14 - Javier Mascherano

[FCBarca]

Who do you suggest as a back-up CDM for Busquets then? If Mascherano is not Barca quality, who can we possibly buy who would: a) be better than him, b) not cost 40m+ & c) be happy with a substitute's role?

Even if we assume for a moment that Tata won't continue, a coach will rotate as we've seen the perils of running your key players ragged...Depth is essential

As for whom, that's a different question and there are many on the market for under 40m that will be an upgrade to either Masch or Song at DM...The point has been that Javier is inadequate as a starting CB or backup DM for this club

 

[lostchild]

Even if we assume for a moment that Tata won't continue, a coach will rotate as we've seen the perils of running your key players ragged...Depth is essential

As for whom, that's a different question and there are many on the market for under 40m that will be an upgrade to either Masch or Song at DM...The point has been that Javier is inadequate as a starting CB or backup DM for this club

can someone bring up the stats of the amount of games he played as DM for Barcelona?

i actually think that it would be a really great solution.

its quite simple actually, when he plays, we might lose a lot of Busquets attacking vision/ long passes/ overall magic that he has.
but Mascherano could maybe finally be a "DEFENSIVE" midfielder, and god he has those amazing interceptions, way way before the opponent even gets close.
also he's pretty calm when needed. and also can get aggressive when needed, which is also good.

it wont be that bad, for some games, to have someone who thinks first about blocking and stopping, and after that about giving a simple pass.

 

[Poor_Sunyol]

@FCBarca

I have to disagree with you there. Mascherano is an absolutely brilliant DM, when he was in the EPL (where I was lucky enough to see him play on several occasions) he was immense. Easily the best player in the division for me. I know it isn't popular to name a DM as a league's best player, but he really was. I truely believe that he could do a great job for us in that position, again.

 

[barcaboy15]

Even if we assume for a moment that Tata won't continue, a coach will rotate as we've seen the perils of running your key players ragged...Depth is essential

As for whom, that's a different question and there are many on the market for under 40m that will be an upgrade to either Masch or Song at DM...The point has been that Javier is inadequate as a starting CB or backup DM for this club

Hmm well I guess we just rate Mascherano's potential at DM for Barca differently. I know he struggled a lot when he first played there but that was to be expected really. He was over-exuberant in his tackles (still is sometimes but much more controlled) but mainly it was a passing/technical issue, and I think in his time here he has improved immensely in that area.

Of course he would never be a Busquets, but the qualities he has are perfect for an alternate DM - speed, ability to break up attacks as they're starting, heading ability etc.

I hope he doesn't leave for Napoli and is given a chance as DM as I really think he'd do well there now.

 

[FCBarca]

Those were different times, Sunny...and the Premiership is a different kettle of fish altogether. His passing is absolutely not Barcelona quality and anytime he's played ahead of the back 4, that inadequacy is highlighted

He's not good enough at DM for Argentina either, IMHO

 

[Poor_Sunyol]

I would like to think, like barcaboy15 says, that his technical ability has improved. His long balls have always been good anyway and if Tata is determined to go more vertical then he could suit that position nicely. I am not suggesting he would be our first choice, just a very adequate backup. Another positive is that he would be free.

 

[CatalinR10]

Barcelona and Napoli have been in touch regarding a transfer of Mascherano. Both clubs are willing to start formal talks this summer [marca]

 

[aaron101]

Barcelona and Napoli have been in touch regarding a transfer of Mascherano. Both clubs are willing to start formal talks this summer [marca]

Great news even if it's half true. We can cash on him now.

 

[Flavia]

He got lucky the penalty he committed wasn't called... Again being clumsy.

 

[ThwiX]

Time for him to leave.

 

[CatalinR10]

 

[ThwiX]

Get him the fuck out of this team. Could've ruined it all with his stupid give-away at the end there.

 

[Alarcón]

Piqué saved him at the end. No idea what he was thinking there and another game where his defensive blunders could have cost us. Teams are not always this wasteful and our attackers aren't always there to overshadow our defensive shortcomings.

 

[BarcaGirl]

what a brainfart at the end ...thank god for Pique. This could have lead to Asspanyol's equalizer in the last few seconds.

 

[ryuken]

Purposely lowering his price tag for Napoli?