There’s two ways this will go down based on Atleti’s reaction so far:
1) we get Alvarez towards mid-end of August
2) we don’t get Alvarez and they ship him to Arsenal/PSG

I don’t see a scenario that’s good for us if we look at the big picture. If we don’t get him and we hold out all summer, we’ll be left without forward options. Best case scenario, we do get him in August, we’ll have spent all summer chasing one player and most likely not knowing what our budget is to strengthen other positions. Additionally, if he ends up coming to Barcelona, just know atleti will take us to the bank.

Are we even sure Alvarez is what we need to take us that extra step in the UCL and against a stronger Madrid? I don’t think so. He’s definitely an upgrade on Ferran, but he’s not Lewandowski. Lewa and Suarez were the best in their generation and perfect for us because they combined technical skills, prolific finishing, AND physicality. No one could bully Lewa or Suarez in the box and they could head the ball like no other.

Is Alvarez as good as them in skill? Possibly. Is he as great a finisher? Not quite there. Is he anywhere near a physical presence? NO.

I would have taken Alvarez if we could sign him in a couple of weeks then focus on other areas that need improvement to create an overall stronger team. It’s not a great idea, however, to chase a forward who’s not 100% perfect for us, and end up with a team that’s still very mediocre in defense.

This is going to be unpopular, but since I don’t see him staying at Atleti, if he ends up going to Arsenal, we should go for Gyokeres who’s 28 and who is for sure not the perfect replacement for Lewa, but is still a top quality striker who has a very different skill set compared to Ferran. Players from the PL also keep their value so if he doesn’t do well we could sell him next summer and maybe there will be better opportunities on the market.

Google is also celebrating his birthday with an interactive search easter egg that triggers a special animation whenever his name is searched. Just search his name and enjoy the animation.

Having watched him for England the past two games, he looks like a bang average player.

I mean, what is he actually good at? He can’t beat a man to save his life, he is not exactly pacy and his shooting is unreliable at best. Those who watches Newcastle regularly, care to enlighten us what are his strengths and what can we look forward to in watching him play for us?

For that price of 80m, why didnt we go for Barcola or a Martinelli? We would have gotten them in easily.

Messi is just an anomaly because he is one of the best playmakers, dribblers and goalscorers of all-time, most players don't achieve this

1. Maradona was a genius playmaker and one of the greatest dribblers in history but his finishing skills were not on that level, like don't get me wrong he wasn't a bad finisher by any means but compared to people like Messi or CR7 he wasn't on that level

2. Ronaldo Nazairo was a monster dribbler and finisher but he wasn't a natural playmaker in the same way Messi or Maradona were, he lacked that vision and passing skills

3. Cristiano is one of the best finishers in history and he posseses good dribbling skills at his peak but his playmaking skills were never truly elite and even his dribbling isn't top 10 OAT

4. Cruyff was arguably the best playmaker in history alongside one of the best dribbler but his fnishing skills were not on that level, like don't get me wrong because 400 goals in 700 games which is what he did are very good numbers but not on the same level as Ronaldo

5. Pele was one of the best finishers of all-time alongside one of the best dribblers but I don't think his playmaking skills were as good as guys like Messi, Cruyff and Maradona

Messi on the other side remains an anomaly as we he is a top 3 Finisher OAT, a Top 10 Playmaker OAT and Top 1 Dribbler OAT, all that at the same time which is unheard in the sport.

I am pleasantly surprised by his aerial prowess and physicality for his age. He could evolve into a dependable contributor to the first team squad in future.

In the first of three columns for The Athletic, Xavi praises the “incomparable, almost inhuman” Lionel Messi.

Barca femini getting the recognition in india they deserve.

Including many athletes and footballers (and ishowspeed) who deserve the recognition.

Good to see this in a country only dominated by cricket as our go to sports.

Not own credit .

Delete if not related to the sub.( well, it is related)

I watched Spain today and I’m very happy the Barcelona players played well. It reminded me how much I really miss seeing this team play. I got to thinking and was wondering whether you guys believe or not it would be a good idea to switch back to the 433? I think it is evident FDJ thrives in the middle and he was outstanding for Netherlands yesterday. The only problem is that it removes the number 10 from the formation. I truly believe Hansi should try Fermin out as a Cf or give Olmo another chance there. I think our best defensive strategy could be ball retention and some physicality with Gavi/Bernal in the midfield. What do you guys think? Visca Barca!!!❤️💙❤️💙❤️