunny, success-laden Barcelona for Salford?!?
Yes, he may be mad but he also seems to be hugely ambitious, aiming to move to Manchester United in the search for more first team football after being limited to just 15 starts last season under Tito Vilanova. That has dropped his release clause from 90 million euros to 18 million euros as he appeared for less than 30 minutes in 60% of Barcelona's games last season. All work and no play makes Thiago a dull boy, clamoring for an apparent move to the Premier League champions.
What's Vilanova playing at?
He did have Iniesta, Xavi, Fabregas, Busquets and co. at his disposal after all, Thiago faces a massive competition for places at Barcelona but he did manage 41 appearances under Pep Guardiola the year before, the year after winning the Under-21 European Championship with Spain and signing a new four year deal at the Nou Camp worth £30k a week. There is no doubting his potential or talent, just his misfortune at having to compete with a generation of phenomenally gifted players as he wants to break into Vincent Del Bosque's permanent plans ahead of next year's World Cup, he currently has 3 caps.
So Manchester United are giving him a way out?
Reportedly set to offer him an eye-watering £6.2 million a year, it certainly looks like David Moyes wants to make him his first significant import as Old Trafford boss. He will undoubtedly fill the troublesome central-midfield slot at the club in which Michael Carrick is the only established talent. Alcantara's genius in carrying the ball from deep, beating players or even dictating the tempo with smart, measured passes ahead of the defence will be a massive asset to Moyes's United, as it was to Spain's under-21s as they triumphed in this summer's European Championships in Israel.
What will they get for their money?
For a reported £17 million, they will get fine balance which allows his diminutive 5ft 7 inch frame to spin away from the more imposing players in the centre of the field. He can create chances with nimble footwork just as he can take them, as his hat-trick against Italy under-21s out in Israel showed. If Thiago does decide to move to Manchester, Barcelona will lose a hugely talented member of their squad and that is testament enough to his promise.
Showing posts with label Barcelona. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Barcelona. Show all posts
Tuesday, 2 July 2013
Tuesday, 26 March 2013
IKER MUNIAIN
Who is he? Where does he play?
A year ago, he was the buzz of the European footballing scene as Athletic Bilbao reached the Europa League final and also went to the Copa Del Rey final. They lost both, but they went out with a fine reputation for some superb high octane football under Marcelo Bielsa with Muniain, the 19 year old winger-cum-forward, being one of the brightest lights at the San Mames and an extremely promising young Basque talent.
Is he still not a buzz?
Well, some of the hype has admittedly faded away. Bilbao sort of imploded in the summer, Bielsa went nuts, Fernando Llorente was marginalised after a training ground dispute and the club's midfield force Javi Martinez left for Bayern Munich in bizarre circumstances. Now, after a dull year, they sit 14th and Muniain's form has suffered along with Bilbao's, playing 19 games and registering just 1 goal and 1 assist.
Any reason why?
It maybe because he, at the tender age of just 20, played 59 times for Bilbao last season, fitting in with Bielsa's high intensity pressure football, before heading to the Olympics with Spain where he played in all 3 games. The youngster is knackered, in a 2-0 defeat against Rayo Vallecano he was ineffective, being substituted after he cut a frustrated figure. Plus, he has been moved from his familiar position of left-sided wing-wizard to an alien central-playmaker, possibly becoming a victim to unfamiliarity. He has created just 24 chances so far this season, a great indication of how far his attacking influence has declined.
Form is temporary, class is permanent though?
It may be a cliche that crawls under my skin and causes a nasty rash on my arm that I constantly itch and itch until it gets worse and I have to get it checked out by a doctor, but yes, that is true. Muniain still boasts a passing percentage of 81.4% and he wouldn't have lost the close control and skill that allows him to take on defenders and coast away from them with break-neck speed. His technical ability still remains and he is only 20, he just needs something, perhaps a move away from madness de la Bielsa, to arrest his slump.
Is anybody interested in him?
