14 - Javier Mascherano
- Thread starter nebeer
- Start date
XaviMessiGirl
New member
Metaphysical
Bomb Dropper
good post.
mascherano may not be xavi but in terms of passing to a team-mate and retaining possession (the basis of our style) he's superb: and here's the proof (clickity click)
Barcafan 2304
New member
Nice to hear that mate, hope you stick around here
W
woobie
Guest
Hi. I'm still at the phase of (mostly) newbie questions about Barcelona players/formation/etc so here's another one.
Mascherano's signing is, from what I can see, a very good one for Barcelona. He's a quality DM, no doubt about it. That said, there seem to be quite a few people who are convinced he's going to automatically take the starting DM position from Busquets. Now maybe I'm looking more at the World Cup performances than some of the league performances, but it seems to me that Busquets is a remarkably good DM for his young age, and one who suits the Barcelona style of play quite well. So, if my analysis is anywhere approaching generally accepted views...why's he going to be benched?
Mascherano's signing is, from what I can see, a very good one for Barcelona. He's a quality DM, no doubt about it. That said, there seem to be quite a few people who are convinced he's going to automatically take the starting DM position from Busquets. Now maybe I'm looking more at the World Cup performances than some of the league performances, but it seems to me that Busquets is a remarkably good DM for his young age, and one who suits the Barcelona style of play quite well. So, if my analysis is anywhere approaching generally accepted views...why's he going to be benched?
Plip
Cardenal de Catalunya
It is very hard to believe that Busquets will necessarily be benched due to the arrival of 'El Jefecito".
You have to consider that Mascherano's arrival gives Barça an option in the midfield to create a double-pivot, which would operate quite neatly against certain teams with a creative AM/CM (I think Meta had already made this point in one of his many posts). With only one substitution the midfield can be changed to suit different tactics of the opposite team, which imho. is never a bad option.
One last thing is that Pep will rotate and despite of not necessarily playing with a double-pivot week in week out, he will still be able to play both in a satisfactory amount of games. It all will depend on many variables such as form, tactics and performance in overall.
Mascherano actually even admitted that he would be crazy to think to play every game, yet still being available when needed.
You have to consider that Mascherano's arrival gives Barça an option in the midfield to create a double-pivot, which would operate quite neatly against certain teams with a creative AM/CM (I think Meta had already made this point in one of his many posts). With only one substitution the midfield can be changed to suit different tactics of the opposite team, which imho. is never a bad option.
One last thing is that Pep will rotate and despite of not necessarily playing with a double-pivot week in week out, he will still be able to play both in a satisfactory amount of games. It all will depend on many variables such as form, tactics and performance in overall.
Mascherano actually even admitted that he would be crazy to think to play every game, yet still being available when needed.
Last edited:
Chevy
New member
Simple, he's not.
There's enough space for both Busquets and Mascherano. They'll both get plenty of playing time - sometimes seperate, sometimes together. But they are very different in terms of style so having them both gives Pep some nice options.
W
woobie
Guest
Thank you all for the detailed explanations! Rotation and/or tactical decisions and/or fitness etc all make good sense. Appreciate the help; I'm trying to slowly move from being an occasional watcher of Barcelona games to someone who understands the team reasonably well.
(I will admit I was also slightly worried at not seeing regular anteater images in the Busquets thread after every game. The anteater's way cooler than the badger).
(I will admit I was also slightly worried at not seeing regular anteater images in the Busquets thread after every game. The anteater's way cooler than the badger).
Barcafan 2304
New member
There is mate, 100% agreed. Dont understand this thinking where some on here feel its one or the other. In fact, in big games against RM and in the CL, I can see them both starting
silky_soccer
Fireman Sam
one thing for sure, Badgerano will start for sure in both classicos.
Metaphysical
Bomb Dropper
loved his interview on the official site. he seems humble, dedicated, and really happy to be here.
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