It seemed that Barcelona needs someone who can deliver immediately because Messi and Suarez are on their last hurdle. I honestly have no opinion of Arthur. But they can't wait for Arthur or some 20 year old new signing to deliver immediately. So they turn to a 30 years old. I like Pjanic. He will contribute, but I don't consider him Barcelona's missing piece. Ideally, Juventus wins the CL this year(if not us). Then, Pjanic shows up in Spain with everything won and enjoys his last big pay cheque.
Pjanic has been trash this season and past season. If he plays for Barca anything like he's been playing for Juve he's gonna be another big flop. Ask any Juve fan, they can't wait to get rid of him.
pic.twitter.com/sLtT0SSXQn— football images that precede unfortunate events (@CursedFootball) June 29, 2020
I’m trying not to get too excited about Barca dropping points in this matchup either, but Atleti have been in pretty good form since the restart. I’m hoping Llorente will continue his offensive breakout since Anfield with an inspired performance, as I expect his energy to give the tired Barca legs issues. He came off the bench in Atleti’s last match vs Alaves so I expect him to be in the starting lineup for this game. Much like the Sevilla and Celta matches, I won’t get greedy and will be very satisfied with a draw here.
Messi is great but he is the most difficult player to build around. Not hating on him he is a phenom but is it possible that another club signing Griezmann, Coutinho, Dembele would be contenders for a long stretch of seasons of dominance. He seems to need specific players around him to perform. This is the Argentina problem too.
I expect Atletico to bend over Barca, as it is a tradition in La Liga. Messi usually delivered against them.
There's something to this. I think that's why the inevitable argument comes up between Ronaldo being the better player as he's more direct and has more attributes. Then there's the temperamental factor. It's looked like the guy didn't like Griez from the outset and gave him the Ibrahimovic treatment.
I actually like Pjanic, i don't think he's a good long term signing but there were some pretty bad rumors about Arthur and his lifestyle that makes this deal kind of OK. Pjanic, from what i've heard, is a huge professional and a very nice guy. Re: Atletico - Barcelona Atletico need the points. They have some tough games ahead of them: v Barcelona (H) v Mallorca (H) v Celta Vigo (A) v Real Betis (H) v Getafe (A) v Real Sociedad (H) They need every point they can get or they might drop to 4th place.
Atleti have 4 wins and 1 draw since the restart, haven’t conceded many goals and need the win because a loss means they may have to look over their shoulder for the rest of the season for the CL spots. Potentially more dropped points tonight.
True, i have said the same thing. Its best to forget about Messi and build a younger team from the likes of Lautaro, Palacios,Ocampos, Paredes etc
Indeed. Ronaldo is easy to build around. Messi is his team's chief playmaker and goalscorer at the same time. That's Aguero and KdB in one player. This is great but when you bring in other players, it means he's kind of doing your job. I'm trying to think as a manager, I don't know it's hard to know how to slot players with him. The only thing I can think of is tell him to change his role to a limited one, but he would never agree to this. I think of a player like Neymar. Would they work together again really since Neymar now isn't the same Neymar as when he left FCB.
I don't completely disagree with that. Although I would argue that Coutinho was overrated, Dembele could have worked well if he wasn't injured all the time, and Griezmann is being played out of position.
Odegaard has tendinitis. Treatment so far hasn't worked, looking for alternatives. Could miss the rest of the season. https://t.co/0DQw0DnoCw— The Spanish Football Podcast (@tsf_podcast) June 30, 2020
Last time Atletico drew with Barca in the league at the Nou Camp was 4 years ago. Last time they beat Barca at the Nou Camp in the league was 14 years ago. Let's hope secret agent Llorente can change things!! I have lost faith in Morata being able to do it, lol