The kids are alright. Ordiozolla to me is a starter. Dude is an absolute beast. The dude never stops running and he is really, really good offensively. Reguillon is a traditional LB, his crossing is phenomenal, and he is very assured defensively. Javi Sanchez is a big, quick CB who came in in a tough place and was fantastic. And Ceballos playing deep and looking very comfortable in that position; subdued offensively, but holding the fort defensively. Bale and Lucas didn't really contribute anything at all to this game. Lucas made a lot of runs but his last touch is just atrocious. Bale was invisible. The "ankle" injury is just a cover up by the coach to what was another disappointment from Bale. There is nothing justifying either holding a place in the starting 11, and I see no reason why Asensio and Vinicius have to sit and watch Bale put up stinker after stinker. Benzema was great, but I'm not sure if it's his usual few hot games every couple of months or a "turning point". I'm going to go with the former until I see evidence to prove otherwise. Kroos was really good. Modric was so-so; good in spurts, but not really anywhere close to his usual level over the entire game.
The thing with Bale is that he's got to the point in his career where he is starting to slow down and adjust his game. Unlike the likes of Di Maria and Robben who continue to run at defences, Bale has decided to go the Ronaldo route and become more of a poacher. Thing is, he's simply not that player no does he have the the intelligence or drive to be.
I've said for sometime thar Ceballos could play as a DM, I'd also like to see Llorente get some minutes there.
As much as I like Casemiro , his football qualities as a distributer or his passing under pressure , is a weak link. Would be nice to let Ceballos adapt into that role.
Casemiro needs to be put at the same role he had under Zizou, which made him one of the best midfielders in the world. I'm not up for benching him or switching his role drastically. With that said, i'd rather see a double pivot of Casemiro - Ceballos than Casemiro - Kroos.
It`s not just passing. He lacks creativity. On the other hand Ceballos has bucket of it. But before i start saying Ceballos CDM, i would like to see he improves his decision making.
Atletico - Barca next matchday. We could cut down the lead further if we can get the win at Eibar. Seems like this could be a league season where you could win the title with 85 points. Barca haven't been playing well in the league and could have easily lost at Rayo as well.
Marcelo offers another dimension true. But considering we have started clicking offensively and he is incredibly shitty in defense and constantly exposes the left flank, it`s questionable if decision is so easy as "should be back". For example there were tons of defensive situations in which i said to myself:" replace Regullion with Marcelo right there and that is a goal for opponent. Maybe we should explore the idea of Marcelo the winger. His capacity coupled with Regullions physicality could be a great match.
Another anonymous performance by Bale. I'm beginning to wonder if that was even him playing in the CL finals or did we just bring McManaman out of retirement and slap a man bun and Bale jersey on him.
To be fair, he was playing with a ********ed ankle and still covering the LB position when Rugi had to go off.
What about the rest of the season and the first 45 minutes. There is no "to be fair" anymore with Bale. It's just excuse after excuse.
It may be partly because of Lope changing the fitness coach. If that's the case, Lope damaged the season even further, even after his sacking.
I didn't get to watch the game because I was out of town on vacation, but I just watched some extended highlights. My goodness, what a vintage la liga game. So much technique. Such class goals. Benz's touch was marvelous, a Panenka, and a Ceballos rocket. Even the Celta 1st goal was a perfectly placed ball over the top. I'm thinking of sending the highlight video to some of my prem league friends.
Funnily enough the quality in la liga has decreased massively recently. The defending is atrocious. On par with the EPL. The good thing is that it's become more competitive and enjoyable.