Sign martinez now

[Inzi]

With Barcelone's current squad and style of play, I think Sergio Busquets is much more suited to them than Yaya Touré and I don't think they regret that decision. Of course, Touré has been really here but I don't think he would have done the great things Busquets has done in the past few seasons in Spain, so no worries about them wanting to sign Touré back: if they want someone to rest Busquets, they have Chelsea's Romeu and their own la Masia young players. And let's not forget about Mascherano who also is one of the better DM in the world.

In that perspective, only way I can see them signing Martinez is because they want someone polyvalent who can also play the defensive role like Mascherano, but that would be in the case they don't get someone they really want, ie Thiago Silva for example.

I suspect however buying Fabregas - his impact has hardly been all conquering and they do need more of a prescence in midfield - i think Yaya would be perfect if they were to change there stlye of play a little - cant see it though

is it just me who feels barca didnt really need fabregas? and that it was more of a sentimental transfer, that they just felt they had to bring him back home to where he was before he left for arsenal. he doesnt start every game and really only plays if xavi or iniesta are injured, plus he has quit a poor injury recod himself. with villa and pedro tocoming back fighting fit next season its going to be tough for him to assert himself in that team.

sorry for going offtopic

well he started off brilliantly and then faded. but he is basically the heir to Xavi, who is increasingly becoming less effective. Could have done without for 2/3 more years but probably cheaper to buy when they did. what was it, 29m right? decent price

 

[whalley ranger]

Is this a big jubilee clarkie?

 

[Mike D]

Re: Javier Martinez Bid to start summer spending

Yep lets have him,go and get that cheque book out Bobby he's exacly what we need.

 

[daxman]

/'If Martinez moves to City or Barca, it will be as a Central defender. That is what he is. A defender. I know many hope is the Yaya replacement, but he isn't. He is a ball skilled Centerback. And that is where he would likely be made to compete.

Good footballer with the potential to be a great defender. But at best, just a good midfielder. Why he is rated so highly as a midfielder on bluemoon is baffling. But then again, most haven't watched him much, and remember him predominantly from the U20 where he played in midfield as the defensive anchor.

This year he has played predominantly as a CB, and contrary to popular belief, it wasn't coz Athletico was short at CB. It was because Martinez was
excellent at it! They had 3 other outstading CDs in Amoreibieta, San Jose and Borja Ekiza. Bielsa however deemed him a better fit at CB and played him there predominantly. He is a fantastic ball playing CD and will (i believe) continue at that position if he came here.

Bielsa is a crazy unconventional coach, but as to Martinez in defense, he got that right. He preffered Matinez often over Ekisa and Jose, and predominantly preferred Itturaspe in DM to Martinez. City I believe will play him in the same role.

At least I hope so. Feliani, Witsel or Strootman, is who we should be looking at to fill the CM role. Martinez is a Central Defender, and a damned good one at that.

 

[Ducado]

Will Athletic sell? He's one of their bright young players.

Of course if he wants to leave, then great. I just can't see a Basque wanting to leave Athletic, a club that is sound financially and has no apparent reason to sell. Glad we have M'Vila as a backup.

££££££££££££££ have you seen the state of the Spanish economy ? Players will be paying more tax soon as well

 

[117 M34]

If he does sign, could we play 3 at the back?

Hart
Martinez Kompany Lescott
Richards Clichy
Barry
Nasri Yaya Silva

Aguero

Might work better with zabba and kolarov

 

[tolmie's hairdoo]

If he does sign, could we play 3 at the back?

Hart
Martinez Kompany Lescott
Richards Clichy
Barry
Nasri Yaya Silva

Aguero

Might work better with zabba and kolarov

Neither Kompany or Martinez can play well the left side of central defensive partnership.

Has to be a midfielder for me.

 

[Nicholas van Whatsisface]

If he does sign, could we play 3 at the back?

Hart
Martinez Kompany Lescott
Richards Clichy
Barry
Nasri Yaya Silva

Aguero

Might work better with zabba and kolarov

Neither Kompany or Martinez can play well the left side of central defensive partnership.

Has to be a midfielder for me.

Morning TH - are you hearing anything on an alternative target to Hazard, or is it all Martinez at the moment?

 

[OB1]

If he does sign, could we play 3 at the back?

Hart
Martinez Kompany Lescott
Richards Clichy
Barry
Nasri Yaya Silva

Aguero

Might work better with zabba and kolarov

Neither Kompany or Martinez can play well the left side of central defensive partnership.

Has to be a midfielder for me.

Yup but could be used to give Kompany an occasional rest.

 

[tolmie's hairdoo]

If he does sign, could we play 3 at the back?

Hart
Martinez Kompany Lescott
Richards Clichy
Barry
Nasri Yaya Silva

Aguero

Might work better with zabba and kolarov

Neither Kompany or Martinez can play well the left side of central defensive partnership.

Has to be a midfielder for me.

Morning TH - are you hearing anything on an alternative target to Hazard, or is it all Martinez at the moment?

I believe Bale has come to the fore re Hazard.