Eto’o may be a complete fukwit, but he had the best goal to minutes ratio last season, and his style of play would suit barca’s grounded passing game, due to his pace and finishing ability with both feet. Both Messi and Hleb aren’t big crossers of the ball, preferring to play throughballs, and this is why Eto’o would probably win the Pichichi.

And Spurs have reported Man Utd to the English FA for supposedly talking about their interest in Berbatov. I reckon they would sell him to us for around €5million less than Utd will offer. At €20million I’d snap him up. For €25m I’d probably rather Huntelaar but worst-case-scenario on Berbatov, he flops and we sell him back to England in a season or two for a fairly high fee letting us buy Benzema, as everyone expects, next season. Alternatively he may scores a few goals in the latter part of the Champions League to get us past United or Chelsea and prove that he is that good

Arshavin is still our best bet attacking-wise. not only does he ordinarily play on the left wing, but should Assulin pull a Bojan and come out strong early in the season Arshavin can also just as easily play behind the strikers and give us some depth in attacking options. he’s a very versatile player, and is physically strong on the ball in ways that Assulin can only dream about being once he passes puberty.

dunno if this video has been posted before, but here’s a good summation of Arshavin’s gifts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIRxxurh0xg

Assulin is talented, the only question is whether he can make the day in, day out cut in the Liga, sort of like Arshavin. We need a left winger backup anyhow, so why not Assulin for the sake of team harmony, and to keep a talented young player in the fold? Give him runouts in Copa games and the like, or during garbage time of Liga matches to start.

And Assulin is free, because we already have him.

And Kxevin, surely some b-team attackers will be promoted (at least one), so that would add a bit of depth. I would’ve loved to see Gai promoted though. Didn’t we decide a while back that he could’ve been an automatic promotion, so there was no need to trial him? or maybe i’m just dreaming…

And surely Guddie will go. He has been pratically forced out, and has been surplus for 2 years now. Does he not get the hint, or does he just want to collect his paycheck?

Still praying for Arshavin, too. He can play central or wing, so I guess we could add that to the list of forwards. And he has played just behind the striker for Russia and Zenit.

Jenny, I was wondering where you were. Good to “see” you again.

There might be rumbles of discontent on the “B” side, so to speak. Gai Assulin, bummed about not being called up, didn’t show up for practice the other day. The team is saying one thing, he’s saying another. Newly promoted Sporting Gijon wants to take him on loan so that he can show his stuff. Stay tuned, and read more over here: (chez Pep)

http://fcbtransfers.blogspot.com/2008/07/sporting-gijon-wants-gai-assulin-on.html

Personally, since Assulin is a left winger and we could use a backup, a roster spot seems a simple answer to keep a lamb in the fold, so to speak, and prevent a Fabregas. Assulin is the goods.

Welcome aboard, tomatutomate. We have a lot of fun here, and it’s a great place to hang out. It will be even better when the original pot-stirrer, Isaiah, returns from his drinking tour of Europe. He was at the Nou Camp on the day of the vote, and I can’t wait to read about the atmosphere there and how things must have felt for him as one of us.

Numbers should be very soon, Eklavya. Exact date isn’t known, but the first pre-season match is right around the corner. None of the players signed have had a “favorite” or lucky number, which will make things easier.

And Ciaran, if you count the Monument, we have 6 midfielders (SPF 45, Xavi, Yaya, Keita, Hleb, T.I.M.) for 3 spots. Actually 7 if you count Marquez, who can take defensive mid duties. I’d say that makes us pretty deep there. Now on the front line, we are definitely thin, particularly if you figure that Eto’o is outta here.

Counting Messi as a front-liner, that’s him, Henry, Krkic and that’s it. Even if you include the Eto’o replacement, are we really set for a season when Messi is probably going to pick up a knock, Henry’s back is sure to trouble, and someone might lose Krkic’s little ol’ self in a back pocket or something. Makes that big, strong “9″ all the more necessary. And add “durable” to that list of attributes.

As a funny aside, did anyone see the hooraw that was made over Ronaldinho’s rather portly self in Milan yesterday? Lordy! You’d think the second coming had arrived.