oh how i would love to buy iniesta.....carrick-fletcher-iniesta 3 man midfield would destroy all on-comers.
go on fergie, put in a cheeky bid.
go on fergie, put in a cheeky bid.
Iniesta - Is there another? | Announces retirement
- Thread starter SAred
- Start date
The last time I saw him play, which was a few weeks ago, he was one of their best players.
When I say recently I mean, really recently.
Really?
I think that while Iniesta is a good player, he isn't so important that it changes the tie. As long as Messi, Xavi and Dani Alves play they should ease past Arsenal even without Iniesta.
If they are missing Iniesta plus one more of the above, or Iniesta returns to fitness but 2 of the above are missing, then Arsenal may survive a bit longer into the tie.
Iniesta has been off his game this season hasn't he?
Messi's the one that needs to miss the games for L'Arse to win.
Messi's the one that needs to miss the games for L'Arse to win.
I think Iniesta has played left wing too much, a position I dont think he's all that good at right now. You'd want a left winger in Barcelona's system to be a player who is going to produce the goods in the final third and weigh in with a good amount of goals and assists, but thats the thing Iniesta is yet to prove he can do. So its either a masterplan to have him play there quite a lot and he'll eventually add that to his game for when he's back in central midfield, or he's just going to continue to come short until Barcelona find another long term option.
The strength of Xavi and Iniesta is when they play next to each other (with another of course) and have that understanding. For me thats when you'll see both players at their best. Anything else and you've got more of a chance.
The strength of Xavi and Iniesta is when they play next to each other (with another of course) and have that understanding. For me thats when you'll see both players at their best. Anything else and you've got more of a chance.
Agreed. The Iniesta I saw from last season was a phenomenon, this season he's putting in good, if not spectacular performances. The thing is it's probably a symptom the whole Barca team are struggling with, bar Messi's recent good form. Reminds me of United last season, a next season hangover.
I really think Barca need a good technical winger (which probably explains their pursuit of players like Angel Di Maria). Fill the left attacking midfield slot adequately and Iniesta should return to midfield.
Pedro would be fine to be honest if they just were to just stick with him wide left and let him develop for a season or so. He gets them vital goals and he's decent in the build up. Its fine... Its just that the elections are coming up, and all the promises for star names are being made and left wing presents an oppertunity for the candidates to win votes. Saying "We'll keep Pedro on the left wing" isnt going to win votes like "We'll get Ribery for the left wing" and so thats why I doubt they'll go down that route.
He is having a better season than Kaka anyway.
My dead dog is having a better season tan Kaka.
I rate Fabregas just as highly if not more highly than Iniesta. Fabregas has been in fantastic form but has yet to show up for a big game this season. Maybe these matches are his chance.
However, I rate Sergio Busquets more highly than Alex Song. Busquets is class. The ideal water-carrier for a team.
However, I rate Sergio Busquets more highly than Alex Song. Busquets is class. The ideal water-carrier for a team.
I rate Fabregas just as highly if not more highly than Iniesta. Fabregas has been in fantastic form but has yet to show up for a big game this season. Maybe these matches are his chance.
However, I rate Sergio Busquets more highly than Alex Song. Busquets is class. The ideal water-carrier for a team.
Busquets is still underrated by so many. He has actually been one of Barcas best performers this season.
Iniesta will still be a big miss because if he was to turn it on the way he did against United last season then you are really looking at the best midfielder in the world. However this season his form as been patchy and injuries are holding him back.
I imagine with Xavi fit it'll be Xavi, Busquets and one out of Yaya and Keita. Guardiola perferes Keita but he as been injured and might not be deemed fit enough.
The games I posted are as recent as it gets! Has he been calling round to yours for kickabouts after training or something?
Agree with this though, which is unfortunate, I like Pedro. He probably has a fair bit to add to his game yet being only 22, but he does seem to have a pretty good eye for goal.
Iniesta- is there another....more injury prone player? AGAIN out for a month with hamstring issues. He seems to miss atleast 3-4 months every season.
Shame.
Shame.
It's a shame to not see play for such a long time but I guess it makes selection a bit more simpler for Guardiola in midfield
It always is tbh. Even last year he was out for a long time.
Cesc will get a lot of games next year when Iniesta takes his traditional 3 months out.
i'd still spunk 50 million quid on this lad
i seem to remember him recovering just in time to play in the CL final last year as well, it sounds like he's on track to repeat history - though admittedly his general form this season hasn't been quite so sharp.
He played in the final injured, apparently he was told not to shoot or something
I thought his contributions for the two goals in open play were absolutely outstanding. Just glides past players.
I was dissappointed with his contribution in the first half, thought the game was made for him to have a big influence and he didnt. (because Song wasnt there to track his runs from midfield in the space in front of Arsenal's defence)
However, he did very well for the first goal. And outstanding with his dribble forward and pass into villa, flick onto Xavi and goal. The second half he definitely did a much better job
However, he did very well for the first goal. And outstanding with his dribble forward and pass into villa, flick onto Xavi and goal. The second half he definitely did a much better job
Was not at his best but still delivered.
He can keep things simple and then just burst into life, glide past a few players and create a goal.
if andy carroll is worth 35 million....
nevermind, that's getting a bit boring now.
nevermind, that's getting a bit boring now.
One of my favorite players. So difficult to predict his next move and such nimble feet for a midfielder!
You guys think he's over or underrated?
You guys think he's over or underrated?
Rated just fine, in my opinion.
Was probably underrated until he scored the winning goal in the WC Final...
He was great once again in another big game, just reminds me so much of Zidane of how he just excels in the big games on so many occasions.
He's having his best domestic season ever.
Amazing last night again. Does this guy ever get caught in posession?
Best player on the pitch last night. He's unreal.
Had a brilliant season in 08/09 I think it was.
And also a Model Professional to boot, just doesn't get any better than him.
He's a big diver to be fair.
This is well known, although he used to be alot worse in his earlier seasons.
Why on earth are you confused?
Did a couple of outrageous dives in the first leg.
Fantastic player, though. Close control is better than any other player on the planet IMO. Yes, even better than Messi/Ronaldo.
I actually think Nani might be the closest, when it comes to having the ability to manipulate the ball in tight spaces.
Fantastic player, though. Close control is better than any other player on the planet IMO. Yes, even better than Messi/Ronaldo.
I actually think Nani might be the closest, when it comes to having the ability to manipulate the ball in tight spaces.
And he doesn't even need to be super-quick to beat players too.
Yep, he just keeps the ball so close to his feet.