The FOOTBALL thread

[Dolfagr]

I see you guys talk a lot about Neymar around. How can any attacker play his best while Messi is in the same squad? Messi and Neymar in the starting lineup is always risky, not both of them will be in good shape at a time.

Take a look at the combination between Benzema, Bale, Di Maria and Ronaldo who all fit in one formation, or Sturridge, Sterling and Suarez in Liverpool. If Neymar and Messi can't play in one formation then perhaps Barcelona shouldn't have bought him.

[Ragdoll]

Messi's form has been shit throughout the season. Probably the worst year in his career.

[Vladislav]

If Neymar and Messi can't play in one formation then perhaps Barcelona shouldn't have bought him.

This.

It makes little sense to buy a player, for so much money too, if he's just going to disrupt the balance of the team. I'd argue Messi's presence is not to blame at all, more like we're actually getting to see how mediocre Neymar is when playing alongside/against world class players. We didn't see that when he was playing for Santos.

[Ragdoll]

Should have spent the money on strengthening the back lines... but too late now.

[Dolfagr]

Should have spent the money on strengthening the back lines... but too late now.

Yeah, David Luiz almost looked like a done deal for you after Mourinho dropped him. You had good chances of getting Ter Stegen too. Now with the ban implemented and Puyol retiring and if Valdes leaves, you'll be left with only two natural centre backs and an average goalkeeper.

[Antonio.]

There are also rumours that Pinto wants to leave.

[Kaze]

There are also rumours that Pinto wants to leave.

Fuck him, lol.

[Antonio.]

Yeah, well at least he has some experience.

[Kaze]

Yeah, well at least he has some experience.

Getting involved in all the El Clasico fights 

[Archie]

Getting involved in all the El Clasico fights 

Barca should buy a goalkeeper, but who? I will buy Igor Akinfeev as a goalkeeper for Barcelona if I will be manager of Barca. Who do you prefer?

[Kaze]

Barca should buy a goalkeeper, but who? I will buy Igor Akinfeev as a goalkeeper for Barcelona if I will be manager of Barca. Who do you prefer?

No point going into all that. They are banned from transfers for 18 months.

[Archie]

No point going into all that. They are banned from transfers for 18 months.

Well, can't they search and find out more talented players in 18 months? And yeah, 18 months a bit long.

[Kaze]

Well, can't they search and find out more talented players in 18 months? And yeah, 18 months a bit long.

It takes effect immediately.

[Antonio.]

Barca should buy a goalkeeper, but who? I will buy Igor Akinfeev as a goalkeeper for Barcelona if I will be manager of Barca. Who do you prefer?

Barca already had a done deal with M'Gladbach's goalkeeper, but the transfer ban is what prevebted him from coming.

[Archie]

Barca already had a done deal with M'Gladbach's goalkeeper, but the transfer ban is what prevebted him from coming.

Ter Stegen is very, very young. They need more experienced players like Jose Reina who plays for Napoli now. But they can't buy him as he's loan from Liverpool, as I know.