Barcelona FC fan Saurabh Datar surely is very happy about his teams record breaking performances in 2009, but he feels there is more magic to come our way in 2010.
The year 2009 has been a splendid one for the Catalans. They’ve won a record 6 trophies in 2009. And that is something to write home about. But what is done is done. There is no point celebrating over the six cups. The winter break of the Champions’ League has put a pause on the action. Barcelona are up against Germans VFB Stuttgart, who once were strong contenders for their home title. They are now lying at a lowly 16th in the league i.e in the danger zone. Their strikers haven’t been in the best of forms, and even though with a pretty solid squad, the team has misfired terribly in the 2009 – 10 season of the Bundesliga.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are top of the table in the La Liga with 40 points, with Real Madrid following in at 37 points in second place. But Barcelona have built up a stunning goal difference (27 to be exact), and the top scorers of the la Liga include two Barca players i.e. Zlatan Ibrahimovic with 11 goals and Lionnel Messi with 9 goals. The players are in top notch form, and most of the squad has recovered from the injuries over Christmas and New Year. They did look a bit rusty against Villareal, but by the time Champions’ League arrives, the Catalans will have already kicked into top gear and ready to dispose off their opponents.
So with everything going good for them, is their anything to stop them? One point to consider is that the team relies heavily on the Xavi – Messi – Zlatan – Iniesta chemistry to produce most of the goals. But the other creative and attacking options also have to pitch in – Thierry Henry for example. He hasn’t been in the best of form this year, and has been in the news only for controversial reasons rather than his football. The defending too has to be more precise and solid. There have been many shaky moments for Puyol and Pique, leading to an increase in pressure on Victor Valdes. Pedro has been a very reliable player, and his current form is certainly encouraging for Pep Guardiola, who is spoilt for choice, as far as talent is concerned. But like in all situations, complacency is an enemy Barcelona have to watch out for,.
As far as this season is concerned, if I may dare predict, Barcelona look certain enough to win their home title, unless they manage to fumble big time in the league. As far as the Champions’ League is concerned, VFB Stuttgart shouldn’t pose much of a problem. It is the quarters and semis (especially the semis) where the Catalans have a tendency to lose steam and lose matches which they should be winning.
If you’re a Barca fan, then the current season is one of the best ones to watch (on Youtube or Barca TV, thanks to a no show by the TV channels in our country).
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