The usual popular lines of Manchester United (£32 million, "new Ronaldo", a ridiculous story) and Liverpool have been used, whilst Barcelona and Real Madrid have also been linked via the Spanish press. Though, the word on the street is that Pep Guardiola, a huge fan of the Spanish under-21 winger during his time at Barcelona, could attempt to bring him to Bayern Munich when he takes over the Germans in the summer.
Whatever happens, you have to hope Muniain rediscovers the form that made him such a special player last season. Until he does, we will remind you of what he can do. Ladies and gentlemen, enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vY1kXhWv3pQ
A year ago, he was the buzz of the European footballing scene as Athletic Bilbao reached the Europa League final and also went to the Copa Del Rey final. They lost both, but they went out with a fine reputation for some superb high octane football under Marcelo Bielsa with Muniain, the 19 year old winger-cum-forward, being one of the brightest lights at the San Mames and an extremely promising young Basque talent.
Is he still not a buzz?
Well, some of the hype has admittedly faded away. Bilbao sort of imploded in the summer, Bielsa went nuts, Fernando Llorente was marginalised after a training ground dispute and the club's midfield force Javi Martinez left for Bayern Munich in bizarre circumstances. Now, after a dull year, they sit 14th and Muniain's form has suffered along with Bilbao's, playing 19 games and registering just 1 goal and 1 assist.
Any reason why?
It maybe because he, at the tender age of just 20, played 59 times for Bilbao last season, fitting in with Bielsa's high intensity pressure football, before heading to the Olympics with Spain where he played in all 3 games. The youngster is knackered, in a 2-0 defeat against Rayo Vallecano he was ineffective, being substituted after he cut a frustrated figure. Plus, he has been moved from his familiar position of left-sided wing-wizard to an alien central-playmaker, possibly becoming a victim to unfamiliarity. He has created just 24 chances so far this season, a great indication of how far his attacking influence has declined.
Form is temporary, class is permanent though?
It may be a cliche that crawls under my skin and causes a nasty rash on my arm that I constantly itch and itch until it gets worse and I have to get it checked out by a doctor, but yes, that is true. Muniain still boasts a passing percentage of 81.4% and he wouldn't have lost the close control and skill that allows him to take on defenders and coast away from them with break-neck speed. His technical ability still remains and he is only 20, he just needs something, perhaps a move away from madness de la Bielsa, to arrest his slump.
Is anybody interested in him?
The usual popular lines of Manchester United (£32 million, "new Ronaldo", a ridiculous story) and Liverpool have been used, whilst Barcelona and Real Madrid have also been linked via the Spanish press. Though, the word on the street is that Pep Guardiola, a huge fan of the Spanish under-21 winger during his time at Barcelona, could attempt to bring him to Bayern Munich when he takes over the Germans in the summer.
Whatever happens, you have to hope Muniain rediscovers the form that made him such a special player last season. Until he does, we will remind you of what he can do. Ladies and gentlemen, enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vY1kXhWv3pQ
Wednesday, 20 March 2013
INIGO MARTINEZ
Who is he? Where does he play?
He is a 21 year old centre-half playing for La Liga's surprise package Real Sociedad, playing 24 times this season as Philippe Montanier's side have risen to fourth in the league.
That was short and sweet, what is he good at?
He is a composed defender, able to bring the ball out of the back with his cultured left foot. Despite his modest sub-6ft frame, he is also deceivingly good in the air, winning most of his aerial duels (38 from 69 this season) thanks to his salmon-like leap and hang in the air, which almost defies gravity. His tackle success rate, standing at 79%, has given him a reputation of being an uncompromising defender with a superb reading of the game that has drawn comparisons with Barcelona's Carles Puyol.
Carles Puyol eh? Does he have long hair?
We don't mean aesthetically, his locks are well and truly short, but we do mean he is intelligent with clever positioning which means he can get by without being particularly quick. He can also rise to the physical battle when a striker gets by him, something he has had to improve on after getting sent-off in his first appearance for the Spanish under-23s at last year's London Olympics, when he was drawn out of position and dismissed for a last-man challenge on Kensuke Nagai. A la Puyol, he can also play-left back.
