coded01:

You forgot to put that some are jokers...

Airmark is one of them...

I must say I respect dayo... Although he is stubborn...

Ahswear na DK fit them die!

raumdeuter:
Ibime how did the goals dry up?

La Liga goals alone

2011/2012 - 114 goal scored
2012/2013 - 115 goal scored
2013/2014 - 100 goals scored
2014/2015(Treble winning season) - 110 goals scored
2015/2016(Current season with 4 games to go) - 96 goals

So where is the evidence that the goals dried up before MSN

Thanks for this. These are only league stats.

2013 and 2015, they won the league with 115 and 110 goals respectively.

2012 they scored well but Real Madrids goal tally was astronomical. You just have to hand it to Real that year.

2014, they lost the league with 100 goals only. 5 more goals contribution from Iniesta could have won them the league - Failure of GOALS.

2016, they are on 96 goals - they are level on points and could lose the league. Failure of Goals is the reason they are level on points. 5 or 10 more goals from Iniesta and the league would be finished by now.

So you can see the difference the 10 goals makes between 2012/13/15 and 2014/16. Coincidentally that 10 goal difference is the difference between what Iniesta has scored vs what his mates are scoring.

----------------------------------------------

So those stats are only league stats. Lets look at UCL.

In UCL 2012, they had 10 man Chelsea on the ropes for 90 minutes but couldn't capitalise due to failure of goals - exemplified by Messis penalty miss

2013 they suffered clear failure of DEFENCE, getting trashed 7-1 by Bayern. Jordi Roura must take blame for that defensive comedy.

2014 and 2016, they suffered failure of GOALS against Atleti, and couldn't break them down. Again Iniesta could have helped here.


So never has failure of possession been an issue. Xavi as a CM has responsibility for possession and since his department suffered no failure, Xavi is faultless. Failure of goals led to defeats in some of those years.

Iniesta as an AM has responsibility for Goals and partly for possession. What I wont buy is an AM claiming responsibility for possession (when he is the weakest possession keeper of the 3 midfielders) and completely abdicating his responsibilty for goals.

If Iniesta leaves Barca today, Barca will not suffer failure of possession. . . so the question is why he takes no responsibility for goals that another AM would take easily without Barca suffering failure of possession,

Ibime between Iniesta and Rakitić, who plays in a more advanced role?
This is the normal barcelona arrangement when they are in the opposition half, apart from the location of Mascherano and Piqué!

Even if Iniesta has never been a CM before, he is now, he has taken up the Xavi's role and he has been faultless in the possession department!
Here is goal.com comment after he was substituted -
" Sergi Roberto is also introduced by Luis Enrique, with Iniesta departing after a tremendous game where he sprayed telling passes around at will to set up a series of chances."

jstbeinhonest:
Neymar needs to get his acts together,in the valencia game,he cursed at Alba openly,now reports have come out of him telling a player'I earn 10 times more than you'.His contract war has been all over the news and he is not committing to the club,He his demanding for 5x his current salary.He is no more fans favorite,he parties a lot,He is late for training a lot and most importantly,He is neither a La masia product nor spanish.If his dip in form persists with his attitude,Barça might cash in.

Honestly, this is nonsense. No offence.

Isn't it like common knowledge that Iniesta now plays in a deeper role, where he dictates possession and has more defensive responsibilities?

This article was written last year February -

A Look at Andrés Iniesta's New Role

A lot has been made of Barça's number eight's stats this season. With zero league goals or assists, from the outside looking in, you could be forgiven for thinking he is enduring a poor season. Last season in the league he notched three goals with seven assists and the season before that he scored the same amount of goals but with an impressive sixteen assists.
During that 2012/13 season, Iniesta regularly had Messi, David Villa and Pedro ahead of him on the field. With the exception of Messi, the forwards were very much classed as goal scorers and not goal creators. They relied on the likes of Iniesta and Xavi to create the opportunities in which they could score. Here in lies a possible explanation to the sudden drop in his stats.
With the arrival of Neymar and Luis Suárez, you have players who at first seemed in similar moulds to Villa and Pedro but have actually adapted their game to create more goals as well as finish them. Suárez currently has twice as many league assists as he does goals while Neymar has seventeen goals and four assists to his name.
If you imagine Barça's attack as different waves. You start off with the defence who recover the ball before giving it to the next wave, typically
Sergio Busquets. Busquets then starts the attacking motion, finding the advanced midfielders. These players then typically find the front three who either convert or miss the chance.

