Rafael Márquez

[samg85]

I guess I defend Marquez too much because he's countryman and I really want him to do well with Barca, and the NT. But all criticisms you guys make are fair.

But if it makes anyone feel better, Marquez has started 6 times in La Liga and hasn't conceded a goal.

He started 2 times as CB in the Copa del Rey, 0 goals conceded. Started against Sevilla as DM, 2 goals conceded, but not his fault.

Started 2 times in Champions League, in the infamous loss to Rubin Kazan he allowed 2 goals(though he was coming off the injury) and against VFB Stuttgart, which 1 goal was allowed but it wasn't his fault. He had a horrible night though.

And last but not least, as a sub. All the goals that he has conceded were when he came in as a sub. Pep should never put him as a sub. I think maybe it's hard for him to get into the rhythm or something. And I also believe some of the factors were that he didn't have many starts and his confidence was low. I guess this labels :marquez: as Barca's 'worst' sub ever.

If he starts against Arsenal and gets into the rhythm and doesn't commit stupid fouls, I think he should do fine. Remember, he has great passing and crossing ability, so that should help with the game flow too. Not to mention that he's great at heading, so that should take away some of the game away from Arsenal, which is something they're good at.

 

[La Furia]

I guess I defend Marquez too much because he's countryman and I really want him to do well with Barca, and the NT. But all criticisms you guys make are fair.

But if it makes anyone feel better, Marquez has started 6 times in La Liga and hasn't conceded a goal.

He started 2 times as CB in the Copa del Rey, 0 goals conceded. Started against Sevilla as DM, 2 goals conceded, but not his fault.

Started 2 times in Champions League, in the infamous loss to Rubin Kazan he allowed 2 goals(though he was coming off the injury) and against VFB Stuttgart, which 1 goal was allowed but it wasn't his fault. He had a horrible night though.

And last but not least, as a sub. All the goals that he has conceded were when he came in as a sub. Pep should never put him as a sub. I think maybe it's hard for him to get into the rhythm or something. And I also believe some of the factors were that he didn't have many starts and his confidence was low. I guess this labels :marquez: as Barca's 'worst' sub ever.

If he starts against Arsenal and gets into the rhythm and doesn't commit stupid fouls, I think he should do fine. Remember, he has great passing and crossing ability, so that should help with the game flow too. Not to mention that he's great at heading, so that should take away some of the game away from Arsenal, which is something they're good at.

I'm a major Marquez homer and even I have to acknowledge he's looked poor even when he's not responsible for Barcelona conceding but I think this is an important point the haters never seem to bring up. As the 3rd/4th choice CB he's been asked to sub in mid game more than any other CB, and it's not an easy thing for defenders to do. He's certainly looked a lot worse than any of our other defenders when subbed in, but I think it's a fair point that he's looked at his best as a starter in the league.

Granted his track record in the CL this year especially has been infamously awful, and he let Hleb of all players outwit him, but in all fairness I still trust him more as a starter than a sub. Unfortunately we are short on pace to compliment him even when all our defenders are healthy..we really could have used a pacey stopper more than Chyg, but that's another story..

 

[Manny]

i think he should just go to NY Red Bulls along with Henry and Raul

 

[barca96]

you forgot to mention the 2 goals against zaragoza sam

 

[samg85]

you forgot to mention the 2 goals against zaragoza sam

He never started against Zaragoza in either of the 2 matches.

 

[barca96]

i know.
i just wished you mentioned it how he came on and conceded 2 goals.
that was the last straw for me..
if he screws up whenever he gets a chance, how can pep trust him to play from the start?

 

[Metaphysical]

come on rafa.

one last push.

one last performance.

you can do it!

 

[barca96]

i would only give him time to play at the end of the season that is if only we already wrapped up the league.

 

[Olsend]

Ohh man this is goind to be risky. Arsenal is too much for this guy, but if he bottles I won't balme him, I will blame Pep.

Rafa you better show what you can do!

 

[samg85]

i know.
i just wished you mentioned it how he came on and conceded 2 goals.
that was the last straw for me..
if he screws up whenever he gets a chance, how can pep trust him to play from the start?

Well yeah, I mentioned that everytime that he has come in as a sub, he has conceded a goal.

 

[Snake]

I don't really think he's ready for Arsenal.... It's really sad to see Marquez like this, considering most of us know how he really was a classy defender in the past.

 

[barca96]

do you guys think that he didn't play last night cos pep wanted to keep him fresh for arsenal or
has pep lost all trust in him and will let yaya take cb spot with milito?

 

[Snake]

I don't know, but whatever it is, I hope it's best for FCB!

 

[samg85]

do you guys think that he didn't play last night cos pep wanted to keep him fresh for arsenal or
has pep lost all trust in him and will let yaya take cb spot with milito?

That's a good question. All I know is that might surprise some people with his lineup. He might even do this: alves--milito--abidal--maxwell for all I know. Then again, Pep might trust him like he did Chyg vs Bilbao. I'm so excited for Tuesday.

 

[Galning]

I think it's option two.
Pep isn't blind, Márquez is very bad this season.