He's got a fondness for a card then?
You can say that. When he was first given a go in Sociedad's "B" team in 2010, he picked up 10 yellows and 4 reds before being given 9 yellows and 2 reds in the following year. After being promoted to the first team, his discipline has cleaned up, registering 6 yellow cards and staying clean on the red front.
He's mellowed down with age?
Well.. yeah... he's more of a "champagne" centre-half now, preferring to be comfortable and clever on the ball rather than charging around looking for a tackle. With a passing percentage of 80% from over 700 passes this year, he fits in with the Spanish vogue of being good with your feet at the back. It's no wonder Barcelona have been looking at him to solve their underlying defensive "crisis".
By the way, if any greater indication was needed about his ability on the ball, why not watch a video of him scoring 2, yes 2, goals from the half-way line. Eat your heart out Beckham.
He is a 21 year old centre-half playing for La Liga's surprise package Real Sociedad, playing 24 times this season as Philippe Montanier's side have risen to fourth in the league.
That was short and sweet, what is he good at?
He is a composed defender, able to bring the ball out of the back with his cultured left foot. Despite his modest sub-6ft frame, he is also deceivingly good in the air, winning most of his aerial duels (38 from 69 this season) thanks to his salmon-like leap and hang in the air, which almost defies gravity. His tackle success rate, standing at 79%, has given him a reputation of being an uncompromising defender with a superb reading of the game that has drawn comparisons with Barcelona's Carles Puyol.
Carles Puyol eh? Does he have long hair?
We don't mean aesthetically, his locks are well and truly short, but we do mean he is intelligent with clever positioning which means he can get by without being particularly quick. He can also rise to the physical battle when a striker gets by him, something he has had to improve on after getting sent-off in his first appearance for the Spanish under-23s at last year's London Olympics, when he was drawn out of position and dismissed for a last-man challenge on Kensuke Nagai. A la Puyol, he can also play-left back.
He's got a fondness for a card then?
You can say that. When he was first given a go in Sociedad's "B" team in 2010, he picked up 10 yellows and 4 reds before being given 9 yellows and 2 reds in the following year. After being promoted to the first team, his discipline has cleaned up, registering 6 yellow cards and staying clean on the red front.
He's mellowed down with age?
Well.. yeah... he's more of a "champagne" centre-half now, preferring to be comfortable and clever on the ball rather than charging around looking for a tackle. With a passing percentage of 80% from over 700 passes this year, he fits in with the Spanish vogue of being good with your feet at the back. It's no wonder Barcelona have been looking at him to solve their underlying defensive "crisis".
By the way, if any greater indication was needed about his ability on the ball, why not watch a video of him scoring 2, yes 2, goals from the half-way line. Eat your heart out Beckham.
Wednesday, 27 February 2013
ANTOINE GRIEZMANN
Who is he? Where does he play?
After heading to Spain yesterday for one young Frenchman, we are off there again for another one, more specifically 21 year old Antoine Griezmann who plays on the wing for Real Sociedad and has a rather luscious head of combed-over blond hair.
It's good that we've established his hair colour.. so.. plays on the wing?
He does yes, or that's where he's spent the majority of this season playing for Sociedad, on the left side of the attacking midfield 3 in a 4-2-3-1 formation. He's appeared 12 times in that position this season, but he can also be deployed to the right, centrally, or even as a centre-forward.
Sounds versatile? So what does he offer?
A great deal of technical skill, pace, a good ability at crossing and a penchant for cutting inside to get shots away. It's his ability in the attacking areas around the box that has seen him register 5 goals and 2 assists this season, together with a passing accuracy of 81.6% that is in keeping with Phillipe Montanier's fluid attacking 4 with one-touch lay-offs and neat interchanges.
His ability isn't restricted to just attacking ability either, Griezmann is well disciplined in a defensive sense, offering an impressive shield to Alberto Di La Bella at left-back.
I like the sound of him... any chance of him leaving Sociedad?
