That was the opinion of the majority of Barca fans, not only at this forum. ter Stegen, Messi, Alba and Piqu? had great seasons, despite your personal vendetta against them.
Look dawg. Having good offensive wing backs is essential in an offensive tactic to provide width and a numerical advantage outside the opposition's box. The recent winners of Champions League always had the best LB/RB pairings. Robertson/TAA, Marcelo/Carvajal before that, and in 2015 Alba/Alves.
Can't say any of these did what you're asking for from left- and right backs.
As long as one of them keeps an eye out for counter attacks, the other wing can push up as much as he wants to.
That's the modern football. It's very common that experts say that the role of the full back has changed completely. It can't be compared to the 70's lol.
About Ter Stegen and Messi, yes, they were and they still are our best players. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for Pique and Alba. Both of them were struggling all season long. I respect your opinion and I won't continue this argument. Just want to suggest you to open the threads of both of them, from 2017 and see what Barcelona fans say.
" As long as one of them keeps an eye for a counter-attacks ... " Now, here is the difference of the understanding of the basic functions of the side backs. We have seen Semedo and S.Roberto also in attacking mode during the games, but both of them quickly returns to their main zones. Jordi feels like a VIP in this team, because he is backed by his La Masia amigos and does not return to cover his area. At least, not quick enough and that creates havoc in our defense. I understand very well the modern aspects of the football, but don't think a left back ( or right ) should play consistently as a left attacking midfielder or left winger. If that is what you call " the change of the full back position" then why the teams will need midfielder and winger in that side.
I am former professional player. I can accept from time to time Jordi bringing up the ball from the left side, passing it to Iniesta, Coutinho, Neymar or Griezmann and let them finish. In his case, he goes all the way to the corner flag or even the opponents box to pass the ball to his amigos Leo or Luis and then just stay there to be the first one who will congratulate them, if they had scored. But, most of the time the opponents got the ball from Messi or Suarez, because they don't play any defense at all and start a counter-attack from the left flank. Watch videos of old games and you will see what I am talking about. Barcelona front players are well known for not playing defense. And when our side backs join that group the team becomes very vulnerable.
Nah I'm not that good either.
Look at City. Pep's in charge playing a Barca-based football and in desperate need of a LB who knows what he's doing. What better signing than a player who's been formed at La Masia like Grimaldo?
If he'd been good enough he'd already be at City. They've been desperate for a LB for years but still haven't signed the player who according to you is good enough to replace Alba at Barca.
He's a backup at best.
