Puyol

Ramos and Pique have played one game together in the qualifiers...I think.

Completely and utterly devastated as now we have lost our best Centerback for Espana and the sole leader of the back line. This season has been a terror of misfortune for me in terms of injuries.... Moving on.

The backline now MUST be:

Iraola-Ramos-Pique-Enrique/Vila

Iraola is by far the best choice as only Azpulicueta comes 2nd as the rest will not be worthy enough bar maybe Ballesteros.

Pique has had a highly inconsistent and unimpressive season yet he always steps it up for us when wearing our colors.

Ramos despite being world class at RB for us during the world cup must now undertake his new and impressive CB role while Enrique must be 1st choice for Espana as LB with Vila having a good shout as well.

But Arbeloa has the trust and confidence of VDB, that's a game changer.

He is also a better defender than Iraola, so better balance with respect to Alba being so attacking, and he has the experience of those european elite games.

Mr Nick09 wrote:But Arbeloa has the trust and confidence of VDB, that's a game changer.

He is also a better defender than Iraola, so better balance with respect to Alba being so attacking, and he has the experience of those european elite games.

I like Arbeloa and always have, but we need that extra element in attack from Irola along with his stellar leadership and command of the backline. I disagree Arbeloa is a better defender as Iraola along has been one of the saving graces of Bilbao's defence this year and deserves it over Alvaro.

Alba? I would be in depression if he starts over Enrique and Vila as both have been considerably better than Alba who cannot defend for his life.

Enrique has been crap for some times now ,i think given form Alba is better,though its a rough call.

Arq i think its time to accept Enrique isnt going.......

Firstly he has never been capped by Spain not once, VDB is'nt going to change things now he will go with players he knows and trusts.

Also Enrique has been in terrible form the last few months and quite frankly if current form is to go by he doesnt deserve to go......

I personally expect Iraola, Arbeloa, Alba and maybe Azpilicueta or Monreal.

Great Leader Sprucenuce wrote:Arq i think its time to accept Enrique isnt going.......

Firstly he has never been capped by Spain not once, VDB is'nt going to change things now he will go with players he knows and trusts.

Also Enrique has been in terrible form the last few months and quite frankly if current form is to go by he doesnt deserve to go......

I personally expect Iraola, Arbeloa, Alba and maybe Azpilicueta or Monreal.

I've had this feeling for a long time Mole along with how VDB has refused to test Vila as well. It is the sole frustrating point for me when it comes to him.

Yet the fact remains Alba does not deserve the spot in any aspect as its ridiculous he is being considered. Enrique's form has dropped but nowhere near as much as you and Adit put it.

I would put Azpi as LB but Monreal is better there. Notice why I don't mention Monreal even if he is Basque because I know this is one man VDB refuses to acknowledge as once again, this further frustrates me.

So RB is settled so my first choice for LB would be:

1. Enrique
2. Monreal
3. Vila
4. Arbeloa
5. Azpulicueta

I'd put in Javi Martinez as CB with Ramos as the RB.

Spain should be fine IMO. Also this might mean a call up for Albiol.

EDIT: What happened to my elephant?! WTF man?

Iraola has definitely been great this year, and I wish Madrid would sign him but he might be too attached to Bilbao. He certainly deserves a starting spot

Though I still this VDB will give Arbeloa the nod

Arbeloa----Pique----Ramos----Alba

Leaving Barca at the end of the season.

Barca is fuked if we dont sign a top CB this summer. Spain also half fuked   

Omg, im so surprised and sad. I love this guy, hes a beast!

Just soooooo sad....   

We will miss u Puyol! What a captain for so many years!       

Forever hero!!!   

Legend. Best catalan and spanish defender of all time and best Barça defender of all time together with Migueli. A true great. Will be missed but he has been wise and humble enough to leave it now although he has a milionaire contract until 2016.
Also very commendable how he has accepted his rotation role this season without causing any trouble.

Forever Puyol!!

There's been rumours he'll join the MLS.

Farewell to the most underrated centreback of his generation.

Jack Daniels wrote:Gets Injured, Looks finished, Comes back at Clasico, Acts like a boss.

Carles Puyol.

Stay Injury free, Looks Unbeatable, Comes at Clasico, Acts like a shit.

Cristiano Ronaldo.



This happens almost every time.. *Sigh*

2011.

free_cat wrote:Legend. Best catalan and spanish defender of all time and best Barça defender of all time together with Migueli. A true great. Will be missed but he has been wise and humble enough to leave it now although he has a milionaire contract until 2016.
Also very commendable how he has accepted his rotation role this season without causing any trouble.

Forever Puyol!!

So he wont get that last year's money right?

Tw Baresi (ex-Milan): "After 19 years, an example, a great captain, announces he'll leave @FCBarcelona. Thanks Puyol

Baresi. DAT class.

I honestly do hope AC Milan go for him.. he'd take a massive paycut just to wear their shirt as he always wishes them a victory unless it's against Barca.

   

Right up there with Thuram as one of my favorite defenders. Not at all elegant like him, but Puyol is a pure leader of men and was such a colossal defender in his prime. Sad to see that he's leaving....I would've thought he'd retire at Barcelona after all these years.

Legend

http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/barcelona/id/2936?cc=4716

 

Cant remember but I think Thuram must have partnered Puyol for a while at Barca.... that pairing   

Puyol is one of the centerpieces of Barca's greatest ever squad.

Really hopes Milan offer him some sort of contract, just for him to play with us for a year or so. Plus, he would be a massive improvement over over all of our CBs.

Plus, with us out of the CL for a few seasons, he wouldn't face Barca in the customary Milan-Barca onesided beatdown.

Puyol is the master of class :/

gonna miss him yelling at pique