The Basque club have done superbly this year and sit 6th in La Liga very much on the up. However, there is word that scouts have picked up on Griezmann's impressive performances over the course of the season, having made 22 in total, and Spurs are apparently targeting the 21 year old, who was a graduate of small-town club EC Macon over in France, as a possible replacement for flavour of the month Gareth Bale.
Would they sell?
Having only been back in La Liga for 2 years (he won the Segunda division with them in 2010) , Sociedad are still a modest club and could be tempted with a sizeable offer of, say £7-10 million. Yet, it may not be as simple as that, as faced with questions about reported interest from Barcelona, a greater indication that most of his burgeoning talent, he said “I want to stay and progress where I am. I don’t want to leave here to sit on the bench. I need to play regularly and that would be impossible at Barca.”
After being rejected from numerous Ligue 1 academies for being "too small", there is a feeling that the attacking midfielder does genuinely feel he owes the club a great deal of loyalty, having likened the club to "his family". It is a testament to his worth that he has already played 120 times for Sociedad despite only being 21.
Level headed lad then?
Yeah, as long as Sociedad keep hold of the nimble attacker who stands at a diminutive 5ft 9 inches, they will have no limit to their ambitions. Plus, he now appears regularly for France's under-20 side, having won the under-19 European Championship on home soil back in 2010.
He is athletic, well-balance and incredibly talented, but you just can't overlook that blond hair.
After heading to Spain yesterday for one young Frenchman, we are off there again for another one, more specifically 21 year old Antoine Griezmann who plays on the wing for Real Sociedad and has a rather luscious head of combed-over blond hair.
It's good that we've established his hair colour.. so.. plays on the wing?
He does yes, or that's where he's spent the majority of this season playing for Sociedad, on the left side of the attacking midfield 3 in a 4-2-3-1 formation. He's appeared 12 times in that position this season, but he can also be deployed to the right, centrally, or even as a centre-forward.
Sounds versatile? So what does he offer?
A great deal of technical skill, pace, a good ability at crossing and a penchant for cutting inside to get shots away. It's his ability in the attacking areas around the box that has seen him register 5 goals and 2 assists this season, together with a passing accuracy of 81.6% that is in keeping with Phillipe Montanier's fluid attacking 4 with one-touch lay-offs and neat interchanges.
His ability isn't restricted to just attacking ability either, Griezmann is well disciplined in a defensive sense, offering an impressive shield to Alberto Di La Bella at left-back.
I like the sound of him... any chance of him leaving Sociedad?
The Basque club have done superbly this year and sit 6th in La Liga very much on the up. However, there is word that scouts have picked up on Griezmann's impressive performances over the course of the season, having made 22 in total, and Spurs are apparently targeting the 21 year old, who was a graduate of small-town club EC Macon over in France, as a possible replacement for flavour of the month Gareth Bale.
Would they sell?
Having only been back in La Liga for 2 years (he won the Segunda division with them in 2010) , Sociedad are still a modest club and could be tempted with a sizeable offer of, say £7-10 million. Yet, it may not be as simple as that, as faced with questions about reported interest from Barcelona, a greater indication that most of his burgeoning talent, he said “I want to stay and progress where I am. I don’t want to leave here to sit on the bench. I need to play regularly and that would be impossible at Barca.”
After being rejected from numerous Ligue 1 academies for being "too small", there is a feeling that the attacking midfielder does genuinely feel he owes the club a great deal of loyalty, having likened the club to "his family". It is a testament to his worth that he has already played 120 times for Sociedad despite only being 21.
Level headed lad then?
Yeah, as long as Sociedad keep hold of the nimble attacker who stands at a diminutive 5ft 9 inches, they will have no limit to their ambitions. Plus, he now appears regularly for France's under-20 side, having won the under-19 European Championship on home soil back in 2010.
He is athletic, well-balance and incredibly talented, but you just can't overlook that blond hair.
Wednesday, 30 January 2013
LEON GORETZKA
Who is he? Where does he play?
He is a 17 year old German midfielder playing in the Bundesliga. 2 for VFL Bochum.
Is that it?
