First annual Barca Offside war games, a.k.a. “My beauty sleep!”

By: Kevin | June 18th, 2009

We all know the idea of a war game, which is to simulate and work out a potential situation, based on an army in miniature, that is real or imagined. Yes, the real-life Messi is a miniature, but that’s entirely beside the point.

Transfer season has begun, though nothing will really start happening in La Liga until after the Spain Invitational, which won’t in any way stop us from having a bit of fun.

This is where our war games enter the picture. Here’s the scenario:

–We’re being very intelligent with our transfer strategy.
–Many speculate that we won’t many any significant signings.
–If we do make a signing, some also speculate, the market conditions are such that we can afford one good signing.
–Next season, we’re going to see parked buses in stadium after stadium, as Chelsea has shown the way.

So here’s the scenario: We get one purchased player, in the sensible Barca style. With that one player, devise a starting lineup, and a way to defeat a parked bus. The player purchase must be within the realm of possibility, and the bus-beating tactics must be workable.

Last season, we faced the ultimate bus and got through on a precious away goal. Can we resolve the problem? I think so, and here’s how.

Bought player: David Villa, for 50m, to replace Samuel Eto

Lineup:

————————————Valdes——————————————
Alves————–Pique—————————–Puyol—————-Abidal
————————————-The Yaya————————————–
—————————Xavi——————————Iniesta—————
Messi——————————Henry———————————Villa

Henry is the “9,” because of his size, strength, touch and ability to play with his back to the goal. Rather than running at a defense, we send Henry into the box, a la what Chelsea does with Drogba, and keep pumping balls in.

Villa is the non-disappearing Eto’o on the left wing, and potentially every bit as good out there as Henry, as once again we have a proven goal scorer playing on the left wing. Villa is also a very good passer.

Messi dive-bombs the box in his usual way from the right, working with Dani Alves to keep the defense honest. It’s still parked, but it must shift to deal with his danger. All that Henry needs is one good ball, in my fantasy world, and he can turn the trick. The advantage to having him as the “9″ is that he won’t have to run that much.

And that’s what I know. Now have at it, and I hope this as much fun as it has the potential to be, particularly given that it’s a very possible scenario.