For the majority of of Iniesta's career he has operated in wave 3 and 4. Picking the ball up from Busquets before moving it forward, either by using his great dribbling skill or picking out a pass further afield. This system worked and the trophies came with it. But slowly teams began figuring Barcelona out and many thought Barça needed a revolution of their style.
Gerardo Martino tried it by turning Barcelona into more of a counterattacking team. In the games it didn't really work and Barça came unstuck against the likes of Atlético Madrid, a team designed to make it difficult for the opponent to get at them.
Luis Enrqiue came in and showed Barça didn't need a revolution but instead an evolution. The introduction of Suárez created a new spearhead of Barça's attack. His presence occupies the two central defenders which allows Messi and Neymar more space. Messi has shifted over to the right of the formation but rarely sticks to the touchline. Instead he drifts in to the centre, collects the ball and has time to run at the defence.
This switch in Messi's game has meant he primarily operates in deeper areas then he has done in the past. He has often been described as a false nine for many years, starting the game high up the pitch before dropping deeper to pick up the ball. This season its almost reversed as he starts deeper and runs at the defence.
This repositioning of Messi has altered Iniesta's game. Previously he primarily operated in wave 3 and 4 but this season has dropped deeper into wave 2 and 3, playing alongside Sergio Busquets instead of ahead of him. The main role of Iniesta is no longer to create and score goals but instead to dictate play from this position, allowing the front three the freedom to attack teams.
His defensive contribution has gone up too. Before he would sometimes let runners past, safe in the knowledge that Busquets or one of the back four would pick them up. This season he will chase back to catch them.
The real difference between Xavi and Iniesta over the years has been Iniesta's willingness to get forward. While Xavi was seen as the metronome of the team, Iniesta would pick up the ball and dribble at opponents. It seems under Enrqiue, Iniesta has evolved into more of a Xavi type player and it makes sense for him to do this. At the age of 30, calls that he is in his twilight years are a little premature but he can't make runs over and over again. Instead he conserves his energy by having just as big as influence on the game except in a deeper position.

www.barcablaugranes.com/2015/2/25/8108325/a-look-at-andres-iniestas-new-role

coded01:


More reason I dislike him... Yes I do... He is too childish for my liking...


Imagine cursing a fellow player...


Imagine talking about how better your salary is to an opponent...


Imagine slapping an opponent who was rejoicing with his fellow players after a game...


His confrontational style is annoying...


Imagine he is killing Alba's game everyday...

That's something I noticed no barca fan is saying... Immediately Neymar came to barca... Alba's offensive runs have been wasteful & limited... There have been so many times I watched Alba run forward aimlessly as Neymar would prefer to dribble every player including the Ref than to pass to a quick-countering Alba ready to pounce with a cross or shot at goal... But a boy that wants to be seen as the number 1... Isn't close to number 2...

If you like you like him, and if you like don't, it doesn't change anything.

Yeah, given, it was rude and awkward to use such words and tone against your player no doubt about that. But it happens sometimes when frustration sets in, especially when the team is in desperate need of something meaningful. This is not to defend his action. Like I said earlier on, it was not cool and such words against your own players? Not called for. But let's not forget Messi's fiasco with the likes of Tello and even David Villa. In as much as they came as numerous rumours then, we know they likely happened. So sometimes temper flares.

As for his gameplay, I don't need to comment on that. He is justifying his play daily. We shouldn't start bringing up non-existent issues. Since the season Neymar came to Barça, Alves has not been scoring bar some few games like against City. Does that mean he is also responsible for that too? Let's take it easy with our criticisms and judgements. I know this is the kinda opportunity you have been waiting for to lash out on him.

He is childish, yeah to an extent. But he is growing, and no one would deny that. You wanna compare the Ney of today to the one of 2013? He is more matured now. But of course he is still growing.

As for your last 2 sentences... When Dinho was doing his thing with Eto'o, who was the boss? Was it Eto'o because he scored majority of the goals? Let's be very careful in laying out our sentiments.

Whenever there is a slump of form, then silly rumours start flying. Seems you guys didn't know Messi rumours went round too after those games we lost. About him leaving blah blah blah. Abegi!

These guys have played lots of matches and it took its toll on them. Give the guy a break! First half of the season when he was very fresh, we didn't hear silly talks. Na now. People should take chill pills jare.

Besides, the Alba ish you brought up, how many season did he play before Neymar came? And you dey there dey talk about pre-Neymar...

I know you have never liked him, and that's alright. Afterall, as successful as Penaldo is, alot of peeps don't like him. But that doesn't change the facts.

GBR1:



The holy trinity has been used to describe a lot of things even in football especially the forwards making up a team's triumvirate (most popular being United's trinity which included Best, Law and Charlton) but i'm not exactly sure it was used to describe Barcelona's midfield trio of Iniesta-Busquets-Xavi and it seems you are making this up. Your current forwards comprising of Neymar-Suarez-Messi are more of one actually.

