Balde only played because there was no one else at the time. Xavi saw he was great and kept him. Clearly remember his comments of surprise.
Same could be said about Lamine. Xavin pined for Demebele to stay and for new winger forward. We failed to secure either plus Raphina for injured. No one else to play. Enters Lamine.
I am oversimplifying it but had Xavi got his signings we could have had much different outcome.
He's just Busquets but worse on the ball. Busquets could at least make a Hollywood pass from time to time and con the ref for many fouls.On the positives, he is learning (well or his brother) the limitations of Romeu very quickly.
This was one of the games where Romeu is supposedly an asset. Was the opposite.
Atleast was noted and hooked fairly early.
I know. I said I oversimplified it. But you have to wonder. Xavi often spoke how he noticed someone doing great in training. I wonder at his surprise then and how does he not see those kids are worth a shot.Its the way many young players break through though. They are given a chance due to circumstances and take it.
Same here. Should take more minutes from Gundogan who looks like he's about to retire (hope I'm wrong).I want to see more of Fermin Lopez. He seems really athletic and has a decent shot.
He was very good last game. Today not so much. Too early to call.Same here. Should take more minutes from Gundogan who looks like he's about to retire (hope I'm wrong).
Wax on, wax onXavi is a cat
Not a dog that can bark
Scratch scratch he does
And hiss and run and fart
Xavi is a cat
High above he sits
Observe, look and judge
but dare he act when the time is right
Xavi is a cat
Too stupid to be smart
Yet in a mistical way,
He plays a coaching part,
With whiskers, paws, and claws,
He insists on a furry start
He sucks the joy and fun,
And bitchs when the team doesn't win
He's just Busquets but worse on the ball. Busquets could at least make a Hollywood pass from time to time and con the ref for many fouls.
This guy is just basic, big slow DM who makes short passes and cuts out play from time to time. But decent teams are passing rings around him.
He's had no choice really. Club is broke and can't afford players. In another era Xavi would have spent like crazy and limited opportunities for the youngsters.He has brought Balde and Lamine thru and given them a lot of trust at really young ages, tbf to him.
Now the challenge will be to see if Raphinha takes him out of the team instantly or Lamine rightfully keeps the spot.
To be fair there would be a lot of managers who'd pick an established player over a 16 year old kid no matter what the "profile" is. Ferran, Abde, pretty easy and safe picks for that spot.You can't really say he trusts Yamal, then it's the only choice he has that fits the RW profile:
wide winger that holds the width and is left footed
His only other option was Ferran there who doesn't fit as it's not his position
Wait to confirm that when Raphinia is eligible to play
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