Keita Moves To Barcelona

Now its official, Seydou Keita has become the first Malian to wear a Barcelona shirt. Barcelona paid the 14 million Euros release clause in Keita's contract to Sevilla. He signed the contract which will officially see him in the club until end of June 2012. The release clause has been set at a whooping 90 million Euros. The Mali international has thus become the first signing after Guardiola took charge. He may soon see his team mate Alves joining him at Barcelona. Keita has also become the ninth African player to join Barcelona.

Keita started his top flight footballing career in 1999-2000 seasons at Olympique Marseille. But shortly he was transferred to FC Lorient, where he completed his transformation to a quality defensive midfield player. Then he moved to RC Lens in the 2002-03 seasons. The 2006-07 seasons were so productive for him in terms of goals and success - he scored 11 goals in 37 games. But Lens has to let him go reluctantly after Keita reached an agreement with Sevilla. He continued the good work in Sevilla also scoring four goals from 31 games. But his ability, skill and his track record with buy-out clauses should be the reason why Barcelona has set a huge release clause for him. Whatever this one is a quality striker. he will be able to fill into the shoes of Edmillson and cover the great void in midfield. But how Guardiola is going to use both Yaya and Keita together is to be seen. Keita and Yaya both are quality players and will demand regular first team actions. Add to this Xavi and Iniesta who will be the driving force in Midfiled, Guardiola might be in for something.

Are We Being Fair To Giovani?

Giovani Dos Santos looked like a completely baffled man. At least his recent comments as quoted by media give us an impression of a very confused person. From the moment Barcelona's season started going, all the fingers started pointing on him along with Ronaldinho. It was said that he will never be able to make a switch to first team action. His hardships were increased by the fact that his colleague Bojan, who was promoted along with him, looked like cemented his position. He has scored only four goals throughout the season compared to Bojan's eleven. he could only manage ten La Liga starts compared to Bojan's fourteen. He had to wait till the last game to get into the La Liga goal books, even though he did that is style. Barcelona fans and media are searching for scapegoats at every nook and he appears to be one of their favourite now. Before the start of this season, he was linked to a number of clubs but he came forward and declared that his future is with Barcelona. At that time that was hailed by Barcelona fans and used to question Fabregas' decision. But at the end of the season it looks like Giovani might be regretting his decision.

Many Barcelona fans have already written him off as an over rated players. True that he came to the team as the next Ronaldinho; but expecting that he will turn around the fortunes of the club was too much. Everyone seems like forgetting the fact that this is his first season and not interested in giving him some breathing space. I do agree with the fact that Bojan had made more impact than Dos Santos in the first season; but how can you write him off just because his first season didn't come off that well. Bojan has been more consistent among the two and also have been more effective. But isn't it because he get a chance to play more in his natural positions. Most of his goals are from simple tap in; I do agree that he has a great positioning sense and a great goal scoring instinct. Giovani is a different player to Bojan; he fits more into the playmaker style of role than the striker. Many times this season he seemed lost when he started in the lineup. But isn't it natural in a maiden season. Even Messi in his first season gave an impression that he cannot shoot to save his life. The fact that he made his debut in a difficult season should not be held against him. Already suggestions are made to send him on loan to another club so that he can gain experience. I don't understand this theory, why Barcelona is a bad place to earn experience? Giovani has shrugged off this suggestion; many consider this as arrogance. But I would like to consider this as a testimony to his tough character. He has categorically stated that, if he leaves it will be forever. He looks like a kid with tough character and a great belief in him. If Barcelona decides to sell him in the end it would be a sad day for the club and its youth system. It also sends the wrong signals to youngsters that First team will not be accommodative for the young talents. Secondly I am totally convinced about his talents and is absolutely sure that he will make Barca pay for such a mistake. But I have a feeling Barcelona is strongly considering to sell him, otherwise with so much rumours floating Barcelona board would have backed him. Maybe they are waiting for the right price.

Top Three Barcelona Goals of This Season

Usually when you think about rating the best goals of the season, there always exist a chance that you may go bad, especially with Barcelona. But not this time friends, not this time. It was pretty easy. There were only a handful of goals which can be considered, and picking the best was as easy as it gets. This is my list and if I have missed some please let me know. I have short listed three goals, with Henry, Eto and Ronnie making their presence . Its a pity I could not include the best player of this season - Iniesta in the list. The list starts in the reverse order.


3) Third in the list is Eto's goal against Mallorca in a 2-0 victory.

2) Henry features on the list at number 2 with this stunning strike against Celtic in that thrilling 3-2 victory.


1) Who can be in the top position - Ronaldinho. With this unbelievable goal against Athletico Madrid. Barcelona lost the match 4-2.