I'm sorry, but the obscurity of it all means we are struggling for information on the Bochum youth graduate who has blossomed during his first season since his transition from WSV to VFL in his hometown club. He has impressed so much during his first year that Hanover 96 are toying with the idea of signing him for the summer.
How is he doing then?
The second tier of the German league isn't the best gauge of quality, but nobody can argue with the impact he has made during his first year as a professional. From midfield he has scored 2 goals and has garnered 6 assists from 21 appearances. The versatile teenager, able to play anywhere in the midfield although mainly operating as a central creative force, captained the German under-17's to victory in last year's European Championship success.
Not another German talent, they'll win things for years!?
It's looking that way, although there's nothing wrong with that considering all the money they have invested into producing fine technical players, Mario Gotze, Lars Bender and Emre Can who have all won the gold medal in the Fritz Walter award under-17 category in recent years. Goretzka won that accolade last year.
Will Hannover get him then?
He is contracted to Bochum until 2016 but a stay beyond the summer is unlikely and he is valued at an estimated 3.5 million euros. Clubs in the past linked with the midfielder have generically been Bayern Munich, Manchesters City and United etc. but genuine interest has been mentioned from Arsenal, who have sent scouts to watch him several times, and Barcelona, who had an approach rejected for the talented youngster rejected last summer according to German media outlet Kicker.
News that Hanover are nearing the signature of Goretzka with peripheral negotiations underway between the two clubs being reported here at Goal.Com
http://www.goal.com/de/news/968/transfernews/2013/01/30/3711716/hannover-96-will-leon-goretzka?source=breakingnews&ICID=HP_BN_15#
"Goretzka is a subject with which we are concerned," Hanover manager Jörg Schmadtke confirmed to image. Even in Bochum is known of the plans of Lower Saxony. "Yes, I've heard that Hanover has put out feelers," said manager Jens Todt. Mirko Slomka, the coach of the Hanoverian, admitted that he was on the phone with the player's agent.
He is a 17 year old German midfielder playing in the Bundesliga. 2 for VFL Bochum.
Is that it?
I'm sorry, but the obscurity of it all means we are struggling for information on the Bochum youth graduate who has blossomed during his first season since his transition from WSV to VFL in his hometown club. He has impressed so much during his first year that Hanover 96 are toying with the idea of signing him for the summer.
How is he doing then?
The second tier of the German league isn't the best gauge of quality, but nobody can argue with the impact he has made during his first year as a professional. From midfield he has scored 2 goals and has garnered 6 assists from 21 appearances. The versatile teenager, able to play anywhere in the midfield although mainly operating as a central creative force, captained the German under-17's to victory in last year's European Championship success.
Not another German talent, they'll win things for years!?
It's looking that way, although there's nothing wrong with that considering all the money they have invested into producing fine technical players, Mario Gotze, Lars Bender and Emre Can who have all won the gold medal in the Fritz Walter award under-17 category in recent years. Goretzka won that accolade last year.
Will Hannover get him then?
He is contracted to Bochum until 2016 but a stay beyond the summer is unlikely and he is valued at an estimated 3.5 million euros. Clubs in the past linked with the midfielder have generically been Bayern Munich, Manchesters City and United etc. but genuine interest has been mentioned from Arsenal, who have sent scouts to watch him several times, and Barcelona, who had an approach rejected for the talented youngster rejected last summer according to German media outlet Kicker.
News that Hanover are nearing the signature of Goretzka with peripheral negotiations underway between the two clubs being reported here at Goal.Com
http://www.goal.com/de/news/968/transfernews/2013/01/30/3711716/hannover-96-will-leon-goretzka?source=breakingnews&ICID=HP_BN_15#
"Goretzka is a subject with which we are concerned," Hanover manager Jörg Schmadtke confirmed to image. Even in Bochum is known of the plans of Lower Saxony. "Yes, I've heard that Hanover has put out feelers," said manager Jens Todt. Mirko Slomka, the coach of the Hanoverian, admitted that he was on the phone with the player's agent.
Friday, 23 November 2012
MARTIN MONTOYA
Who is he? Where does he play?
