We need Messi for this game. It's maybe not a favored option because of his thigh discomfort but it's still the most logical. I mean he even played against Betis a few days after his knee contusion and look how that turned out. He broke the record for most goals in a calendar year. Besides...
I don't see the point of the whole "proven" CB thing because we do have enough proven CB's for the next few years. Puyol is still gonna play regularly for at least 2-3 years and Pique is already our main defender. Masch can and should fill in during the less important games to rest an aging...
Luis Alvaro (Santos chairman)-"We are already talking about the chance of getting a new deal for him [Neymar] and it is a dream of mine to keep him here," Alvaro said.
"I also think he is happy with his big salary here and he certainly deserves it."
He was dribbling well and constantly nutmegging the opposition players. However his passes were hit or miss and his finishing wasn't all that great besides the goal. Nowhere near his usual standards but yea a good game by mortal standards.
Well we have played strong teams recently. Malaga for 3 games (who's defense is very strong and they crowd messi out specifically) and Sociedad who managed to pull off a great game that day defensively in the 2nd half. Osasuna won't be like that probably and Madrid is pretty much dead...
I think Pique is actually underrated for his defending. His best attribute is positioning himself so that he cuts off all the dangerous options from the opposition. He just doesn't give them any open space to find a killer pass or shot in. That's why teams hardly ever get a break on the side...
Trust me it's like that for a reason. All the attackers roam around to make it difficult for the defenders to stop them. That's why Cesc and Iniesta often switch positions during the game as well. This is what total football is all about.