I've heard a lot of talk that we overpaid, that Eto'o is a much better striker, that Ibra is a mercenary who doesn't love Barca, won't work hard pressing up in defense, and isn't fast enough. I'll tell you right now I disagree with each one of those allegations.
I think Sammy's a world-class striker that the club owes a huge debt to, but it looks like he had to go. I won't pretend to know the ins and outs but I do know his agent made some pretty outrageous statements and Pep felt we needed new impetus after last season's all-conquering campaign. We paid a lot for Ibra, certainly, but we're not Valencia and that's the market this year. I don't really see another 20 million going out the door with Eto'o; he's a sunk cost that had to be offloaded.
Ibra will be spectacular with Barca. Eto'o was an opportunistic striker, a clinical finisher with speed to spare. In Ibra we see a striker much better suited to how Barca plays, and let's not forget that he has been proliferate against much stingier and more physical Italian defenses. The big Swede has the technique to play a quick one-touch passing game within the box, receiving and playing passes from Iniesta, Xavi and Messi. I can't wait for the first time he receives a pass under pressure after a dazzling Messi run, takes one, two touches, and fires. Furthermore, he's a potent aerial target match made to head-home the dangerous crosses Dani Alves whips in on a regular basis. And I don't doubt he'll be effective as Sammy was at latching on to centering passes from Henry running down the left touchline.
His defense pressing forward remains to be seen, but with Pep spurring him on, let's just say I have faith.
Maxwell looked very strong offensively against Seattle, and while I still don't know his mettle with the likes of Arjen Robben running at him, the Brazilian appeared comfortable in possession and technically very capable. He moved the ball well and I'm sure he'll be one more headache for Liga defenses. Henrique was a little more subdued on the right touchline, and I'll reserve judgments for now. I wouldn't expect anything less than a solid performance against the MLS side, so I can't draw much from Wednesday night.
Joan Laporta has come out and stated Barca is not done with signings this summer. Looks like it'll be a left winger, a central defensive mid, and/or a central back. I know another left winger, especially the likes of Mata, would really free up Iniesta to rampage all through the left and middle of the pitch as well as provide a bit of relief for the injury-prone Saint Andres, but at this point I'm much more keen on bolstering the defensive and the center of the midfield, defensively. I have unlimited admiration for Sergi Busquets, but with Yaya and Keita out 4-5 weeks mid-season for the ANC, I get nervous thinking about a lack of depth in the center of the midfield, not to mention the cover Yaya can provide dropping back as a central defender. I don't believe we can count on seeing Gabi Milito anytime soon unfortunately, so having only Puyol, Pique, and Marquez makes me a bit nervous when it comes to potential injury scenarios. More promising performances from Henrique will alleviate some fears, and I'm more than happy with Abidal and Maxwell teaming up on the left.
Again, the promise of talent springing forth from La Masia this season is always exciting to watch for.
Until that happens, keep Bleeding the Blaugrana.
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