there's a difference between "playmaking" and "reading the game". playmaking mostly depend on the movement of your teammates. reading the game is how the player himself starts to get aware of what is needed in order for his team to break the defence; it might be more long passes, more movement from the wings, more play from the center..etc
the way he can redefine himself to fit the opposition is amazing.
Espanyol didn't give him much in behind as they constantly pressed him when he had possession high up the pitch (ignore the horrid miss for a second, because Alves created that by robbing a defender) so he came deep to help ignite the play as it entered the final third. some of his dribbles were beautiful, Espanyol couldn't touch him. then later on, with them still pressing him, he held the ball and distributed it to others who had run into space as the defence collapsed on him.
genius.
And people were claiming Messi was selfish.. 14 assists this season.
Yeah, I added that one. As Meta said, Messi dropping back works a treat as he's marvelous when it comes to passing. Defenders just don't know what'll he do. Will he run them over or release someone surging from the flanks. And there is always someone available as most of the time two or more men are involved in marking Messi. A proper nightmare I imagine.
Having fast, scoring wingers in Pedro and Villa is another part of Pep's equation.
And people were claiming Messi was selfish.. 14 assists this season.
Positives - Playmaking and the short hairdo
Negatives - Finishing (granted he didn't 've many one on ones with the keeper but that missed sitter in the early part of the match was just plain awful..facepalm like) and the rolling on the floor was a bit too much for my liking.
No he isn't.Amen, he is completely unselfish...
He is like balancedly selfish. It's OK for me though, he has all the capacities to brign selfishness to a good end.