Mister Man this is just common sense naa
3 Midfielders were the heart of a playing style that dominated the world, Isn't it logical for them to be called the Holy trinity?
BTW can't you even google it?

homesteady:


Mister Man this is just common sense naa
3 Midfielders were the heart of a playing style that dominated the world, Isn't it logical for them to be called the Holy trinity?
BTW can't you even google it?

You are the one trying to make this more complicated than necessary. I'm saying to you that the holy trinity of Barcelona pre MSN was comprised of Messi, Iniesta and Xavi (note Busquets is excluded) and it was rarely used to describe the midfield trio of Xavi-Iniesta-Busquets. I get it if it's just your opinion based on common sense but i know the results that would turn up if i google Barcelona's holy trinity (with the exception of MSN), and those results would place what I've said over your opinion.

Na wa oh, Oblak of Atlético Madrid has 21 clean sheets, the next highest is ............ 14 - Bravo and Villarreal's keeper.

GBR1:

You are the one trying to make this more complicated than necessary. I'm saying to you that the holy trinity of Barcelona pre MSN was comprised of Messi, Iniesta and Xavi (note Busquets is excluded) and it was rarely used to describe the midfield trio of Xavi-Iniesta-Busquets. I get it if it's just your opinion based on common sense but i know the results that would turn up if i google Barcelona's holy trinity (with the exception of MSN), and those results would place what I've said over your opinion.

These barca boys like flaunting stvpid honours everywhere. That was how they were argueing blindly on valdes quality until he was relegated to u-21 team in man utd.

coded01:

You forgot to put that some are jokers...
Airmark is one of them...
I must say I respect dayo... Although he is stubborn...

Where have you gone to these days, after how many losses you disappeared like coogar only to reappear and started disturbing my moniker. Why won't you respect dayo?You see him as your lord in houston, stop riding that shxt. Tell me why i should praise a dm very slow in thinking and action, even seyi olofinjana would have done better.

GBR1:

You are the one trying to make this more complicated than necessary. I'm saying to you that the holy trinity of Barcelona pre MSN was comprised of Messi, Iniesta and Xavi (note Busquets is excluded) and it was rarely used to describe the midfield trio of Xavi-Iniesta-Busquets. I get it if it's just your opinion based on common sense but i know the results that would turn up if i google Barcelona's holy trinity (with the exception of MSN), and those results would place what I've said over your opinion.

Why with the exception of MSN? Didn't it turn up in the results?

Unsurprisingly, all three members of Barcelona's holy trinity of Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Sergio Busquets are nominated.

http://m.goal.com/s/en-ca/news/4178/europe/2013/12/06/4459275/bale-and-ribery-nominated-for-fifpro-world-xi

If you like add Ibrahimovic, na you sabi!

airmark:





These barca boys like flaunting stvpid honours everywhere. That was how they were argueing blindly on valdes quality until he was relegated to u-21 team in man utd.

Where have you gone to these days, after how many losses you disappeared like coogar only to reappear and started disturbing my moniker. Why won't you respect dayo?You see him as your lord in houston, stop riding that shxt. Tell me why i should praise a dm very slow in thinking and action, even seyi olofinjana would have done better.

So you are still alive? I thought you would have gulped a full can of arsenide after seeing Busquets name among goal.com Barcelona 3 players of the season!

homesteady:
Na wa oh, Oblak of Atlético Madrid has 21 clean sheets, the next highest is ............ 14 - Bravo and Villarreal's keeper.

Zamora is already his. Others should be thinking of next season.

homesteady:


So you are still alive? I thought you would have gulped a full can of arsenide after seeing Busquets name among goal.com Barcelona 3 players of the season!

I am still alive and till I reach 100+ . so you could inform me that goal.com praised busquets , unbelievable! The same website you labelled as never a reliable site when they highlighted busquets blunders week-in week-out . You need to give your life to Christ.

Just watched the video on d new camp nou... I was moved


My wedding must be at d nou camp nou

airmark:


I am still alive and till I reach 100+ . so you could inform me that goal.com praised busquets , unbelievable! The same website you labelled as never a reliable site when they highlighted busquets blunders week-in week-out . You need to give your life to Christ.

I can remember I clearly stated that their post-match ratings were unreliable because it is mostly done in a rush, it is always watery due to them wanting to be very brief and are not based on stats! Now compare with some other sites that give detailed analysis with stats like Barca Blaugranes.com or even sites like WhoScored.com that give ratings based on stats!

