The Emergence of AS Monaco: From Shambles to a Superpower

Founded in 1919, Association Sportive Monaco FC, commonly referred to as AS Monaco FC, is one of the most successful clubs in French football and boasts of an illustrious history. With 7 Ligue 1 titles and 5 Coupe de France in their trophy cabinet, this Monegasque club has flourished in the past era making it to the European Champions Cup (UEFA Champions League) on two occasions, one of which they ended runners-up to FC Porto. Despite of all their accomplishments, AS Monaco has been forever in the shadows of French football. With attendances less than 11000 in Stade Louis II (Capacity-18000) over the past 10 years, AS Monaco has been one of the most under-appreciated club in football history. In spite of all these differences, the Principality outfit still manages to attract world-class footballers to this half of the world.

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However, AS Monaco’s rise to success had suffered a major setback in 2010-11 when they were relegated from the 1^st division of football. Through major administrative changes, AS Monaco has fought back since then guaranteeing a promotion to Ligue 1 in the 2012-13 season. Ever since they secured promotion, Monaco has been all over the news making headlines with their big cash splash all over the European football market.

18 Yard Box 's Rishav Ghosh narrates the tale of this new superpower.

The Past

Founded in 1919, the club formed by the unification of numerous clubs from France and the principality of Monaco actually came into being on August 23^rd 1924. Having played in amateur leagues for the first few years, Monaco was finally inducted into the professional league in 1933. 1960 was the year of renaissance for AS Monaco. Under the guidance of one of the best managers to ever take charge of the Monegasque club, Lucien Leduc, Monaco won their first ever professional trophy, winning the Coupe de France, beating St. Étienne in the final. Ever since, it was a roller-coaster ride for AS Monaco, winning their 1^st ever French 1^st division title the very next year. Leduc then went on to complete a double the very next season with players of the calibre of Marcel Artelesa, Henri Biancheri, Lucien Cossou, Yvon Douis and Michel Hidalgo. However, after the double-winning season Leduc parted ways with the club and since then, Monaco again hit rock-bottom frequenting the 2^nd division till 1975 when Leduc was re-appointed. Leduc performed another miracle by securing a qualification to the 1^st division the very next season and winning the league title yet again, the season after. Leduc left the club yet again, leaving the reins of the club in the able hands of Lucien Muller and Gerard Banide. The club continued to prove itself as one of Ligue 1's top sides throughout the 1980s, picking up two more league titles and another domestic cup.

A young charismatic Wenger was given the reins of the club

After the appointment of Wenger to the Monaco top-job, the Ligue-1 side enjoyed another spell of success. Arsene gave Monaco a French League and a Coupe de France in his 7 year reign at the club and produced quality players like George Weah, Lilian Thuram, Emannuel Petit, Jurgen Klinsmann, David Trezeguet and Thiery Henry. After Wenger’s departure from the club in 1994, the run of success for the Les Rouge et Blanc did not end there.

However, in spite of so much success, AS Monaco faced financial crisis at the start of the century forcing president of the club, Jean-Louis Campora to resign. The next season brought much success to the club as they finished 3^rd in the league and went on to the final of UEFA Champions League,under the guidance of French legend,Didier Deshchamps.After enjoying a remarkable tenure at the Monegasque club, Deshchamps quit the club in 2005 leaving the club in dire straits. 

Ever since Deshchamps departure, there was no stopping the landslide as a series of poor performances over the next few years saw them slump into second division in the 2010-11 season.

Times were tough as AS Monaco, one of the most illustrious clubs in French history, found itself in the 2^nd division. In a crunch financial crisis, it was only the way down for the Principality outfit but a certain Russian businessman, