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Dec 3, 2009

Bojan and Toure are two contarsting case. One is eager to prove his talent but has no oppurtunity and the other one has showed the world his worth but still won't get a decent playing time. It wasn't a secret that Guardiola never preferred Yaya Toure as the defensive midielder in his setup. The initial comments from Guardiola gave the impression that he was too happy to see the back of the most consistent player for Barca in those two pathetic years. The initial treatment also pointed a same approach but Yaya fought back into the team and was one of the major reason we had a great last season. During the summer there were all kind of rumours that Mascherano would be preffered to Toure but somehow in the end we managed to give him a proper contract. But now it looks like the presenting of contract was to ensure that the player don't leave cheap rather to ensure the player remain in the team. He is not getting any quality playing time and performnace against Xerex has been pointed out by some as a reason he should not. As far as I am concerned he along with Essien are the best defensive midfielders in the world. And not giving one of the best enough playing time is a crime. Some of Barca fans points out the fact that he will be out for one month during African Nations cup as a reason Busquets is preffered to him. That's quite strange - if there was a Copa America going on, would you have preffered somebody else to Messi and Alves?

Will Bojan and Toure Stay at Barca Next Season?


Dec 1, 2009

As expected Lionel Messi won this year's Ballon d'Or to be crowned as the best player in Europe. It was an expected result with a record margin of victory. Cristiano Ronaldo finished second with 233 points while Lionel messi amased a record 473 points. Xavi received 170 points finishing third while Iniesta received 149 points finishing fourth. Samuel Eto'o finished fifth while new Barca recruit Ibrahmovic finished seventh. It was quite surprising to see Ronaldo finish second. He had a good season last year, but not an exceptional. For me last year Rooney was Manchester United's best player. And it is surprising to see the football's greates pundits in Europe failing to recognise the contribution of midfielders or defenders. Puyol never made it to the top thrity list whereas Toure finished 28th with 1 point. But for me the biggest dissappointment was not seeing Xavi finish second. He along with Iniesta was the creative organiser in the Barcelona side. His national team form was exceptional unlike Ronaldo or Messi. But then it is not a surprise as the Europe's soccer pundits proved their bias by not including Iniesta in the nominees last season.

Nov 30, 2009



FC Barcelona won the first edition of this season's Clasico with a solitary strike from Zlatan Ibrahmovic. Zlatan scored in the 56th minute after being introduced five minutes before in the place of Thierry Henry. After the sensational display at Bernebeu last year, people might have been disappointed by Barca's display tonight. This wasn't a typical Barcelona performance and it shows that the team has not yet hit the top gear. The most important thing from tonight's match is that we have regained the lead from Real Madrid and now has a two point advantage at the top. Guardiola lined up Alves, Pique, Puyol and Abidal in the defense. The midfield had Busquets playing along with Xavi and Keita. Iniesta, Henry and Messi formed the attacking trio. Ibra surprisingly started from the bench; maybe Guardiola thought it was risky to start both Messi and Zlatan after coming of injury.

Nov 29, 2009

Real Madrid visits Camp Nou tonight with a one point lead at the top of the table over FC Barcelona. Real Madrid has not reached their top form, and the fact that they still holds a lead over Barca say how tough this league is going to be this season. In my last post, i have written abou the El Clasico being the most pivotal matches in this season. FC Barcelona has not yet set the league on fire and has been very inconsistent away from home. But their home form has been good and we will be pinning on that to see us through this game. Guardiola has almost the entire squad back with him. After beating Inter with three of their regulars missing, confdence will not be missing in this team. Butstill Guardiola has a tough job. He has to make the call where he has to bring Messi, Ibrahmovic and Toure back to starting eleven straight after the injury lay off. Usually any injured star will be brought back into the game gradually, but then this is no ordinary match - it is the El Clasico. No player would want to miss this match.

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