I think FCB can return to its glory days if the big 3 of South America are properly gelled together.

If they can learn to play with eachother and stay united, as well as properly utilize the midfield prowess that Rakitic, Iniesta and Xavi provide then Barca can be deadly again.

All that is needed for me is defensive fortitude , and if Vermaelen finally starts playing and partners with Mathieu and Mascherano then we can see a massive defensive change.

Lol, it'll take a lot more than Neymar/Messi/Suarez combination to save Barca. Look at your pathetic midfield and defense first. Your three strikers will click automatically. They're too good to not work well together.

I wouldn't call Xavi and Iniesta pathetic considering what they have done to your club.

and what more could barca ask for in attack? They have Brazil's best player, Argentina's best player and Uruguay's best player. I think that should be enough to succeed.

While our defense still needs alot of work, they have showed signs of improvement and just need to be consistent with it, as well as adding Vermaelen whenever he fucking gets back.

"I wouldn't call Xavi and Iniesta pathetic considering what they have done to your club."

• Yes, because two midfielders on the wrong side of 30 can still wreak havoc. Why don't you re-watch the most recent Clasico and tell me how much havoc Xavi and Iniesta really wrecked?

While I admit the last two clasicos we have been outplayed, don't forget the two matches in the league under fucking Tata.

we were about to equalize in the copa final but Neymar choked and hit the post in the dying moments, but Neymar is alot better this season and probably wouldn't squander such a chance again.

and those two players on the wrong side of thirty demolished city last season even while not at their best.

What i'm trying to get at is that Barca had a rough patch last season but still showed signs of hope even in the darkest period in the last 7 years.

Don't forget that Madrid had a period of poor form too earlier in the season, and most teams have a rough spot every season. We have been off recently that doesn't mean everything is flawed.

Uhmn, they will still be amazing to any mediocre teams, but as soon as you face big team your defends would bite you, then your slow midfield would vanish...

Rakitic has been dropping form since PSG game and he doesnt boss the midfield like the old good Xavi. Xavi is still an incredible force but not game in game out, and while he's not at his best, Barca doesn't have the right player to compete in the mid line and in the back like yet. UNLESS you change your system in a very special way. LE hasn't found it yet. Messi is still on top (except against big teams), I feel like to make the best out of him, give him more space and pass every attack through him

Actually its the first time since 2009 that Real Madrid has a better midlefield, so its not really a problem if we look for transition, its not easy to replace Xavi, Rakitic is under pressure, if he does not deliver than we only have Rafinha-Sergi Roberto who are the future but could shoke against Big teams.
Its not like we had an off year, Barça last year looked like Chelsea one, great display at times but trophyless at the end.
This year isnt satisfying of course but the work isnt done yet, We are only 2pts ahead of Madrid who have found their balance.
Lets see what the future will bring, im waiting for Atletico-Barça.

We need another midfielder, and a proper fullback, and a world class CB

We have Rakitic and Iniesta, but Rakitic isn't good enough to cover the hole Xavi has left. Verma and Mathieu are also not good enough to cover the hole our legend Puyol has left. Also, I would not even consider Dani Alves or Alba proper fullbacks. Alba is okay, Alves needs to go.

It seems to me like Barca are trying to replace its legends with average-good players with the hopes that the world class players already on the team will make up for it. That is not good enough because we need balance within the team.

Oh how I miss the golden days of Xavi and Puyol :(

I hope you realize that you won't ever find a replacement for Iniesta and Xavi. They're two all-time greats, impossible to replace them. Same with Messi. Say all you like about Neymar, he will end up as the next Romario. He will be nowhere near Leo Messi.

IMO Neymar does not fit Barcelona system . Barcelona is build around Messi and Neymar is a player around whom team should be built as well . I disagree that Neymar will end up like Romario . I think Neymar will be one of the greatest of all time . Not sure if he will achieve this alongside Messi . Especially lately , Messi just walks around and team that is build around Messi not doing well when their dynamo is slacking .

And just overall it seems like Barcelona players not quiet sure what to do . They are not sure what system to play . Midfield is just missing that Xavi type of player . Rakitic is fine , but I think Rafinha is the problem and when they are together , it is a bigger problem .

And why did Enrique take out Busquets against Almeria when Rafinha was clearly one who should gone on to bench ? I am not sure if Enrique is not confident about his starting 11 or he is trying to establish his 11 that will play his style ?

Barcelona is in construction. Enrique is a good manager, give him a year to sort out the team and the tactics and barca will be a powerforce again

@ Dynastian

Not a complete replacement, I already know they can never be replaced and that's why I miss them so much. I mean someone to minimize the hole left behind as much as possible.
& Neymar of course can't be no where near the best player to ever live.. but he will become one of the greats in the many years he still has.