Most underated players

[Hendrixforpope]

Look, if Xavi and Iniesta were somehow underrated that would presumably mean some sort of hidden defensive component to their games. I have no idea how many games Barca lost over the last two years after they had a lead, but it's a lot. It definitely cost them the 2007 Liga title. Those two, especially Xavi have to take some of the blame along with Rikaard. But they're Catalans/youth system so just blame Eto'o, Deco, and Ronaldinho! They got off easy.

You obviously haven't a clue what you're talking about.

Eto'o has been known to become a head-case when the going gets rough. Deco and Ronaldinho became a cancer in the locker room.

[Dr. Know]

Look, if Xavi and Iniesta were somehow underrated that would presumably mean some sort of hidden defensive component to their games. I have no idea how many games Barca lost over the last two years after they had a lead, but it's a lot. It definitely cost them the 2007 Liga title. Those two, especially Xavi have to take some of the blame along with Rikaard. But they're Catalans/youth system so just blame Eto'o, Deco, and Ronaldinho! They got off easy.

Did you actually watch the games?

Also you must not have a clue that Valdes is one of the players that gets the most crap from everybody and he's Catalan and a Barca youth product.

[Cool Rob]

My humblest apologies for insinuating there is some sort of pro-Catalan bias at Barca.

If YOU guys watched the games and follow Barca you should know that when the going gets tough... Barca blames foreigners. Laporta was quite nearly removed from office and does it to save his job. And guess who was hired as coach! But of course there is no bias and it is pure coincidence that Barca's captains are...Xavi, Iniesta, Puyol, and the great Valdes.

Again: Xavi and Iniesta are shielded from their share of blame for Barca's underachievement through the Catalan flag.

[Hendrixforpope]

My humblest apologies for insinuating there is some sort of pro-Catalan bias at Barca.

If YOU guys watched the games and follow Barca you should know that when the going gets tough... Barca blames foreigners. Laporta was quite nearly removed from office and does it to save his job. And guess who was hired as coach! But of course there is no bias and it is pure coincidence that Barca's captains are...Xavi, Iniesta, Puyol, and the great Valdes.

Again: Xavi and Iniesta are shielded from their share of blame for Barca's underachievement through the Catalan flag.

Why shouldn't there be a pro-Catalan bias at Barca? They're the ones who have actually given a shit during the hard times. While Ronaldinho was out partying and getting drunk claiming to be 'injured', Xavi and Iniesta were out on the field being Barca's creative engine. To save himself from being humiliated during the last Classico, Eto'o picked up a yellow card during the match before, claiming he didn't know he was one away from being suspended. Aside from a few other notable Barca players (such as Messi), the Catalans were the ones who showed pride and loyalty toward their club and actually gave a damn. They have been the heart and soul of Barca over the past few seasons.

[jerrito]

Totally different players. Senna is more of a DM, one of the best in the world at his position, and an undisputed starter for Spain because of what he provides. Spain currently has few other players that can provide that. There's a reason why he started every single game for Spain except the insignificant one against Greece.

A player like Senna or Gattuso is extremely valuable. Having that security provides freedom for others to attack, among other things. Spain is smart to play him as often as possible.

[phil80]

Again: Xavi and Iniesta are shielded from their share of blame for Barca's underachievement through the Catalan flag.
Are you suggesting they deserved the blame. They have been consistently putting in great performances for the past year or so. On the other hand, Ronaldinho, Deco, Henry began underperforming that is why they got some of the criticism and rightfully so.

[Cool Rob]

So to recap; the argument is that Xavi and Iniesta, critical players for one of the world’s biggest teams that has won NOTHING over the past two years, are underrated? Sorry but I just don’t get it.

I don’t think they deserve blame because I don’t rate them as highly as other posters. Barca’s fortunes rise and fall with “overrated” and “cancerous” players like Deco and Ronaldinho (who actually scored 8 goals in 17 Liga games last year).

The Catalan players are the “heart” of the team because they won’t be sold like the foreigners. Barca has an amazing habit of discarding the greatest players in its history; Rivaldo, Deco, Ronaldinho- all of whom would have been at Barca much longer had they been Catalan.

[Dr. Know]

Well in the 06-07 season Barca lost because of dumb defensive mistakes when the season was ending coupled with the incredible luck Madrid had. Either way they finished tied in points and Barca had a much higher GD. In practically every other league Barca would have won it. Whatever.

Last season Barca suffered key injuries throughout the season and yes they underperformed. But Xavi and Iniesta are hardly to blame since Xavi had a brilliant season as did Iniesta. Add to the fact that La Liga got even more competitive with Villarreal become a tough opponent and Atletico Madrid also performing very well.

This stuff happens. Madrid went a few years without winning anything as well. It comes in phases.

Ronaldinho and Deco just like Ronaldo during his final season at Madrid started to not give a shit. Yeah they might have scored here or there but the motivation was lacking. You could clearly see it. Even if the team lost the league if the players had given it their all I don't think many fans would have had a problem with them. But they didn't.

Also I don't think anyone has called either Dinho nor Deco "overrated".

[phil80]

So to recap; the argument is that Xavi and Iniesta, critical players for one of the world’s biggest teams that has won NOTHING over the past two years, are underrated? Sorry but I just don’t get it.

Players can still be underrated even if the collective team does not live up to expectations. And for country, Iniesta and Xavi have definitely done well. IMO it's not fair to share the blame on players that try hard and perform well in nearly every game they play

[VCFan]

BTW, Iniesta is not a Catalan... just a piece of trivia.

[erick]

http://futbolenojotas.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/salvador-cabanas.jpg...should be in europe...best player in the americas

[JuveFE]

http://futbolenojotas.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/salvador-cabanas.jpg...should be in europe...best player in the americas

looks a little overweight wouldn't you say?

good player though

[Hendrixforpope]

BTW, Iniesta is not a Catalan... just a piece of trivia.

Shhhh...you're not supposed to tell anybody :p

He is 'accepted' or 'considered' to be Catalan (in all but birth)

[VCFan]

Shhhh...you're not supposed to tell anybody :p

He is 'accepted' or 'considered' to be Catalan (in all but birth)

In the same way that Samuel Eto'o is considered to be Catalan as well? :p

[Hendrixforpope]

In the same way that Samuel Eto'o is considered to be Catalan as well? :p

You got me there :D

[jerrito]

In the same way that Samuel Eto'o is considered to be Catalan as well? :p

Everyone knows that Eto'o is Norwegian. ;)

[pepinointer]

Everyone knows that Eto'o is Norwegian. ;)

no he is a danish, DUH :D

[phil80]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/7678835.stm

based on this list...underrated= Mascherano, Joe Cole, Iniesta, Ferdinand

[vancity eagle]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/7678835.stm

based on this list...underrated= Mascherano, Joe Cole, Iniesta, Ferdinand

Essien is twice the player Mascherano is.

[phil80]

Essien is twice the player Mascherano is.
Essien should be included, but i dont think he's twice mascherano's level. Both are solid defensive mids that should not be overlooked.