3 - Alejandro Balde

[Gazzznigga]

Lots of unnecessary overeactions, typical of what is only obtainable here.

Is Balde playing that poorly to warrant a call for a replacement? Answer is NO. He might have plateaued now given what people thought his ceiling was when he broke out two seasons ago, but for someone just coming out of a long lay off, it would take time for him to get back to the level he was pre injury and improvements can come thereon.

Does he need to improve in some areas? Answer is YES. Some areas of his play, especially decision making and final passes need improvements, but those are skills that also come with age. Only few top tiered full backs(Maldini, Roberto Carlos, and Cafu resdily come to mind) got all or allmost every skillset right from onset and were so matured by their third season after breaking out.

His case has not got to the point of wanting a replacement immediately and recommending players that are unattainable and unrealistic financially(given Barcas current financial state), or that were let go decades ago for not being up to par or even proposing a 34 year old veteran as his replacement.

Balde will be fine.

 

[te amo barca]

I'm not sure he ever overcomes what I call the Semedo syndrome. Kid is worryingly blind to cutback options.

 

[Ter Stature]

It's crazy that Barca has no one else for LB and ironic that the two starters in the national team are both La Masia.

 

[Barcaman]

It's crazy that Barca has no one else for LB and ironic that the two starters in the national team are both La Masia.

Balde was starting for NT as well and was good for us before his injury. No one could have for seen it.

 

[ZenI]

He was more than alright - but pls pls we need another LB, somebody to complement Balde... at least same level.

 

[Ter Stature]

Balde was starting for NT as well and was good for us before his injury. No one could have for seen it.

That wasn't my point. We should have at least one backup regardless. But starting a few times years ago is meaningless.

 

[El Ilusionista]

He is a good player, had a good game today. He needs to work on his crossing though, perhaps should watch Alba crossing on YouTube.

 

[putogusiluz8]

He can't cross the ball for shit. Just smacks it straight at the defender every time.

He's the best option we have though. Much better than cancelo. What saves him is he is fast, can dribble, and is solid defensively.

If he could just learn to cross the ball.

 

[Loki]

I just don't see any development with him. Where did he get better in comparison to his first full 22/23 season in the first team? He goes into his third full season with us and he already stagnates. He doesn't learn to cross properly, his defense is mediocre. He has a good acceleration and a fast pace. But that alone isn't enough to be a starter.
I think in this season the club needs to judge him if he's good enough or not to be in the starting lineup. If he doesn't develop under Flick as well, it's better to look for a new LB next summer.

 

[Messigician]

Hit his ceiling

Good backup option and that’s all

Look at signing a left back asap

 

[TheStig]

He's ok but for sure he's someone who we can upgrade on. We had similar solid fullbacks like Semedo and Firpo who were ok but not good enough with the ball. I see Balde is a little bit better and he's young but I could see him more on the bench once we have money for a top fullback. We fucked up with Grimaldo and Cucurella, one of them should be a starter and Balde their backup.

 

[jamrock]

Good game

 

[Porque]

He's ok but for sure he's someone who we can upgrade on. We had similar solid fullbacks like Semedo and Firpo who were ok but not good enough with the ball. I see Balde is a little bit better and he's young but I could see him more on the bench once we have money for a top fullback. We fucked up with Grimaldo and Cucurella, one of them should be a starter and Balde their backup.

For me, sure, he hasn't had the steep development curb like Cubarsi or Lamine since their breakthroughs. But both of these (and possibly Bernal - unfortunately) are our "only" freak talents.

But then comparing Balde to guys like Firpo and Semedo is unfair. Balde is much better than both, especially Firpo who could not trap a ball. A player I totally got wrong.

Cucurella and Grimaldo (Cucu moreso than Grimaldo for me) should have got their chances but that's on the managers we had at the time. Whoever decided Miranda was a much bigger talent than Cucurella needed to be questioned.

 

[Iniesta Ultra]

Cucurella and Puig killed it when they played together the summer Xavi banished Puig from pre-season before we let him go for free.

Sad Balde and creampie do nothing for us offensively.

 

[ZenI]

Cucurella and Puig killed it when they played together the summer Xavi banished Puig from pre-season before we let him go for free.

Sad Balde and creampie do nothing for us offensively.

What you on about now old man? Balde does indeed offer us many things offensively - sure he's not an Alba or Marcelo, but he's more than ok. I also think he has more to give, he hasn't hit his ceiling yet.