putogusiluz8
The Pale One
The don will never lose his class. He's just playing a quieter role in the team.
Blaugrana Bull
HiiiPoWeR
There are only a handful of players in the world that could have controlled the ball like Andres did in that situation.
I think he had a good game. Iniesta is playing a different role now and Rakitic will be the CM that will get more opportunities to shine in offense.
Hellsangel
Member
Like Sergio, a player that thrives in a system we no longer play. Direct, pacey, physical football does not suit him and unfortunately for the Don we are gradually moving closer to that brand of play. I wonder where this process will stop.
Andres is finding it harder to showcase his pure class because he sees less of the ball and when he does its in areas where he can't influence the game as much. We need to think about how we can use him better.
Andres is finding it harder to showcase his pure class because he sees less of the ball and when he does its in areas where he can't influence the game as much. We need to think about how we can use him better.
JamDav1982
Senior Member
His decline started before the change in style in my opinion.
Last season and before in the bigger games he has been playing overly safe football and offered little in defence.
Still a good player though.
blaugrana1987
New member
Uh oh 
Don...what is happening? I have a feeling he is loosing himself a bit in this new style if play. He is not direct enough and can hold on the ball for too long. Hopefully this slump is not permanent.
Don...what is happening? I have a feeling he is loosing himself a bit in this new style if play. He is not direct enough and can hold on the ball for too long. Hopefully this slump is not permanent.
Kerrybai
New member
Yes there are only a handful, and there is only one player who can control like that and finish like an amateur
All kidding aside we need more from our midfield if we are to win CL and La Liga. The Don is just not providing enough... really really disappointing.
beogatts
New member
agreed. IMO, lucho didnt wanna use him today as the playmaker coz atletico know iniesta well la liga. iniesta has been playing well recently with the best line-ups.
Jadentheman
Active member
I think we will see less in general from him. He's aging, declining in play naturally, and our play style is evolving. It's to a point where the midfield won't matter as much for Barcelona like it used too. Our front three is leading our future and they will be the ones you decide games.
barcanuck
New member
Yup pretty much this. We can almost just put Masche in mid instead of The Don and stick Mathieu at the back
Deco 20
Scandinavian 101
He had a good game.
With the defender pulling at his sleeve there was no way he'd be able to score. He could have gone down and got the defender sent off + a penalty, but that was about it. He did incredibly well to get into the scoring positition.
With the defender pulling at his sleeve there was no way he'd be able to score. He could have gone down and got the defender sent off + a penalty, but that was about it. He did incredibly well to get into the scoring positition.
Scotsbarca
Banned
His best days are long gone .
Ehm, what? That was clear cut chance, he was able to take the shot despite defenders actions, it was just poorly placed.
Hellsangel
Member
So are we at the point then that we should reconsider his starting place in the team? Rafinha had some admirable performances recently and has more volume and directness to his game. Time to start picking him or is the difference in class still too big?
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