Spanish Football thread

[sachin]

Yes he did play well for Sevilla, and thats why Real paid so much for him last year. And he got more than enough chances to prove himself and failed to do so. With the likes of Emerson and Diarra in the team now, Baptista would struggle miserably to get a starting place.

Also if you think the Prem is some short of a benchmark, then you should think again. Bolton are filled with rejects from other leagues. Players like Vieria, Beckham, Gravesen who were so good in the Prem have found it tough in Italy and Spain.

However saying that I do reckon Baptista will do well in the Prem because of his physical ability, something that suits the English game more. But he clearly lacks the flair and creativity that was expected of him at Madrid. He just dint live up to his name.

He scored 9 goals from midfield which is supposedly the most from a midfielder at your club last year.

Well if Madrid is Reyes dream team than i wonder at the Spanish mentality...Maybe thats a little unfair....Anyway,i think Baptists should do very well.I'd start Cicinho,drop Raul to the bench....Not effective enough.

 

[m_vaughan]

Raul did a fine job playing out of position against Villarreal. He was involved in almost all of Real's chances.

 

[sachin]

Well thats an improvement...but if Reyes takes his spot,do you seriously think he's going to be played up front...Instead of Van Tapin rooy,Ronaldo,Robinho,Cassano?

 

[m_vaughan]

Well thats an improvement...but if Reyes takes his spot,do you seriously think he's going to be played up front...Instead of Van Tapin rooy,Ronaldo,Robinho,Cassano?

Yes...

------------------------Casillas-----------------------------
Ramos/Salgado------Cannavaro------------Bravo/Mejia/Pavon--R Carlos/Bravo
-------------Emerson-------------Diarra---------------------
------Beckham-------------------------Reyes/Robinho-------
-----------------------Raul/Robinho-------------------------
-------------------Cassano/RVN/Ronaldo

 

[sachin]

Very optimistic if you ask me...Not the player some people make him out to be.

 

[m_vaughan]

Not the player he used to be

 

[sachin]

Well if that pleases you...

 

[edgarisapimp]

Not the player he used to be

I assume you're talking about Raul. He's had a tough time of late. He missed most of last season with injury, if you remember. But even before then, he had been taken out of his natural position. Back in the early 2000s, he was an out-and-out striker. He doesn't play that position anymore, now he's more of an attacking/distributing midfielder - the perfect position for a captain, IMO. This season I think that he will not only return into form (he doesn't have much of a choice with all that class breathing down his neck ), but also show the world just how good of a leader he is. If this team is going to win anything this season, I think that Raul's leadership will play a huge part. On and off the field he's a class-act, and I hope that it will be recognized.

 

[m_vaughan]

I fully agree Edgar. Raul's leadership qualities are unmatched.

 

[sachin]

No doubt they are unmatched in the history of the world : You'd think for him to be a great Captain he'd have to perform a bit more...

 

[m_vaughan]

I would say in the current crop of players.

 

[sachin]

At Madrid,or around the world...?

 

[m_vaughan]

Around the world. Remember he is captain of both club and country.

Anyways, Real travel to Levante this weekend, and new boy Reyes could feature in the match. Reyes can play in midfield as well as an out and out forward.

Sergio Ramos might partner Fabio Cannavaro in defence.

 

[sachin]

Well i wouldn't count on Reyes up forward.Pretty useless/I
d use hi, on the left...He'll prolly get away with his diving there as well.Thats a plus!

 

[m_vaughan]

Reyes never an out an out forward. He played on the left at Sevilla, and was either used as a forward later on in the game when one of the main strikers was substituted/injured or if the team was playing a 4-4-3 formation. He is similar to Robben. AW and his stupid experimentations have ruined players in the past and will ruin more in the future.