Daniel Alves

[Marshall D Teach]

He's a legend but the guy is 38. No one performs at the top level at that age. It is simply not possible.

If he genuinely outperforms Dest, that says more about Dest than it does about Dani.

 

[ItachiXXX]

The people that giving praises him right now are the same people that will shyt on him, blame him and want him gone in a few games soon

 

[Messi983]

Well it is also just one game. I know Alves is a legend and was one of the best ever, but even both Semedo and Dest had a honeymoon start period to RB.

I think he will get progressively worse as the games go on.

True.

Shouldn't start every three days imo but probably will as we don't really have much options.

 

[Richard.H]

Dani might not have the legs anymore but one thing is true and will always remain true: He is not a pussy and always wants to win. This is why players like Gavi and Araujo are so important to me. They always have their eyes on the prize. Rest of the lot are pussies who 90 % of this forum would beat up.

 

[Bobo32]

Well it is also just one game. I know Alves is a legend and was one of the best ever, but even both Semedo and Dest had a honeymoon start period to RB.

I think he will get progressively worse as the games go on.

It was his third game, and even if I was mildly disappointed (from my high expectations) about his 2nd game, it is possible to argue that he has been Barcelonas best player in all three games.

He will probably be on a downwards slope from here, but I don't think it will be very steep. He is playing much, much better than Semedo or Dest ever did or had the potential to do.
I think he'll be the best option for the rest of this season and maybe the entire next season too if no brilliant transfer is made, but he probably shouldn't play every game but rest here and there.

 

[MTL_Barca]

He's still class on the ball. Technique, game knowledge, mentality all still there. Just different level to some of the bums and kids, it's like watching a retired former world class player in one of those charity friendlies you can still see the quality.

But physically he's beyond finished, and we can't drag even more guys like that. Alves is turning 39 this spring and it's sadly painfully obvious watching him.

 

[Birdy]

But physically he's beyond finished, and we can't drag even more guys like that. Alves is turning 39 this spring and it's sadly painfully obvious watching him.

It was really painful to watch him struggling running back to cover, and avoiding applying pressure because of his limited ability to run.

Unfortunately, you cannot have a Dest/Mingueza to make the runs and the pressure, and the moment of the pass or the cross teleport Dani in their place.
Hope Xavi realizes that sooner rather than later

 

[Slevinn]

He's still class on the ball. Technique, game knowledge, mentality all still there. Just different level to some of the bums and kids, it's like watching a retired former world class player in one of those charity friendlies you can still see the quality.

But physically he's beyond finished, and we can't drag even more guys like that. Alves is turning 39 this spring and it's sadly painfully obvious watching him.

This. It was fun seeing him in a Barca shirt with the ball but in defence it was rather painful and this was only against Granada.

He should probably retire after this season, don?t want to see him going the Buesquets/Pique way.

I do hope he gets a role in the sporting department.

 

[Andresito]

Will be completely exposed against Madrid. Probably pick up a red card for being too hot headed as well. We should be cautious with him tomorrow.

 

[FinBarcelonafan]

Will be completely exposed against Madrid. Probably pick up a red card for being too hot headed as well. We should be cautious with him tomorrow.

True. Expect a lot of long balls behind his back. Even Granada abused him. We need someone to back up Dani in every situation. And like in last game, the backup can't be Busi.

 

[Messi983]

They won't need long balls, Vini can beat him 1 on 1. Getting Araujo back would be very helpful.

 

[MTL_Barca]

We'd probably need 4 other defenders to compensate for Alves. Just can't see him keep up physically and therefore defensively as a RB in back 4. Especially considering who our other defenders are and grandpa Busi in midfield who also can't run.

Got back some quality on the ball and experience, but sacrifice even more physicality in return.

 

[Porque]

Only way he copes is with great anticipation. Alves-Pique-Eric(injured)-Alba is an OK defense if everyone is playing impeccable defense as they can all anticipate the danger well. But it is so high risk as one mistake and all of them are burned.

Doesn't help when Timeless Enigma is marshalling them in DMC, and when the attack needs 5 clear chances to get 1 corner.

 

[Messi983]

Timeless Enigma

We'd probably need 4 other defenders to compensate for Alves. Just can't see him keep up physically and therefore defensively as a RB in back 4. Especially considering who our other defenders are and grandpa Busi in midfield who also can't run.

Got back some quality on the ball and experience, but sacrifice even more physicality in return.

Not even 10 of our current defenders wouldn't be enough.

Well, let's hope Araujo will be enough. When fit and in form he's for like 8 Piques and Lenglets in there.

 

[JamDav1982]

His legs are not there even if has some nice moments on the ball.

Looks every inch his age.

Another old pair of legs added to a team suffering from too many already.