In keeping with the recent Barcelona theme, Montoya plays for, you've guessed it, Barcelona, at right-back and is 21 years of age. The steam-train-esque Dani Alves also plays right-back in Catalonia, but is under threat for his place by Montoya who has a decent amount of first-team experience considering the competition for places and his age.
He's playing a bit then?
Oh aye, Alves's flirts with injury has bought Montoya 21 appearances in the first team squad over the past three years and new coach Tito Vilanova is a big fan, trying to integrate him into his plans by already giving him 9 appearances this season (Alves has been sidelined with a thigh injury). He is also a regular in Spain's under-21 and under-23 national squads (part of the U-21 squad that won the European Championship in 2011) whilst his progression has not gone unnoticed by Vincent Del Bosque who gave him his first call up to the full senior squad for this season's matches against Chile and Liechtenstein.
How does he play? Like Alves?
Yes, pretty much. Montoya is a very intelligent full-back who can easily balance the need to defend with the need to push forward. He's not afraid to providing the width in Barcelona's essentially narrow 4-3-3 system whilst also proving to be dependable at the back. Stamina plays a huge role in being a Barcelona full-back and Montoya is typically motor-driven, bombing up and down that right-flank like a footballing Duracell Bunny. Like an Alves-lite if you will.
The next Alves?
I wish we could stop talking about Alves but yes, it really does look that way. In fact, Barclelona are lucky to have Montoya, as in early 2011, Valencia were on the verge of signing the right-back for his 3 million Euro buy-out clause, but he stayed at the Nou Camp, and look what's happened to him? A real Charlie and the Chocolate Factory story eh?
Eh!?
Yeah, I don't know either. Simply put, put money on the 21 year old Montoya being Barca's right-back for the next ten years, and perhaps Spain's as Del Bosque looks for a fill in as he moves Sergio Ramos to become the natural heir to the ageing Carles Puyol at centre-half.
Anything else to add?
Oh yeah... this.... LOOK... HE DENIED IT... ok?
In keeping with the recent Barcelona theme, Montoya plays for, you've guessed it, Barcelona, at right-back and is 21 years of age. The steam-train-esque Dani Alves also plays right-back in Catalonia, but is under threat for his place by Montoya who has a decent amount of first-team experience considering the competition for places and his age.
He's playing a bit then?
Oh aye, Alves's flirts with injury has bought Montoya 21 appearances in the first team squad over the past three years and new coach Tito Vilanova is a big fan, trying to integrate him into his plans by already giving him 9 appearances this season (Alves has been sidelined with a thigh injury). He is also a regular in Spain's under-21 and under-23 national squads (part of the U-21 squad that won the European Championship in 2011) whilst his progression has not gone unnoticed by Vincent Del Bosque who gave him his first call up to the full senior squad for this season's matches against Chile and Liechtenstein.
How does he play? Like Alves?
Yes, pretty much. Montoya is a very intelligent full-back who can easily balance the need to defend with the need to push forward. He's not afraid to providing the width in Barcelona's essentially narrow 4-3-3 system whilst also proving to be dependable at the back. Stamina plays a huge role in being a Barcelona full-back and Montoya is typically motor-driven, bombing up and down that right-flank like a footballing Duracell Bunny. Like an Alves-lite if you will.
The next Alves?
I wish we could stop talking about Alves but yes, it really does look that way. In fact, Barclelona are lucky to have Montoya, as in early 2011, Valencia were on the verge of signing the right-back for his 3 million Euro buy-out clause, but he stayed at the Nou Camp, and look what's happened to him? A real Charlie and the Chocolate Factory story eh?
Eh!?
Yeah, I don't know either. Simply put, put money on the 21 year old Montoya being Barca's right-back for the next ten years, and perhaps Spain's as Del Bosque looks for a fill in as he moves Sergio Ramos to become the natural heir to the ageing Carles Puyol at centre-half.
Anything else to add?
Oh yeah... this.... LOOK... HE DENIED IT... ok?
GERARD DEULOFEU
Who is he? Where does he play?
