With the first Liga round completed, Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo evaluated Barcelona's coach and players individually.Guardiola: Visionary
He took very risky decisions before gaining the confidence of all: the reassignment of Samuel Eto'o, Messi's Olympic games, the faith put into Sergi Busquets, the insistence in Thierry Henry, a tough internal code... Everything has come out well to him. Lover of detail, demanding in daily work and with a privileged vision of football. He continues to connect with players because he never stopped being one. Barcelona is a machine on the field and a family outside it. And the best thing is: they know that they still have not won anything.
Valdes: Secure
The goalkeeper that has less conceded in the league. He's on his way for his second Zamora (Spanish best Goalkeeper award). He quickly adapted to Pep's system that demanded him to put more attention outside of the area. He transmits confidence.
Alves: Cheap
The most expensive defender in the history of Barcelona has turned out to be a bargain. His association with Messi is priceless, his physical leaves an impression and his quality is undeniable.
Puyol: Gigantic
Puyol started from zero with Guardiola, a manager who admires more technical central defenders, but the character of the captain is irreplaceable. Also impressed as full back.
Pique: Serious
One of the keys of the good atmosphere in the team by his good humor,
when entering the field he turns serious to demonstrate that he is the central defender for the future.
Márquez: Commited
Closely looked at because of his poor performance over the last two seasons, the mexican has refound under Guardiola his best form and his starting spot in the centre.
Caceres: Uncomfortable
Due to his youth and characteristics it is costing him to adapt to a so demanding Barcelona at a technical and tactical level, although he has the correct attitude to grow as a player.
Abidal: Sharpened
Very difficult to surpass in defense. He advances up the field little so that he does not uneven the team in defense, because Alves has the freedom in the other wing. Physically better than under Rijkaard.
Sylvinho: Professional
Has played less than anyone in the league. When Abidal was injured, Guardiola opted for Puyol on the left wing. Not one bad expression and one certainty: when he plays, he furfills.
Víctor Sánchez: Made responsible
An error in the Mallorca game playing as a central defender cost him excessive critics. Guardiola publicly defended him. Against Athletic Bilbao he furfilled as a midfield player.
Touré: Immense
Doubted at the beggining, did not get used to the new Barcelona system and Arsenal were closely watching. Pep talked to him and returned to the beast that intimidates and commands in the midfield area.
Busquets: Bold
The revelation. He has the tactical sense of a veteran, the quality with the ball and the agressiveness needed in football to prevail. And his margin of improvement is enormous.
Translated by: Nite
This was the first part of this evaluation. You will be able to read the second part on this blog in the coming days.
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