La Liga 2011-12

[Zapater]

Possibly 6 months away. Was that confirmed?

I mean the story about his "car" injury.

That's been confirmed, although from what I read the surgery will take place next week and that it's "up to 6 months" which means he very well could return much sooner, because these cases tend to vary, although regardless I'd be surprised if we saw him again this season. Just as Canales is returning too.

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On Tello, he looks class. In the Copa and in his handful of league performances, he's shown a good touch and burst of pace. No doubt he will become a big player. Pedro's return makes a huge difference too, the width he brings opens space and his pace is a killer. Hard to believe they still have other players to come back like Villa, Affelay etc.

[spud_gun]

First place team in the league could be deducted 10 points and still be top of the league AND 11 points clear of the third place team #mickeymouseleague

[Buzzo]

First place team in the league could be deducted 10 points and still be top of the league AND 11 points clear of the third place team #mickeymouseleague

[Darkon]

Tello

To be fair to the kid, he looks the part even despite that funny slip. He's played 3 games for the senior team....and scored 2 goals

Where do they find these kids??

It's not just about finding them, it's the whole academy setup they have. Saw a documentary on it, and basically from when they enter the youth teams in Barca they play the system of the first team and train the same way - well obviously not as much but the same ideas on technique, positioning etc.

They know all the in's and out's of the Barca way to play even before they have to be adapted to the first team, and then it's more or less just a question of getting them up in tempo.

It have taken them som 10-12 years I think it was to implement, but what an incredible succes!

[McDermotX]

It's not just about finding them, it's the whole academy setup they have. Saw a documentary on it, and basically from when they enter the youth teams in Barca they play the system of the first team and train the same way - well obviously not as much but the same ideas on technique, positioning etc.

They know all the in's and out's of the Barca way to play even before they have to be adapted to the first team, and then it's more or less just a question of getting them up in tempo.

It have taken them som 10-12 years I think it was to implement, but what an incredible succes!

Still....it hasn't helped those young players to the ultimate footballing pinnacle.
Stoke. Away. Wednesday Night.

[Reece]

I'm having to stop thinking back to last season when people were comparing Bale to Messi because i literally cant stop laughing when i do.

I'd like to see Messi go to Stevenage and do any better than Bale did yesterday.

[The_weatherman]

I'd like to see Messi go to Stevenage and do any better than Bale did yesterday.

I think Messi is sometimes actually underrated. Some of my mates speak of Xavi as the heartbeat and that Barca will decline when he is gone. But Messi is only 25 and does so much more than score goal, in the future I could see Messi assuming a Xavi type of role, he can pass the ball like few others and find space where there isn't any.

[Phoenix07]

I think Messi is sometimes actually underrated. Some of my mates speak of Xavi as the heartbeat and that Barca will decline when he is gone. But Messi is only 25 and does so much more than score goal, in the future I could see Messi assuming a Xavi type of role, he can pass the ball like few others and find space where there isn't any.

Fabregas will take that mantle. You can see it in his movement and general play, although he likes to move into much more advanced positions than Xavi. Then they've got Dos Santos who can play like him too.

Thiago on the other hand is like Iniesta with his runs and ability to carry the ball forward. Then you've got Sergi Roberto who is in a similar mould.

Experience during game time and they'll be set up for a long time.

Messi will always be given the free role now. He's played on the right, on the left and up front. He knows how to play all of these positions well. He'll play as a forward, but with license to roam, pick up the ball, link play and make runs.
Crazy for people to compare him to Bale. Both are different players entirely.

[Liverpel]

Ronaldo's goal today.

http://www.broadsheet.ie/2012/02/26/heel-madrid/

[ChesterDave]

Pretty shocking defending for it to beat that many players. 6 bookings as well. I guess it isnt just against Barca that they have indiscipline

[McDermotX]

Not bad......still prefer Henry's though

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKOHq4za9bM"]thierry henry back heel goal.avi - YouTube[/ame]

[Buzzo]

Ronaldo's goal today.

http://www.broadsheet.ie/2012/02/26/heel-madrid/

Real seem to be wearing our kit?

[McDermotX]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbzwZngxR2I&feature=player_embedded"]Atletico Madrid 1-2 FC Barcelona Messi Amazing Freekick Goal (26.02.12) - YouTube[/ame]

Lovely goal.......cheeky

[Vermilion]

I see Maureen was moaning about Madrids travelling support, for an away game in Madrid...they got less than 300 er....travelling? fans. wtf

[Shaggy]

Messi's free kick last night was incredible