La Liga BBVA Thread

[Mandieta6]

Villa spent half the match coming off the wing and half in the No. 9 position. I put him there simply as a starting point, with the idea, as is in practice, that he interchanges with Silva/Mata.

I too am angered by Ramos, I nearly put in Arbeloa just because I didn't want to seem like I rate Ramos but he IS better.

 

[Sevillista]

It's a wonderful problem to have, finding room for Busquets, Xabi Alonso, Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas, Silva, Mata, Thiago, and Cazorla. Spain could split itself in two and have the two best midfields in the world.

As good as Silva and Mata have been, a healthy Iniesta is still better. If the guy weren't injured for the past month, he would be proving it. Es el puto amo.

 

[ShiftyPowers]

Not in a team with 70% of possession and Ramos is only a disaster when his team doesn't work.

He was at fault for the second USA goal in the Confederations Cup and Spain probably had 99% possession in that game.

 

[Arnau]

Silva is close to Xavi, Iniesta and Cesc level right now.

 

[ShiftyPowers]

God, I didn't even think about Thiago. Do you think he'll get called up for Euro 2012?

 

[Arnau]

100% safe.

my 23 man squad prediction:

GK: Casillas, Valdés, Reina

Defenders: Ramos, Piqué, Puyol, Arbeloa, Jordi Alba, Víctor Ruíz, Albiol?

Midfielders: Busquets, Alonso, Javi Martínez?, Thiago, Iniesta, Xavi, Cesc, Silva, Cazorla

Forwards: Villa, Mata, Pedro, Torres? and Negredo or Llorente.

Albiol, Javi Mtz and one 9 won't get called. I bet on Víctor Ruíz instead Albiol.

 

[poet11]

He was at fault for the second USA goal in the Confederations Cup and Spain probably had 99% possession in that game.

But he was an absolute BEAST in the WC final. I am no big fan of his but that was a great performance. Its arguable considering Kuyt was his man but still....he absolutely dominated when he was called upon.

 

[Sevillista]

I don't like Ramos on the national team, and not just because he's a douche. People praise his work on the attack because he always finds open space, but that's because defenses would much rather the offense run through him than any of the midfielders. Attacks that run through Ramos usually end with a nonthreatening cross into the box. Most of the goals scored against Spain in tournaments have come when Ramos was trotting back slowly from an attack

100% safe.

my 23 man squad prediction:

GK: Casillas, Valdés, Reina

Defenders: Ramos, Piqué, Puyol, Arbeloa, Jordi Alba, Víctor Ruíz, Albiol?

Midfielders: Busquets, Alonso, Javi Martínez?, Thiago, Iniesta, Xavi, Cesc, Silva, Cazorla

Forwards: Villa, Mata, Pedro, Torres? and Negredo or Llorente.

Albiol, Javi Mtz and one 9 won't get called. I bet on Víctor Ruíz instead Albiol.

Soldado could still make the team ahead of Negredo and Llorente. It will be interesting to watch those three "compete" throughout the season. I think Llorente has the edge since he gives Del Bosque a very different kind of striker to try if the offense is sputtering.

I bet Jesus Navas ends up making it as well if somebody gets injured.

 

[Back Door Skip]

Spain's depth is ridiculous. I remember about 10 years ago they weren't even mentioned because they were average.

 

[Arnau]

I don't like Ramos on the national team, and not just because he's a douche. People praise his work on the attack because he always finds open space, but that's because defenses would much rather the offense run through him than any of the midfielders. Attacks that run through Ramos usually end with a nonthreatening cross into the box. Most of the goals scored against Spain in tournaments have come when Ramos was trotting back slowly from an attack


Soldado could still make the team ahead of Negredo and Llorente. It will be interesting to watch those three "compete" throughout the season. I think Llorente has the edge since he gives Del Bosque a very different kind of striker to try if the offense is sputtering.

I bet Jesus Navas ends up making it as well if somebody gets injured.

Navas and Soldado won't be there, Muniaín is over him right now and i don't think spain will play with 9, Cesc and Silva are too good. i bet Torres will be in because Del Bosque has no guts to get rid him and Llorente as well because he is a plan B. Albiol out, keep thinking Víctor Ruíz is better and left footed, so him or even Dominguez will get called. People talks about Botía, but he isn't that good IMO.

 

[Filipower]

Spain's depth is ridiculous. I remember about 10 years ago they weren't even mentioned because they were average.

This. Not even 10, we beat their ass in EURO2004 and in 2006 they weren't exactly amazing despite having a lot of the people who they still have today.

I guess it's just the style. Guardiola has basically handed Spain the European and World titles on a platter, man.

 

[Sevillista]

This. Not even 10, we beat their ass in EURO2004 and in 2006 they weren't exactly amazing despite having a lot of the people who they still have today.

I guess it's just the style. Guardiola has basically handed Spain the European and World titles on a platter, man.

Guardiola took over after Euro 2008, so no. Our midfielders and forwards reached their prime, that's why our success began.

 

[Arnau]

Credit to Luis Aragonés, he changed the style after a defeat against Northern Ireland.

 

[Filipower]

Guardiola took over after Euro 2008, so no. Our midfielders and forwards reached their prime, that's why our success began.

Touché. Barcelona, then.

 

[Arnau]

Beautiful strike by Kaka again. R1 + O.

 

[Dytza]

What a goal by Helder Postiga

 

[ShiftyPowers]

Touché. Barcelona, then.

Casillas, Ramos, Senna, Villa, Torres, Silva, Capdevila, Marchena?????

8 non-Barca starters.

EDIT: I didn't realize Silva was a starter all the way through Euro 2008. He kinda got screwed.

 

[Filipower]

I was talking about the style!

 

[ShiftyPowers]

Germany had 52% possession in the final, so no.

 

[Arnau]

No way, i remember they were outplayed. Style was the same than Barcelona.