i dont know where is the logic in trying to start with our CB's who are 29 31 respectively (cbs dont even need explosivenes ) and leave alves who is 33 because the priority is to rejuvenate the cbs.. i caught zero logic in that
-Mascherano is almost 32, he is only 13 months younger than Alves not 2 years
-Mascherano style of play require explosiveness .yes normally CBs age better than FBs but a guy like Mascherano depends a lot on his speed and agressiveness which can be lost with age .he can't cover that with height and long legs like most CBs does as he is undersized for the position .
-It is about depth chart ,not just who is starting
Next year we will probably have same starting lineup ,can't see us getting anyone who can takeover any of our starters right away .but there should be heavy rotations & more rest for starters for sure .only change could be Bravo/Stegan switching places
In 2017/2018 I can see 3 players taken out of starting line up ,Mascherano,Alves,Iniesta . 2 will be 33 & one 34
But right now ,we have 2 solid RBs .Vidal who looked solid when played but people tend to forget that after Lucho gave him a" wake up " treatment & S.Roberto who also looked solid in the position
For CB ,while the starting duo might be more settled than RB,who is their back up? Mathieu and who else? Bartra is set to leave as he is not good enough and he need to take care of his career .Vermaelen will surely leave too .We have no one else in the team who can actually play that position .Also I can't see Mathieu staying here too long . Doubt he will ever renew his contract(end in 2018) and possibly could leave in 2017 too
We will need a CB next year no matter what ,but the smart thing to do is to get someone who can be the rotate next year but can take over Mascherano later .just like Pique when he rotated with Puyol&Marquez in his 1st year then became starter with Puyol next year
