Everybody….”Ommm, ommm.” Now breathe deep. Deeeeper….

By: Kevin | June 11th, 2009

Okay. Better now? Good.

On the other side of Spain, there’s this club that is spending money like running water. In Catalunya, there’s this club that is relaxing, and basking in the afterglow of the unprecedented triplete.

Like the meditating Buddha in this picture, that club is calm. Why?

Because it can be. We should be, as well.

Let’s take stock of where we are, really, in a transfer market that has only just begun. I’ll start from the back.

Valdes: One of the best keepers in the world
Alves: The best attacking right back in the world
Pique: Fast improving, already about the best center back on the club
Puyol: Dude. Come on. You’re kidding, right?
Abidal: Greyhound fast, still-improving but excellent left back
The Yaya:
Xavi: Best in the world at his position
Iniesta: What did I just say?
Messi: Ahem! (see above)
Henry: Still great, one good season left unless platooned
Eto’o: One of the best strikers in the world

So. What do we need to go rushing about and buying players like crazy for? We already have, at every position, a player who is the world’s best or among the world’s best. Of those players, only two, Puyol and Henry, are in their last legs of excellence.

So everyone, make like the Buddha and be calm. The transfer window has barely opened. Will we make deals? You bet. There are needs, and players that must be replaced. But the world is playing catch-up with us, kings of all that we survey.

Now, let’s have a look at what’s waiting in the wings, shall we?

Marquez: Great center back still, excellent outlet passer
Milito: Um….wait a minute….um….okay
Krkic: Fast embracing the wing, should be even better this season
Keita: Excellent defensive mid
Busquets: First-class defensive mid, should be excellent next season

And then there’s….

Caceres: Lock and load. He just needs time
Henrique: Coming home from being blooded in Germany
Botia: Will be ready for sub work this year
Pedro!!!: On the verge
Assulin: Will start the pre-season with the big boys
Thiago: Whoa, dude, the future is bright
Jeffren: (see above)

What all this means is that we’re stacked, kids. Like alphabet blocks at an OCD camp.

But we do have needs.

We need a Plan B attack. We need players who can spell Iniesta, Messi and Xavi in case of much-needed rest or injury. Note that I offer no replacement for Henry, because he is irreplacable.

The Plan B is where the bus-breaking striker comes in. We don’t need to sell Eto’o for that. But I’ve made my case for the other reasons we need to sell Eto’o. But if we renew him, buy somebody such as Llorente, and we’re done.

We do need quality subs at left and right back but not really, since Puyol can play on either side, as can Caceres. We’ve been linked with Bruno Alves and Filipe. Both would be inexpensive, and would meet needs that we have for defenders, in case of injuries, etc.

Realistically, let’s look at who’s going or already gone:

Sylvinho: An excellent career, and we wish him well
Gudjohnsen: Make an offer somebody, anybody.
Hleb: Might stay, as he knows a good thing when he has it. He can’t be any worse, right? We can play him to see how he goes, and cut bait with time left in the transfer window.

Traditionally, Barca has made smart, cost-effective purchases. We don’t run about splashing money, because we don’t have to. Particularly not with a side as stacked as it is.

So breathe deep, sit tight and wait to grok things in their fullness. Laporta, Txiki and Pep aren’t sleeping. They know what the side needs, what they have ready to go, what they can spend and how to spend it. It won’t happen in the headlines, it won’t really happen in the rumor mill.

One day, probably not as soon as most folks like, it will just. Happen. And it will all make sense, and the club will be better, and stronger. We won’t stand pat, as everyone knows what we need to improve.

And we will get it.

Ommmmm….