June 25, 2007
Barcelona May Crumble Under Pressure, Just Like Real
Having signed one of the most lethal striker in Thierry Henry for only 16 million pounds; a bargain considering Henry was top scorer in four consecutive years and lies third in the all-time goal scorers in the English Premiership. Even Darren Bent is valued at 17.5 million pounds.
A really good buy for Barcelona. And the thought of having Henry lined up besides Samuel Eto’o, Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi is a mouthwatering prospect even for the neutrals of football. Real Madrid must be trembling.
But for all the hype of Henry being at Nou Camp next season, talks of who will be in the starting lineup and who will be benched is the new story. With Barcelona 4-3-3 formation, one of the forwards will find life to be difficult on the bench and this will create unsettleness and tension among them.
Just like Real Madrid when they have Zidane, Figo, Beckham, Ronaldo and Raul in the starting lineup, Barcelona is now the new ‘Galacticos’. And Madrid flattered not because of the players, but the pressure of being tagged favourites.
And while Barca may have learned something from Real ordeal, one thing they have to put in their mind. Thierry Henry is not god.
Barcelona, english premier league, EPL, La Liga, Thierry HenryPopularity: 8% [?]
I have a feeling that Barcelona will be different than Madrid. Reason being, as you partially revealed in your list of Madrid stars, Barcelona has an excess of forwards, not midfielders. Everyone knows that Barca’s game revolves around Ronaldinho, and how he distributes the ball and creates space for other players by drawing defenses to himself. Whoever is up front will now create an obvious “mark us if you can” dilemma for opposing teams. Also, one more thing to remember: Where as Ronaldo was a dangerous finisher he could not pass very well. Henry, on the other hand, can. He will benefit the team through being a selfish striker at times, but also by combining with and setting up other players.
Comment by Justin Durst Jr. — June 25, 2007 @ 4:44 pm
I’m afraid Thierry Henry would be the one under tremendous pressure to deliver, and not Barca. See what happened to Shevchenko, he was a great striker at AC Milan, and now just an ordinary player at Chelsea.
Comment by Tonto — June 26, 2007 @ 3:20 pm
It’s quite difficult to see Barca crumble under pressure b’coz their style of play is totally different from Real. Last season they flattered b’coz of injuries to Eto’o and Messi. With Henry in the squad, they are now covered if they have injuries to others.
Comment by Galy — June 27, 2007 @ 1:06 am
It may happen just like Real, but Barca crumbbled last season due to injury to their star players.
Comment by Suresh — June 30, 2007 @ 4:15 am