He is another one of those ultra-brilliant teenagers made from the fairy dust they have in large supply over at Barcelona's much-fawned-over La Masia academy. He is 18 years of age and plays as a centre forward or a winger which earn him inevitable comparisons to....
Let me guess.. Lionel Messi?
Nope, surprisingly not, with people preferring to liken the skillful Deulofeu to the buck toothed Brazilian wizard Ronaldinho instead. The Spanish youngster picked up that moniker around La Masia aged 14 and the hype has continued up to the present day where he is on the fringes of Tito Vilanova's squad at 18 years old. The hype over his talent has also been spotted by Nike, who handed him a salary of 150,000 euros back when he was a wee nipper, just 4 years ago, making him the sportswear giant's biggest sponsorship gamble since....
Let me guess.. Lionel Messi?
Yes, this time you're correct! Have yourself a gold star.
Perhaps not as audaciously talented as the Argentinean, though Deulofeu has some of the same characteristics at youth level. Often able to whiz past 4-5 players and beat a startled goalkeeper with consummate ease, his skill and trickery bamboozled so many as he helped Spain breeze to under-19 European Championship glory in the summer. His awesome form for Barcelona B this season, which has seen him net 7 goals in 11 games, convinced Vilanova he was worthy of fighting for a spot among his juggernaut, and so he got a short run out vs Spartak Moscow in the Champions League.
Convinced Vilanova?
To a degree yes. The new Barca boss was reported to be mulling over the idea of shipping the young striker out on loan with a desperate Liverpool lurking, but after a couple of short appearances under his predecessor Pep Guardiola, curiosity got the better of him and so he was kept on. Curiosity about such hype that saw Nike throw money at him when he was 12. Such hype that so many people call him a future Ballon D'Or winner.
Good then, so why doesn't he play more?
Good question. You'd think that Barcelona of all places wouldn't be averse to giving an opportunity to a youngster, especially one as brilliantly gifted as this young fellow. But there is a claim that Deulofeu is perhaps struggling with an over-sized ego, a character that knows he is good too much and likes to over-indulge in his talents. For more, read this, there is a over-hanging feeling that Gerard may not realise his potential due to his characteristic flaws.
He is another one of those ultra-brilliant teenagers made from the fairy dust they have in large supply over at Barcelona's much-fawned-over La Masia academy. He is 18 years of age and plays as a centre forward or a winger which earn him inevitable comparisons to....
Let me guess.. Lionel Messi?
Nope, surprisingly not, with people preferring to liken the skillful Deulofeu to the buck toothed Brazilian wizard Ronaldinho instead. The Spanish youngster picked up that moniker around La Masia aged 14 and the hype has continued up to the present day where he is on the fringes of Tito Vilanova's squad at 18 years old. The hype over his talent has also been spotted by Nike, who handed him a salary of 150,000 euros back when he was a wee nipper, just 4 years ago, making him the sportswear giant's biggest sponsorship gamble since....
Let me guess.. Lionel Messi?
Yes, this time you're correct! Have yourself a gold star.
Perhaps not as audaciously talented as the Argentinean, though Deulofeu has some of the same characteristics at youth level. Often able to whiz past 4-5 players and beat a startled goalkeeper with consummate ease, his skill and trickery bamboozled so many as he helped Spain breeze to under-19 European Championship glory in the summer. His awesome form for Barcelona B this season, which has seen him net 7 goals in 11 games, convinced Vilanova he was worthy of fighting for a spot among his juggernaut, and so he got a short run out vs Spartak Moscow in the Champions League.
Convinced Vilanova?
To a degree yes. The new Barca boss was reported to be mulling over the idea of shipping the young striker out on loan with a desperate Liverpool lurking, but after a couple of short appearances under his predecessor Pep Guardiola, curiosity got the better of him and so he was kept on. Curiosity about such hype that saw Nike throw money at him when he was 12. Such hype that so many people call him a future Ballon D'Or winner.
Good then, so why doesn't he play more?
