Robertor
Has left the building
As I have a Spanish mum and lived in Barcelona for a few years when I was young I was obviously always an Evertonian through my Dad but I've always kept an eye out for Barcelona and their results.
Personally I really like Luis Enrique. I saw some of what he did at Celta Vigo and I was impressed, and of course he 'gets' Barca. I think although Madrid have made a big couple of signings in Kroos and Rodriguez, Barca have done as well if not better in improving their defence and goalkeeping department; with the signing of Marc-Andre Ter Stegan being especially impressive, with the talented Claudio Bravo as his back up. Personally I'm surprised with the Mathieu signing but if they can get the best out of Thomas Vermaelen that he showed at Arsenal a few seasons ago then I think they're in for a good season, though my one worry would be that their centre backs could potentially not be good enough to go all the way in the title challenge or Champions League. Enrique's struggle will be hitting the ground running as Martino demonstrated last year there isn't much bedding in time at the Nou Camp, but he's already showed huge amounts of promise with his signings previously mentioned and of course the main two of the window. The signing of Suarez for £75 million is an indication of how serious Barcelona are of challenging on all fronts next season, and it'll be nice to finally be able to appreciate his footballing talents. And he's also pulled off a signing which in my opinion is the most underrated and 'slipped under the radar' signings of the summer which is Ivan Rakitic. The man is a magician, he was born to assist, and with him and Iniesta with the supporting Sergio Busquets - the best holding midfielder in the world - behind them and a front three of Neymar, Messi and Suarez; this Barcelona team is destined for huge things this season.
Personally I really like Luis Enrique. I saw some of what he did at Celta Vigo and I was impressed, and of course he 'gets' Barca. I think although Madrid have made a big couple of signings in Kroos and Rodriguez, Barca have done as well if not better in improving their defence and goalkeeping department; with the signing of Marc-Andre Ter Stegan being especially impressive, with the talented Claudio Bravo as his back up. Personally I'm surprised with the Mathieu signing but if they can get the best out of Thomas Vermaelen that he showed at Arsenal a few seasons ago then I think they're in for a good season, though my one worry would be that their centre backs could potentially not be good enough to go all the way in the title challenge or Champions League. Enrique's struggle will be hitting the ground running as Martino demonstrated last year there isn't much bedding in time at the Nou Camp, but he's already showed huge amounts of promise with his signings previously mentioned and of course the main two of the window. The signing of Suarez for £75 million is an indication of how serious Barcelona are of challenging on all fronts next season, and it'll be nice to finally be able to appreciate his footballing talents. And he's also pulled off a signing which in my opinion is the most underrated and 'slipped under the radar' signings of the summer which is Ivan Rakitic. The man is a magician, he was born to assist, and with him and Iniesta with the supporting Sergio Busquets - the best holding midfielder in the world - behind them and a front three of Neymar, Messi and Suarez; this Barcelona team is destined for huge things this season.
