Paulinho

[JamDav1982]

Yes, he can run deep and has a nose for goals, but I don't understand the notion that there isn't a midfielder out there who can do that plus have an actual constructive role in the rest of our game.

Who has ever said that?

Paulinho has brought exactly what he was bought for and I would bet anything the likes of Messi appreciates him.

 

[5ergio_Busquets]

He has brought more pressing from midfield, more physicality in both boxes, more options for Messi and Suarez and goals.

His overall impact so far has clearly been a positive one and the fact he is different has been a positive not a negative.

Sure he can be useful in certain situations but he is absolutely not a starting midfielder for Barca especially in big games.
He can do well against weak teams and as sub to surprise the opponents with his attacking runs.

 

[JamDav1982]

Sure he can be useful in certain situations but he is absolutely not a starting midfielder for Barca especially in big games.
He can do well against weak teams and as sub to surprise the opponents with his attacking runs.

He started v Real and had a good game so yes he can be a starter and do well in right set up.

 

[BusiTheKing]

It's the implicit thought behind advocating that he should be a consistent starter though, no?

 

[JamDav1982]

It's the implicit thought behind advocating that he should be a consistent starter though, no?

Who is saying that?

You are saying he cant start any big games when he started the biggest game of the season and played well.

 

[BusiTheKing]

I thought he was really average against Real and looked quite bad in some situations.

 

[Lelouch vi Britannia]

This season, it's either him, Rakitic, or (God forbid) Gomes. Coutinho and Iniesta can't start together because a) they're way too similar and b) Iniesta needs to be rested.

Personally still leaning towards Rakitic with Paulinho as super sub or a tactical tool to use in certain situations.

He can be useful to us, but we still need another midfielder to partner Coutinho/Iniesta in the starting lineup. A proper Xavi replacement. Paulinho being the Keita.

That said, he's exceeded my expectations enough for me to make him my avatar as promised come June unless he hits a massive slump.

Also he's worth it just for the memes.

 

[JamDav1982]

I thought he was really average against Real and looked quite bad in some situations.

Well no wonder you cant appreciate what he brings and clearly the players and management appreciate it as well.

 

[5ergio_Busquets]

He started v Real and had a good game so yes he can be a starter and do well in right set up.

I don't think he had a good game against Real. He is getting too much praise because people expected him to be much worse, so it was very easy for him to beat the expectations.
As I said he can be useful and gives the coach more tactical tools but not a starting Barca midfielder.

 

[BusiTheKing]

I can appreciate the his qualities and acknowledge the positives and his performances. I'm saying that there's a tendency to ignore what he lacks and the negatives in his performances. Of course they aren't as obvious, but there's just so many times where he doesn't have the ability to do the best thing or even bring something unpredictable when he has the ball.

 

[Barcilliant]

Guess what?

Paulinho actually unsettles opposition teams with his physicality and nose for goals. Yes, he doesn't have the qualities associated with a Barca midfielder but that's why he was brought in. He drives forward and tries to keep things simple.

He has scored 8 goals already this season FFS. Who was the last midfielder to score 8 goals at the halfway mark???

He will never be a slick cutie with great control and slick passing. He is a battering ram who makes intelligent runs from deep and scores goals while harrying the opposition.

 

[JamDav1982]

I can appreciate the his qualities and acknowledge the positives and his performances. I'm saying that there's a tendency to ignore what he lacks and the negatives in his performances. Of course they aren't as obvious, but there's just so many times where he doesn't have the ability to do the best thing or even bring something unpredictable when he has the ball.

I would say it is far more weighted the other way and some people ignore what he actually does bring and focus on what he doesnt.

 

[CatalinR10]

paulingoat

 

[Lelouch vi Britannia]

The best thing is I think he'd be content with the super sub/Keita role. Considering where he was a year ago.

Should we sell him? No. Should he be the starting midfielder long-term? I don't think so.

He has his skillset. He brings something to the table no one else does. But he also fails to bring other things to the table that we need. No fault of his own really, he just isn't that kind of player. Which is why we should keep him but also need to bring in another midfielder.

With him on the bench, I feel like we may be able to go back to the "3 technical midgets" midfield that has seemed pretty much unviable since 2012. Need physicality? Just put him on. With Rakitic what you get is a compromise between the two.

Love his mentality too. I have no doubt he's a positive influence in the dressing room.

 

[JamDav1982]

Wouldnt be surprised if he is at Barca for couple seasons and Barca get big money for him going back to China.

He was seen as the best player in the league and face of league. Couple years at Barca and possibly a WC could easy see getting money back on him as goes back to China.