If they have been highlighting his blunders week after week as you claimed, then why is he on the shortlist, even ahead of Neymar that was the best player in the world for a certain period? Does it make any sense?

onuwaje:
Just watched the video on d new camp nou... I was moved


My wedding must be at d nou camp nou

It's a real spectacle! From the looks of it, the stadium capacity will exceed a hundred thousand.

airmark:


Not only to me, to the football world governing body and spanish la liga board, busquets is unproductive. Next?



After your birthday razzmattazz, what you could do is to start fidgeting in delusion of grandeur. Anytime i joke you will see me adding smilies. I brought out video evidence highlighting how annoyingly sluggish and lazy busquets was and is, yet you are calling them jokes, well let me just stop here. I just pray he moves next summer to epl or join a mid table team in la liga and see how every muniru and ambali will be taking him for a ride in the middle.



I am not obsessed with that ''na my daddy do am'' player, if busquets thrills you with his annoying play then you have n't seen great defensive midfielders in action before.

Your guy claims Busi is the most important figure after Xavi in the Barca midfield set up, which makes him a very great player to have been better than Iniesta. I was expecting you to call him out for his blatant lies, but you just kept mute and were also observing things from afar

mcdreeezy:
It's a real spectacle! From the looks of it, the stadium capacity will exceed a hundred thousand.

Yeah... They are gonna add 5000+ to make it 105,000.

Mehn, the restaurant that would be at the side (body) would be dope.

mcdreeezy:
It's a real spectacle! From the looks of it, the stadium capacity will exceed a hundred thousand.

108,000

Luis Suarez will dedicate his next goal to an ill little girl even though it will cost him a yellow.

onuwaje:
108,000

105,000 bruv.

hi cules I was reading the previous comments nd I saw that some guys are actually comparing dat Lampard to great iniesta..
Well.. to me I feel iniesta should be among the top ten greatest attacking midfielders of all all time.
Who d Bleep is comparing Lampard to him sef??
Has Lampard ever been d European player of the year Or has Lampard been in d world Xi like d number of times iniesta has been there that's even if he has bn dere sef
nawa 4 all dis sentimental people ooooo!!!
M very sure it's a Chelsea fan dah made that comment that Lampard is better than iniesta
haha!! nawa oooooooo

airmark:

Where have you gone to these days, after how many losses you disappeared like coogar only to reappear and started disturbing my moniker. Why won't you respect dayo?You see him as your lord in houston, stop riding that shxt. Tell me why i should praise a dm very slow in thinking and action, even seyi olofinjana would have done better.

See the job Krychowiak did in tracking Isaac Success for the first goal



This is the second goal guess where is Krychowiak? He is the one they were using to mop the field at the begining of the gif

Ibime:


They still have Bousquet (and Iniesta and Rakitic to a lesser extent) to dominate possession without Xavi and MSN to score goals so the critical success factors are still in place for success - Possession and Goals.

I posit that if Iniesta breaks his leg today and Sergi Roberto replaces him, Bousqets and Rakitic will not stop dominating possession and MSN will not stop scoring, and Barca will keep on winning.

Iniesta is the least important player to the critical success factors that I believe wins games - Possession and Goals.

Xavi is my favourite midfielder but even before Xavi established himself in 2006, once Possession (Deco) and goals (Ronaldinho, Eto) are on deck, success won't be far behind.

y cntt dey enta world ix

Inesta iz one of the 3 players dat madrid fans have applauded...dats because of the way he handles d ball..moves tru defense and assist.. Anybody dat says inesta is not important z sayn nonsense

dmcdad:

Yeah... They are gonna add 5000+ to make it 105,000.

Mehn, the restaurant that would be at the side (body) would be dope.

Restaurant?

dmcdad:
105,000 bruv.

nr vec i was moved by d video

mcdreeezy:
Restaurant?

Yeah. Have you seen the video? Mehn it's gonna be dope.

sweet7oyin:
Inesta iz one of the 3 players dat madrid fans have applauded...dats because of the way he handles d ball..moves tru defense and assist.. Anybody dat says inesta is not important z sayn nonsense

Exactly! That's a luxury even the god of football, god-Messi (The G.O.A.T) has not been afforded. Iniesta, Ronaldinho and Maradona have all enjoyed that. And yet this same Iniesta is unproductive.

Mehn... People need to fear God abeg. Haba mana.

sweet7oyin:
Inesta iz one of the 3 players dat madrid fans have applauded...dats because of the way he handles d ball..moves tru defense and assist.. Anybody dat says inesta is not important z sayn nonsense

Lol! All these incorrect analysis.

FYI, Madrid fans have applauded more than 3 players and you don't have to be so great to get an opposition's applause.