Why Ruben Neves would be a great signing for Barca 🔥
(A Thread)
26 years old, but been a starter since the 17/18 season where he played 42 games in Championship for Wolverhampton. Got promoted, and followed the team to Premier League - been a guaranteed starter since. 3 games missed with injury.
Ruben Neves shouldn’t be a priority, but as long as it doesn’t block other transfers, he would be an upgrade to Kessie, who I assume will leave if the Portuguese joins.
Available, experienced, and certain abilities which benefits Barca. Solid squad depth. A fighter.
Ruben Neves could feature as an interior midfielder or in a double pivot.
He won’t be a replacement for Busquets, and he should not play as a 6/single pivot. Why? Not that disciplined (positionally). Better as a box to box player.
Goal vs Liverpool.
My favorite part about Ruben Neves is his passing range. Amazing long passes, which is something we will miss without Busquets. Gavi, Kessie and Frenkie can’t offer the same. Neves completes 9.3 long passes per 90 minutes. Why do I value this?
At times we create numerical superiority on one side to isolate wingers/width holders on the other side. To find them, we need someone who can effectively switch the play.
That’s Ruben Neves. Great passer from the deep.
Another area of expertise often associated with Neves is his ball striking. Screamers from distance. While he has a powerful shot, I have to disappoint you.
Ruben Neves averages 0.09 goals per 90 minutes. Goals per shot: 0.05. He wouldn’t necessarily be a reliable goalscorer.
Still, he has the vision & technique to become a good midfielder for Barca. Can be utilized in different roles, and has age on his side.
This is a transfer I support, as long as it doesn’t prevent us from reinforcing other positions.
Kessie lacked the qualities in possession to play in a double pivot for Barca. This lead to him becoming a second striker at times. Good profile to have, but not enough to defend a place in the team. Ruben Neves makes more sense.
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“Lewandowski failing to show up in big games for Barca.”
(A Thread).
33 goals & 8 assists, but some are still unhappy with the 34 year old striker’s first season in a Barca shirt.
The narrative that he hasn’t stepped up in big games has been mentioned numerous times, but is it fair?…
First of all, there exist no proper definition of a big game. However, it’s often used about games vs top teams, or in knockout competitions such as the UCL.
In the league, each game is big. Real Madrid didn’t lose La Liga because they lost to Barca. It was the other games..
In Raphinha’s first season for Barca, he produced:
⚽️ 7 goals
🅰️ 7 assists
Dembele is currently in his sixth season wearing the Barca shirt, and has only matched these numbers once (last season). Things brings me over to my next point.
Availability. One of the most underrated aspects in football. Say what you want about Dembele being better when he is playing, but Raphinha has featured in 35 games this season. Something Dembele has not been able to do.
It’s also relevant studying the underlying numbers behind Raphinha’s goal and assists.
Based on expected goals, Raphinha should have scored 9.3 goals. Based on expected assists, Raphinha should have 9.7 assists. A constant threat.
An in depth analysis on how Pique, Busquets & Jordi Alba helped the club! ✅
- Must read for Barca fans
First of all, it’s not Pique, Busquets or Alba’s fault that they originally were given contracts with a high salary.
When an employer offer a good deal, you don’t ask for a contract that’s worth less. It’s not their area of concern.
Like most others in the squad, Pique, Alba and Busquets made more money than what was sustainable for the club in the long run. Again, it was not their fault, but the ones who gave them the contracts.
Now, when COVID-19 arrived, Barca found themselves in big trouble.
As we say goodbye to the old Camp Nou, we look back at some of the greatest moments. Here are some of my best experiences from this unique stadium.
Barca vs PSG: 6-1 🔥
The greatest comeback ever. Scenes which won’t be repeated. A 4-0 loss in the first leg, only to score three goals in the last minutes of the second leg to win 6-1.
Do you question Xavi’s project?
Do you think we are going nowhere?
This is the thread for you 🔥
Remember this:
When Xavi replaced Koeman, we were 9th in La Liga. We had not won La Liga since the 18/19 season, and had a squad that was far away from competing for the biggest trophies.
Media, experts, and others said it would take years for Barca to return to the top. Top 4 was ruled out in the eyes of the public. Fans were devastated.
Debunking Real Madrid’s video: Why Barca never were the team of the regime ❌
I won’t entertain a debate on which club benefited the most from a dictator ruling Spain for over 30 years.
What I will do, is apply context to the video Real Madrid shared yesterday, which should prove how tasteless it is. Is this how they perceive the events that occured?
First of all, clubs like Barca and Athletic Bilbao suffered more than most during Franco’s regime. Why?
Due to their desire for autonomy. They wanted their own languages, cultures, flags & identities to be recognized. Franco refused this. He hated this.