Eric Abidal

[Stric]

Yep, Abidal playing today is pretty much a definite indicator of Bartra playing on Tuesday. Except in a case of injury or something like that, what would be the other reason for Bartra not playing today?

 

[mixer]

I almost forgot what a beast this guy is.

I missed him sooo much

 

[spark]

This man is awe inspiring. Sandro better give him a new contract. Even if only to teach Bartra and Montoya that composure

 

[BarcaOG]

solid, composed performance. man of the match for barca.

 

[SEvolution]

Cool as cucumber!

 

[Youngie]

It will be Pique-Bartra. Adriano is suspended for the 1st leg.

Ah. Strange not to see Bartra play today...

 

[viper76]

 

[SeloBarca]

What he lacks in match fitness, he makes up with quality. Didnt miss any offsidetraps and played with calm

 

[Youngie]

Why do they call that Abidal move "Sombrero"?

 

[Galning]

Not really. Messi played out of necessity, even though he wasn't ready. Puyol and Xavi played numerous games this season under injuries, and that didn't stop them. Abidal sad about 2 weeks ago that he's only capable of playing about 20-30 mins at that level. He obviously pulled it off, but it probably wasn't an everyday decision.

Not comparable though. They could've easily played somebody else as the defence was just standing at the midfield line most of the time (it was a homegame vs Levante, no disrespect), while without Messi we most probably were out of the Champions League.
And Xavi yeah.. used to it by now. He's been playing injured for two years.

But, of course, it was pretty obvious he wasn't FULLY fit but he was fit enough to do the job and the staff surely knew that.

 

[Pepe Silvia]

His smoothness, calm, strength was sorely missed last season. He's an expert on and off the ball.

 

[Yugi]

it´s like we bought world class CB, really amazing player

 

[Antimadridista1]

He will not play against Bayern , for sure. Bartra - Pique will be the partnership.
Abidal played well but needs to play more matches before expecting to play against teams like Bayern or Madrid.

 

[Stric]

The thing I like about his playing the most is his composure. I can't imagine him being stressed regardless of which player he was facing. And he tricks them around like children. I think Busquets learned a lot from him in this respect.

I'm really having second thoughts about what I wish for his future. I wanted him to retire, but seeing how good he is, even at this particular moment, really makes me want to have him in the squad next season. As the ___-th choice CB, at least.

Not comparable though. They could've easily played somebody else as the defence was just standing at the midfield line most of the time (it was a homegame vs Levante, no disrespect), while without Messi we most probably were out of the Champions League.
And Xavi yeah.. used to it by now. He's been playing injured for two years.

But, of course, it was pretty obvious he wasn't FULLY fit but he was fit enough to do the job and the staff surely knew that.

:beer2:

 

[Don_Andrés]

Does anybody have any thoughts on whether he should be given another contract for next year! He's 34 in September. I think if he is medically and physically able to continue, I would like to see him given an additional year. I think Pique and a new CB for the first team, then Puyol, Abidal and Bartra as back up, would be enough for us next year. I think that this might leave Mascherano in a tricky position, considering Song's recent performance's (and age) as back-up to Busquets. Also send Muniesa out on loan for a season.