Toure is officially presented

By: Isaiah | June 26th, 2007

Yaya Toure has been officially presented as a Barcelona player. He will wear the number 17 according to the club’s official webpage. [Update: Toure's deal is a 4 year deal] It’s a relief that we have another defensively-minded player on the books, really. Hopefully we continue this trend a little and get Cristian Chivu (regardless of whether he’s overrated or not, he’s at least a defender) and possibly Malouda and Abidal. Txiki Begiristain has been quoted by Sport as saying Barcelona are no longer in need of Motta’s services, which suggests that he will soon be moved, perhaps in the deal bringing Chivu from Roma.

A good point about Chivu, of course, is that he’s perhaps overrated. Despite finishing 2nd in Serie A this year with a goals allowed record of 34 (tied for 3rd in the league), Roma were blown out by Manchester United 7-1 in the Champions League quarterfinals and Chivu was on field during that whole game. That scoreline suggests a weak backline, but heaping that all on Chivu would be a mistake. The team was comprehensively beaten and no one would have looked good out there. Regardless, though, Chivu’s presence would add at least a bit of youth to Barcelona defense, which has opted for experience rather than potential over the last few years (Thuram is 35, Zambrotta is 34 in August, Gio van Bronckhorst is 32, Belletti is 31, Edmilson is 30, and Puyol is a sprightly 29).

Naturally I’ll be writing up a longer post about this once the main surge of transfers is over, but for now suffice it so say that we’re doing okay in the transfer market, even if we’re spending a bit much.

Some Related Barcelona Posts:

Category: Barcelona, Team News, Transfers/Transfer Rumors

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Isaiah

Regardless of Zambrotta's age (and Soccernet lists it at 33 and Wikipedia at 30 -- when I was writing the post I didn't think he was 33, but that's what Soccernet said so I accepted it), Nolan is right about peaking defenders. But the wear-and-tear on a 30 year old takes considerably longer to recover from than a 25 year old and that's something to consider.

Our defense does need reinforcement and supposedly there's Abidal to consider at this point. I'd be okay with that, especially since Gio and Sylvinho are on their way out/already out. I've always liked Gio, despite his obvious shortcomings. He's been solid and I've enjoyed his time playing for FCB.

And yeah, Nolan, what's up with no Dutch players? Shouldn't we raid their U-21 squad?
Nolan

Yes, Zambrotta is 30. And you have to remember that defenders peak later than offensive players due to the importance of experience. I still think Andrade is more reliable than Chivu even if he is older, remember this is the same Chivu that misses a week every other month with an injury. Of course if we were really smart we'd shell out the extra cash and go for Milito, but with both Juve and Madrid desperate for him, I don't see that happening.

Also with Gio leaving we NEED a FB ASAP. Gio doesn't get much credit but he's been a reliable left back for us throughout our glory days and I will miss him. It's also strange to see Barca without a dutch player.
RT

I think Zambrotta is 'only' 30? I see his date of birth listed as February '77. But your point regarding an aging back line still stands, obviously.
Linda

Good signing, I think. And as you said, we desperately need more (and younger) defensive players. The ages of our defenders make scary reading.
Mr Gooner (spfc manager)

You lucky so and so's. Not only did you take away our talissman for a very moderated price but you also took what I believe to be the future best defensive midfielder in the world. If he turns out to be a big hit then I'll cry like a little girl, because a couple of seasons ago we gave Yaya Toure a trial however didn't make an offer for him. I'd just like to add that you can have our Titi, but you can never have our freedom (I meant Wenger)