I just got done watching the 1999 Super Classico in Camp Nou on GolTv. I know that Kluivert, Rivaldo, and Figo were on that side, BUT who was the star of that year? That was the year that Barca won the last major trophy correct?
I also watched the marathon of Super Classico's....I wouldn't say Rivaldo in those matches...to me it seemed like Figo kept the team cohesive.... What I would like to see if the Super Classico match from the Spring of 2001, in Madrid, when Rivaldo had the match winner taken away in injury time....by a paid off linesman
That Barca team of 1998-2000 was my favorite non-Milan side of the last 10 years. I loved watching them anytime they were on the tube. With Luis Enrique/Rivaldo/Figo playing behind Kluivert they played some of the prettiest football in years. I personally feel that they were a better side than the current Barca side. Unfortunately Van Gaal couldn't win in europe which eventually got him the sack. I would say Figo was their best player. Rivaldo would perform the non-human on occasion but Figo was more consistent.
Now I know why Cules are DISGUSTED with #$%^ aka Traitor. He was an AMAZING player. Rivaldo was insane too. Wonder if there is any way to buy old Barca year in review DVD or VHS that are compatiable in the USA????
i agree with you that figo was the corner stone and creative force behind especially the 99-00 squad, however i do`nt agree that it was better than this one... for one the current side plays a much better crisp one touch passing game with better speed than the 99 side.. that past midfield comprising of pep, cocu, xavi who deputised for the unlucky luis enrique- who missed many matches due to persistent injuries, the young gabri with zenden wide on the left was okay but this current one moves the ball way much faster with superb inch perfect passing. figo was to me the best player not only for us but in europe, simply oustanding, his consistency that season can only be rivalled by the then valencia`s brilliant playmaker mendieta, rivaldo kept the opposing defence lines on pressure , kluivert was inconsistent.. cocu and pep held the midfield well, although cocu at times was shifted to left back when sergi was injured- abelardo did a tremendous job for us in central defence-puyol was tireless.. sergi was also on and off -injuries.. the youngster simao now with benfica-too much expectations on his young shoulders.. didn`t prove much. oh valdes has been amazing for us but then ruud hesp was a disappointment so were his successors, dutruel, bonano, enke etc..
I think Rivaldo was the best player in the world at that time. Figo was also reaching his peak as a football player - imo. In 2000/01 - Rivaldo was unreal in that season. He pratically dragged Barca into the CL - remember that killer last minute bicycle kick winner? Amazing goal. Back to '99, a few notables as well as them two. Cocu, of course was a great player. But I also remember Luis Enrique being unbeatable too. And we can't leave out Sonny Anderson (I really loved that guy - before and after playing for Lyon.)
i`ve always rated sonny anderson ever since his days with monaco before he joined us , but he really struggled to fit in during the 1998-99 season, i remember we had great expectations of pairing a three prolonged attack of rivaldo-kluivert and sonny anderson. that had done well the previous season-97-98 but sonny struggled at times.. some times he would wave his magic and score spectacularly but in general he didn`t contribute much.. actually we did regret letting him go because at lyon he was far more prolific and a sharper marksman.. scored lots of terrific goals for lyon.. at times i wondered why he never featured regularly for brazil..
He definitely was an important player for Barça. He sure would've helped out with our current injury crisis. While he was versatile, I think Luis Enrique, in his prime, was more versatile. He could play out wide, as well as in the middle. Plus he could play as a forward and a midfielder. If I remember correctly, he might've even filled in as a defender a few times. Too bad he could never stay healthy.