Players that have played well vs Barca XI

The Franchise wrote:I have to say, I wouldnt take Eto'o to play against us. We cant be hypocrites about this.

Cristiano has done next to nothing in his games vs us, well Eto'o has done next to nothing in like 4 games against us also.

I think the reasons are different between the two, but its true that he has been shut down each and every game.

That's a fair point. I didn't take him in my team. I wanted a forward with a physical presence and went for Llorente. However Eto'o is a big match player and I can understand to some extent why others would pick him. On one wing I will have Robben. The other wing is more difficult and there are several good options including Aguero but I went for Hulk because of the added power.

My biggest conundrum is the midfield. I want to take three out of these four players but which three - Cambiasso, Banega, Yaya and Sneijder. I need Cambiasso because of his tactical abilities and intelligent game reading. I need Banega to try to hold on to possession as far as possible. I want Yaya to be a defensive shield using his strength and athleticism and also make runs from end to end. However none of them including Banega have the pin point passing of Sneijder. Both my wings will be occupied by fast wingers and delivering the ball to them precisely as well as setting up an assist for the center forward are very important. Banega can do it to some extent but not to the level of Sneijder. If I take Sneijder instead then he can't maintain possession the way Banega can. Maybe then the best way out is to drop Cambiasso and have Banega do some defensive duty even though I admire Cambiasso. Otherwise I will have to drop Yaya and that means I lose strength, athleticism and end to end runs. I can't play with four midfielders because I need two fast wingers and one center forward. This is where I am most perplexed.

In defense I want J.Zanetti. He can take either flank but who do I put on the other. I may have to go for Ashley Cole because at least he is more convincing defensively than the others I can think of. In central defense Lucio has to be there but his partner is debatable. Ideally Walter Samuel but considering his present state, I may go fot Thiago Silva.

Lastly in goal I want Iker Casillas because even though there are other good options, there is just something about Iker and big matches.

Batigoal wrote:
Totally agree with Cambiasso is one of the most underrated Players, I just read in Ole, that he is the argentine player with the most Titles in history, even more than Di Stefano!!!
what a great free signing for Inter

I was irritated when an ex-Argentine footballer called Mascherano the best Argentine central midfielder since Redondo and just didn't bother to mention Cambiasso. Some time back I called him the best player from a tactical point of view.

messixaviesta wrote:

The Franchise wrote:I have to say, I wouldnt take Eto'o to play against us. We cant be hypocrites about this.

Cristiano has done next to nothing in his games vs us, well Eto'o has done next to nothing in like 4 games against us also.

I think the reasons are different between the two, but its true that he has been shut down each and every game.

That's a fair point. I didn't take him in my team. I wanted a forward with a physical presence and went for Llorente. However Eto'o is a big match player and I can understand to some extent why others would pick him. On one wing I will have Robben. The other wing is more difficult and there are several good options including Aguero but I went for Hulk because of the added power.

My biggest conundrum is the midfield. I want to take three out of these four players but which three - Cambiasso, Banega, Yaya and Sneijder. I need Cambiasso because of his tactical abilities and intelligent game reading. I need Banega to try to hold on to possession as far as possible. I want Yaya to be a defensive shield using his strength and athleticism and also make runs from end to end. However none of them including Banega have the pin point passing of Sneijder. Both my wings will be occupied by fast wingers and delivering the ball to them precisely as well as setting up an assist for the center forward are very important. Banega can do it to some extent but not to the level of Sneijder. If I take Sneijder instead then he can't maintain possession the way Banega can. Maybe then the best way out is to drop Cambiasso and have Banega do some defensive duty even though I admire Cambiasso. Otherwise I will have to drop Yaya and that means I lose strength, athleticism and end to end runs. I can't play with four midfielders because I need two fast wingers and one center forward. This is where I am most perplexed.

