La Liga 2010/11

[JohnDoe]

I disagree, although with the benefit of hindsight it's easy to see why it's not working out for him there. Initially I thought he'd be a good fit, adding the bite and nastiness they lack. But I was wrong, Busquets is a far better fit and Mascherano should go elsewhere. He's the best around at what he does.

Alonso carried him. Mascherano never needed to touch the ball when he played next to him because Alonso sat deep and picked up the ball first from the defenders. Mascherano's passing deficiencies were hidden and his off the ball abilities were showcased.

Xavi and Iniesta play further forward and at Barca, the defensive midfielder is required to be able to pass and initiate offense, something Mascherano doesn't know how to do and it showed in his last season here playing next to Lucas and at the World Cup. Busquets is a much better overall player, even though I can't stand him because he's a diving, cheating cunt. I don't think Mascherano is ever going to look as good as he did here, unless he joins Real Madrid. A great player in a certain system next to certain players. Another case of Rafa getting the best out of someone IMO.

Was he ****. We clearly miss him badly.

No, we don't. We need more passing, not tackling, in midfield. Lucas has slotted in quite nicely in his role, and I'm no Lucas fan.

[Craig_H]

€34m for Villa. Great signing.

[Molby]

Alonso carried him. Mascherano never needed to touch the ball when he played next to him because Alonso sat deep and picked up the ball first from the defenders. Mascherano's passing deficiencies were hidden and his off the ball abilities were showcased.

Xavi and Iniesta play further forward and at Barca, the defensive midfielder is required to be able to pass and initiate offense, something Mascherano doesn't know how to do and it showed in his last season here playing next to Lucas and at the World Cup. Busquets is a much better overall player, even though I can't stand him because he's a diving, cheating cunt. I don't think Mascherano is ever going to look as good as he did here, unless he joins Real Madrid. A great player in a certain system next to certain players. Another case of Rafa getting the best out of someone IMO.

excellent post

No, we don't. We need more passing, not tackling, in midfield. Lucas has slotted in quite nicely in his role, and I'm no Lucas fan.

Yeah Lucas is doing a good job in there, to prioritise, it's Alonso's range of passing we need to replace 1st.

[Shaggy]

Cracking save from a towering Llorente header.

[Craig_H]

Takes a certain type of character to go to Barca and be willing to be glued to the bench, basically forever.

[Shaggy]

LMAO @ the stories about Pinto whistling when opposition strikers are bearing down on goal

[Craig_H]

Valdes is injured or suspended, right?

Tell me Guardiola hasnt just dropped him because of the near post clanger at arsenal?

[Rowan]

that's class. Seagal's a genius :whistles:

[Craig_H]

LMAO @ the stories about Pinto whistling when opposition strikers are bearing down on goal

I dont get why Uefa gave him a ban - when was 'whistling' against the ****ing rules?

It shows great initiative IMO.

[Rudo]

Anyone know when Madrid and Barca play each other?

[Drago]

Would Tim Howard get away with shouting a load of expletives (sp?) when a striker is one on one?

[Craig_H]

Anyone know when Madrid and Barca play each other?

17th April.

[Rudo]

Would Tim Howard get away with shouting a load of expletives (sp?) when a striker is one on one?

good question. i think Howard's a decent keeper tbh, bit under-rated.

[Rowan]

I dont get why Uefa gave him a ban - when was 'whistling' against the ****ing rules?

It shows great initiative IMO.

It shows what a clown' shoes organisation they are, Craig. Happy to retrospectively take action to **** someone over but not to offer a rep rive to someone wronged by one of their over zealous refs.

And for whistling too jokers

[Shaggy]

I dont get why Uefa gave him a ban - when was 'whistling' against the ****ing rules?

It shows great initiative IMO.

I remember seeing it at a Chesterfield v Swindon game in about 1985. One of my earliest football memories. Sat in the centre stand with my old man, Swindon player runs clean through from the half-way line, some wag in the stand with an actual whistle blows it and the Swindon striker stopped

Nothing you can do about it when the whistle blower is sat in the stands