The stats frenzy, while hyperbole of course, was directed at your need to point out the scoring stats of Chelsea and Balotelli of Inter, which I didn't see very relevant for my argument in the first place. But yeah, let's leave it at that.
About you not thinking Alexis is a bad player, and perhaps even wanting to accomodate him to a different role in the team; what role exactly would be suitable for someone like this?:
Alexis poor finishing, ability to consistently take and beat his marker, and ability create scoring for himself, make him ill-suited for a primary or secondary scoring option in an offensive side like Barcelona. Quite simply, he does not offer enough consistent goal scoring threat to the opponents defense. Alexis goes whole halfs of games without even shooting at goal. He even passes shots looking to assist instead, hence the support mentality.
However, Alexis has a great overall game. He has outstanding work rate, he is creative, he is determined, he is a good assister and he does not shrink from pressure. His preferred role is that of supporting other primary striking players, by covering their backs, assisting and creating for them, and scoring the occasional goal.
For Alexis to play his role on this team, Neymar needs to turn into a reliable game-to-game scoring threat, then the second scoring burden won't be on him and he can have the freedom to display his overall talented game.
Problem is, not sure Neymar is that type of player right now. IMO Neymar for the time being, is going to be a better assister than he is scorer. Maybe when he matures both physically and mentally, he can become that type of scorer, but I don't see it happening next year. Maybe I'm wrong, maybe he does make the jump quickly.
Just so you know that I do like Alexis, last summer I did not want the team to buy Neymar. I wanted them to go get a reliable second scoring option to share scoring duties with Messi, and by that allow Alexis to be totally free to roam around wreaking havoc with his work rate and creativity. As it happened, they bought Neymar and continued to push Alexis to be that reliable second scorer for the team which I continue to insist, IMHO, he is not suited for.
