Houssem Aouar

[serghei]

He gives a great number of keypasses but I wouldnt say he is a true chance creator like De Bruyne. He could have a better final ball and range.

We need atleast one in the midfield who is a true chance creator but for me it doesnt have to be the offensive midfielder. Can also be someone like Kroos who creates lots of chances from deep lying midfield position

I see what you're saying but Kroos is overrated in this aspect. He is more a distributor than a play-maker. Agree with De Bruyne. I don't think we need that profile though. Both Arthur and De Jong will develop in this area if we fix our issues up front (lack of movement and speed, being the biggest ones).

Also, people need to consider the defensive aspect too. Pure AM role and position does not exist as long as Messi is still in the team. As long as Messi is here, the best profile we should look for is physical B2B player who can defend well, be physically top notch, and have a good shot. We're talking players like Thomas Partey or Milinkovic Savic. Based on what I've seen from Aouar and Havertz, these are midfielders who are needed post Messi. When we will replace Messi with a more hard working player who would do his job defensively, not walk around careless.

Like it or not, the midfielder we will sign has to hide Messi's numerous flaws off the ball. Somebody who would do what Vidal does only better.

 

[Riordon]

I see what you're saying but Kroos is overrated in this aspect. He is more a distributor than a play-maker. Agree with De Bruyne. I don't think we need that profile though. Both Arthur and De Jong will develop in this area if we fix our issues up front (lack of movement and speed, being the biggest ones).

Also, people need to consider the defensive aspect too. Pure AM role and position does not exist as long as Messi is still in the team. As long as Messi is here, the best profile we should look for is physical B2B player who can defend well, be physically top notch, and have a good shot. We're talking players like Thomas Partey or Milinkovic Savic. Based on what I've seen from Aouar and Havertz, these are midfielders who are needed post Messi. When we will replace Messi with a more hard working player who would do his job defensively, not walk around careless.

Like it or not, the midfielder we will sign has to hide Messi's numerous flaws off the ball. Somebody who would do what Vidal does only better.

Fair take on Kroos and De Bruyne but i still find Kroos passing (especially his range) as a unique weapon to break down deep blocks. Btw quite funny how few quality passers that are out there who can still hit a long diagonal compared to when the likes of Xavi, Gerrard, Lampard, Pirlo, Alonso etc played.

Also, one of the reason I like Aouar is that while he is an advanced CM, he defends very well much like Iniesta. He is so good defensively that he can easily play in a two and doesnt need to compensated like other offensive midfielswrs like Havertz, etc

 

[serghei]

Also, one of the reason I like Aouar is that while he is an advanced CM, he defends very well much like Iniesta. He is so good defensively that he can easily play in a two and doesnt need to compensated like other offensive midfielswrs like Havertz, etc

If he is indeed that I think he would fit well. I don't watch much Ligue 1, I do watch more Bundesliga now since the quality has gone up imo this season and Havertz doesn't seem a good fit at this point in time, with Messi in the team.

 

[DonAK]

If he is indeed that I think he would fit well. I don't watch much Ligue 1, I do watch more Bundesliga now since the quality has gone up imo this season and Havertz doesn't seem a good fit at this point in time, with Messi in the team.

I think we still need that one offensive minded midfielder with the ability of playing a killer pass so to speak. Even with Messi taking a more creative role we need that creativity from the midfield. Would open up the entire field and takes some burden off him. Imagine Messi being on the end of such passes too, like when Cesc was at Barca.

That's what separates De Bruyne from the rest. He can do everything. Such a complete midfielder.

Unfortunately I don't see any young midfielders with that right now.

 

[serghei]

I think we still need that one offensive minded midfielder with the ability of playing a killer pass so to speak. Even with Messi taking a more creative role we need that creativity from the midfield. Would open up the entire field and takes some burden off him. Imagine Messi being on the end of such passes too, like when Cesc was at Barca.

That's what separates De Bruyne from the rest. He can do everything. Such a complete midfielder.

Unfortunately I don't see any young midfielders with that right now.

Seems to me that Messi wants to be that player more than he wants to be the player receiving the service. He's a no10 now. And if you play with a no10, you need players around him who can cover defensively very well.

 

[Riordon]

If he is indeed that I think he would fit well. I don't watch much Ligue 1, I do watch more Bundesliga now since the quality has gone up imo this season and Havertz doesn't seem a good fit at this point in time, with Messi in the team.

Agree about Havertz but I would say that Aouar is more of a true 8 who also runs a lot. Played in a two multiple times with Ndombele, did it against City where Pep commented on his performance afterwards. He is someone to consider but I also have other players in mind for that position and need to see how they develop. But a true offensive midfielder like Haverts; we should avoid IMO.

 

[khaled_a_d]

Nope, time to look forward not in the past. He's also too old and injury prone.

He has missed only 1 game due to injury this season, only 7 games last season. His last big injury was 2 years ago, and it was only significant injury he had since he became healthy in March 2015.
Sure, Bundesliga is more player friendly as they play 4 less games, but we don't need him as iron man either.
With Vidal & Rakitic hopefully out, we need someone with some experience especially since I don't trust Arthur that much,
If he come here for 20-30M I am ok with that, we can't pay for 2 costly midfielders so that rule out players Soumare.

 

[Porque]

Had a dream this guy was donning the Barca jersey next season. Had a dream the week of Danny Williams vs Tyson that Williams won in the 4th so go and start printing your Aouar jerseys boys.

Agree about Havertz but I would say that Aouar is more of a true 8 who also runs a lot. Played in a two multiple times with Ndombele, did it against City where Pep commented on his performance afterwards. He is someone to consider but I also have other players in mind for that position and need to see how they develop. But a true offensive midfielder like Haverts; we should avoid IMO.

Can. Not. Take. The. Suspense. Who are they Cryptic Pete?

 

[khaled_a_d]

Seems to me that Messi wants to be that player more than he wants to be the player receiving the service. He's a no10 now. And if you play with a no10, you need players around him who can cover defensively very well.

True about Messi, although I think he can be more of a second striker.
He needs a striker in front of him to open defenses and allow him to room freely, that being said, we will to take some of the playmaking duties from him. Currently he is the only player who is capable of making a "defense breaking" pass or play in the team consistently. Busquets/Arthur/FDJ can do some great plays from time to time but we need to get mote creative.

 

[DonAK]

Linked to Juventus who are on the market for midfielders.

 

[Messi983]

We have a few they can take...

 

[vuji_31]

Maybe changing little bit formation to 4231 with Messi on CAM Griezmann on ST and 2 wingers , plus Busqets and De Jong in CDM positions would not be bad.
Griezmann could track back for Messi because Messi will not do it.

 

[te amo barca]

This guy is a baller. City just couldn't dispossess him.

 

[Porque]

If you can't beat em. Buy them. City that is. Pep has been tracking this cat for years.

 

[El Ilusionista]

Would definitely be my dream signing, massive player.