I picked 8 also, mainly because I think Lucho is a much better fit for this club than Tata. Also, I don't have crazy expectations. Only La Liga and I will be very happy with this season. Even if we don't win any trophies but show a lot of improvement, I will still be satisfied.
Well you have to understand that Mascherano is a top class veteran and he's coming off of an excellent world cup. If he benches Masch then there's a very high chance he would be pissed too.
Pedro I definitely agree with. He has been in horrible form. I'm fully expecting Rafinha to play ahead...
Isco's career has really gone downhill with his time in RM. He needs to leave to a team where he can be a regular starter.
As for Di Maria, he's the biggest RM player for me. James or anyone else simply can't replace him.
I'm not a dirty Barca fan. I hope he recovers. Don't give a crap if he plays for the rival team, he is a talented footballer with a decent attitude. If it was someone like Pepe or Ramos I wouldn't give a crap, but it's sad to see someone that was so marquee to my generation of football-watching...
There were stretches of the first half where I was absolutely amazed by our play, much the same way during the Pep era. I really hope we keep up this form and hunger. That one touch football we played was fantastic.
Very composed and clinical finisher. Lets hope he develops well enough to be consistent for the first team. Consistency is perhaps the most difficult aspect for a youngster to overcome.
I'm sorry to offend any Xavi fans in this board, but I would easily pick Raki over him right now. Raki has enough physical strength, height, and great through-ball ability. Neymar and Suarez will benefit far more with a midfielder like Raki.