In defense I want J.Zanetti. He can take either flank but who do I put on the other. I may have to go for Ashley Cole because at least he is more convincing defensively than the others I can think of. In central defense Lucio has to be there but his partner is debatable. Ideally Walter Samuel but considering his present state, I may go fot Thiago Silva.

Lastly in goal I want Iker Casillas because even though there are other good options, there is just something about Iker and big matches.

Do you really need a number 9?

Why not just clog the midfield with 4 players, have two wingers who have goal scoring capability?

Unless your pressing from the front, I dont see it is a need, having a 9. All that happens to them is they get cut off from the rest of the team and dont have an impact.

The Franchise wrote:
Do you really need a number 9?

Why not just clog the midfield with 4 players, have two wingers who have goal scoring capability?

Unless your pressing from the front, I dont see it is a need, having a 9. All that happens to them is they get cut off from the rest of the team and dont have an impact.

That's an interesting point that I didn't think of. I took Llorente so that he can make use of long and high balls well.

Makes sense. It all depends on the style of game you looking to play I guess.

When has Robben played well against us? We haven't faced him since he went to Bayern and with Madrid did almost nothing, no?

I think some people in this thread are thinking of this as "who are 11 players who have already performed well against Barca", and others are making a super-team that probably will do well against Barca, regardless of previous encounters.

Omniscient wrote:I think some people in this thread are thinking of this as "who are 11 players who have already performed well against Barca", and others are making a super-team that probably will do well against Barca, regardless of previous encounters.

Absolutely spot on. I have been posting about the latter since I find it more interesting and that's why I have included Robben which should answer cat's question. Yes the title of the thread reflects the former idea but we have done both these threads in the past and right now the focus was on making comments about Goal.com's selections.

Not exactly related to this but here is an enjoyable article on a world XI that a writer has chosen

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/grant_wahl/06/16/modelo1/index.html?eref=si_writers

Some of the selections I find very convincing but I want the opinion of you all on a few aspects.

1. Who do you rate higher - Gerard Pique or Thiago Silva and why? So who would you rather take in your team?

2. Would you take Patrice Evra as left back or someone else?

3. Do you still think David Villa can be called the best striker in the world or not? If not then would you take Samuel Eto'o instead for the left flank or any other player would be your preference?

Silva and Pique is a toss up in terms of ability. I will say Pique has more impressive feats on his resume though, he stands the test of time in the biggest of stages against the biggest of opponents. Silva hasnt, but that doesnt mean he is any less able to.

Evra isnt even the 2nd best leftback for me. He has had a below par season for sure, defensively he is gambling more then playing sound fundamental defence and he is being caught out for it. A. Cole is still the best for me.

Villa is the best striker in the world, all he has done is sacrificed himself for the chance to win things. He should be rewarded for it and recognized for it. His sacrifice of play and ego isnt something many can take.

David Trezeguet played extremely well agains you guys in what was a shocking 2-0 win for Hercules where he scored both goals.

Oh, why did Juventus keep Amauri over you Trezegol !

pique vs silva?overall pique is better,but silva was better this season imo (in terms of performance)

The Franchise wrote:Silva and Pique is a toss up in terms of ability. I will say Pique has more impressive feats on his resume though, he stands the test of time in the biggest of stages against the biggest of opponents. Silva hasnt, but that doesnt mean he is any less able to.

Evra isnt even the 2nd best leftback for me. He has had a below par season for sure, defensively he is gambling more then playing sound fundamental defence and he is being caught out for it. A. Cole is still the best for me.

Villa is the best striker in the world, all he has done is sacrificed himself for the chance to win things. He should be rewarded for it and recognized for it. His sacrifice of play and ego isnt something many can take.

Excellent reply - pretty much agree with every word.

JuvenelCuore wrote:
Oh, why did Juventus keep Amauri over you Trezegol !

A golden thought.

After two games vs Chelsea Cech and Ramires are strong candidates for place in 'Performed vs Barca' Team.