Good question. You'd think that Barcelona of all places wouldn't be averse to giving an opportunity to a youngster, especially one as brilliantly gifted as this young fellow. But there is a claim that Deulofeu is perhaps struggling with an over-sized ego, a character that knows he is good too much and likes to over-indulge in his talents. For more, read this, there is a over-hanging feeling that Gerard may not realise his potential due to his characteristic flaws.
Thursday, 8 November 2012
MARC BARTRA
Who is he? Where does he play?
He's the latest product of the designer conveyor belt of talent at Barcelona that relentlessly sprogs up possession loving genius' that pass, and pass, and pass, all day until you're bored of it and switch over to watch Antiques Roadshow on a Sunday night, though unlike the usual mould that La Masia churns out, Bartra is not a Xavi, an Iniesta or even a Fabregas, the guy's a rather cute looking defender......
A defender!? At Barca...?
Yeah, a defender at Barca, a centre-half in fact. Don't look at me so nonplussed, they did create Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol and that lad who's now at Chelsea who everybody has forgotten about, so they're not truly averse to making lads at the back. Plus it will do them some good instead of shoe-horning the likes of Javier Mascherano and Alex Song back there as they show contempt to such a modern football commodity as having a defence.
The Vilanova influence?
To an extent yes, Barca have been far more within the realms of basic football since the tiki-taka passing utopia of Pep Guardiola passed into sabbatical and all part of that has been an inclination to actually set up with designated defenders.
Whilst to an extent no, Bartra had already dabbled in first team duty under Mr. Guardiola, registering eight performances up until this season where he has been given a more prominent role under Tito, appearing 5 times. He hasn't done too badly.
Hasn't done too badly? Elaborate...
Okay, well he was given 90 minutes in the home Champions League win over Celtic where he impressed with neat passing out from the back, but that work was undone as he struggled in the cauldron of Parkhead (he was withdrawn after 71 minutes) in the return fixture. His passing percentage of 95% from two La Liga games suggests Bartra is a dab hand with Barca's old fetish of caressing the ball out from the back with zero fuss.
Anything else worth knowing?
Not really, although he did once have to fan the flames after clattering golden Barca boy Lionel Messi with a heavy challenge in training, "nothing happened" he said, like the young child standing suspiciously next to the spillage on the floor.
He's the latest product of the designer conveyor belt of talent at Barcelona that relentlessly sprogs up possession loving genius' that pass, and pass, and pass, all day until you're bored of it and switch over to watch Antiques Roadshow on a Sunday night, though unlike the usual mould that La Masia churns out, Bartra is not a Xavi, an Iniesta or even a Fabregas, the guy's a rather cute looking defender......
A defender!? At Barca...?
Yeah, a defender at Barca, a centre-half in fact. Don't look at me so nonplussed, they did create Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol and that lad who's now at Chelsea who everybody has forgotten about, so they're not truly averse to making lads at the back. Plus it will do them some good instead of shoe-horning the likes of Javier Mascherano and Alex Song back there as they show contempt to such a modern football commodity as having a defence.
The Vilanova influence?
To an extent yes, Barca have been far more within the realms of basic football since the tiki-taka passing utopia of Pep Guardiola passed into sabbatical and all part of that has been an inclination to actually set up with designated defenders.
Whilst to an extent no, Bartra had already dabbled in first team duty under Mr. Guardiola, registering eight performances up until this season where he has been given a more prominent role under Tito, appearing 5 times. He hasn't done too badly.
Hasn't done too badly? Elaborate...
Okay, well he was given 90 minutes in the home Champions League win over Celtic where he impressed with neat passing out from the back, but that work was undone as he struggled in the cauldron of Parkhead (he was withdrawn after 71 minutes) in the return fixture. His passing percentage of 95% from two La Liga games suggests Bartra is a dab hand with Barca's old fetish of caressing the ball out from the back with zero fuss.
Anything else worth knowing?
Not really, although he did once have to fan the flames after clattering golden Barca boy Lionel Messi with a heavy challenge in training, "nothing happened" he said, like the young child standing suspiciously next to the spillage on the floor.
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