I disagree with this. If anything, while no one negates Duvan's physicality, it's Bacca that can pull away defenders and create danger in spaces. His finishing isn't always there (and can be greedy at times) but go back and watch his connection with James vs Ecuador (a team that at the time was dominating the WCQ). The guy was brilliant. It's very very very difficult to have a guy not perform at club level and then perform at NT. It happens(ex; Abel, Sanchez,CZapata) solely because the coach has a desperate need in a position that just can't be filled by a better player. A player like Zapata is an "in the box presence" that will break down defenders but so does Falcao. I need that 2nd striker to constantly be a threat all to himself without taking away fro Falcao's attributes. We're not Eastern European teams that drive down the flanks and solely look for their strikers (ala Poland). We have much more build up play. As a defender, you can't look past at a guy like Bacca who has had so many solid seasons, consistently since coming to Europe (including this year). You can't just ignore his numbers based on some magic skillset that may or may not happen. I also love Duvan's highlight reel vs Juve where he takes on a bunch of defenders and scores but that's not an everyday thing with him.
Bacca was brilliant in that Ecuador game but in so many other games he was really poor. Falcao and Bacca are our best finishers but Bacca doesn't offer really much else in our buildup, Duvan would offer more occupying defenders and holding play up really well, so would Borja. We should respect Bacca's skillset and what he brings to the table, but I'm just not sure we can have he and Faclao who both are pure finishers, especially when they can't play together and we most likely will need to play a 2 forward system to get the best out of Falcao. I'd feel bad about leaving Bacca out because I think he gives everything and has had a great year at club but I think it might be necessary.
Lots of stuff was also going on with Bacca 2016-2017 year (injuries, issues @ Milan , etc). Add to it that Colombia was also not generating so many chances because our main #10 was also having his own issues, the ball was rarely getting to a point of attack. Or we would be way predictable as Fabra was still making adjustments and Cuadrado was not effective. Our MF line of Sanchez and Dani/Barrios were also struggling as there was no one to carry out options in build up play. Let's be honest here, NO ONE really looked that great in this WCQ cycle. We showed moments of brilliance and won the games we had to win mostly against 'accessible' opponents but this team limped throughout the process, not just a Bacca issue. Now, here I am, the biggest stage in the world and THIS is where I choose to improvise players? Unless there is really a significant drop in form or injury why would a manager risk another spot on another player that hasn't had the mileage? We all love "x" style of players. The type that bring something different and can change a game for you instantly. But the entire team can't be based on "x" unknown without risking/considering the negative side of what that "x" brings. Had Bacca been coming in last summer you would have a legit case but I really think the guy has had a consistent season in a very competitive league with a team fighting for Euro Spots all season. His compatriot, Roger, has had a difficult time adjusting so far so it's not so easy to slot into a new team and do what Bacca can do. Personally, I wouldnt cry over Zapata being chosen over Bacca but Pekerman tends to be very disciplined, with HIGH loyalty toward his players. With that basis, all logic would dictate that he will choose a player he knows what he can and can't expect vs one that is unproven. Remember, first job is to get points from 3 official games. Everything after that is gravy.
Again, a lot of theory in what you're saying. However, this ability to pull defenders and create space is precisely why those of us you're arguing against are pushing for Duvan, not Bacca. People fell in love with Duvan when he started next to Falcao in Lima. Not only did he play well (he was a monster, really); but Falcao and all the other attacking players got a lot more liberty because of how much hassle Duvan gave the Peruvian defense. He had a dynamic performance that we've never seen from Bacca, and made everybody else look better in the process. We completely lost control of that match when he got subbed out. Before you or someone else comes to Bacca's defense--I know he's a big reason why we're in Russia. He contributed with important goals and important assists. However, with Bacca, you only ever note his presence on the match when goals are scored. Besides that, he's often a non-factor and gets frustrated that he's un-involved. He'll lose balls easily, try to make silly pivots and back heels, and get roughed up in hold-up play. The logical response to this would be: don't goals matter more than anything else? Absolutely they do. However, we already have our target man in Falcao, and Falcao ain't going nowhere. If Falcao was unavailable for this tournament, not only would Bacca be on the final roster, he'd probably start. With things as they are, Colombia struggles more to create chances than to put them in. We need to make things as easy for James and Falcao to do their thing as possible. If you wish to do that with 2 strikers on the field, that 2nd striker should be Duvan, not incognito Bacca. Forget theory, forget clubs. Look at how they've done for Colombia.
Artilheiro é artilheiro, né? ⚽️👏#AvantiPalestra #SabeSerBrasileiro #CâmeraDoEstagiário pic.twitter.com/gTxLFqZaXR— SE Palmeiras (@Palmeiras) May 20, 2018 Goal against Bahia last night.
He scored the second one... too Borja recebe bolão do Moisés e marca pela segunda vez: Cerro 0x2 Palmeiras pic.twitter.com/zJrrpASRvv— Goleada Info (@goleada_info) August 10, 2018
He's gotto be our main striker for the next process. Falcao can hold the fort but we have to start transitioning to this guy.
Not so bad.......like same rate of goals and asissts of duvan in italy.....that the media try to make great.
That first goal is a lot harder then it looks, he concentrated really well with a defender whiffing and a deflection. Good striker instincts there.
⚽🥅 ¡Miguel Borja, el hombre gol de @Palmeiras en la #CONMEBOLLibertadores! Lleva 8 tantos y marcó los últimos 6 de su equipo en la Copa 🏆📆 Falta un día para que empiecen los cuartos de final pic.twitter.com/62IewJBVhl— CONMEBOL Libertadores (@Libertadores) September 17, 2018
Goal in libertadores agaist colo colo.... He complete 9 goals and he is the top scorer of the tournament.... I think he will be the top scorer at the end of this editioon...hope in june or january he could move to europe finally....
Is he playing in the league as well? If you guys have the Fox app on Apple TV prob the same on android but it gives you fox deportees. Looks way way better then it does on directv now
I just realize that he can up his 9 goals a few more times. Sure he won't reach the all top 17 but it would be something to reach 10 which is something rare in the last few decades and be really something if he goes beyond 10. I think the last top goal scorer to go over 10 was 2000 with 15 goals.
Felicidades a nuestro #mundialista por el título del Brasileirao con el @Palmeiras @MiguelABorja9 👏👏.🏆 pic.twitter.com/LaKqimQYQL— Selección Colombia (@FCFSeleccionCol) November 26, 2018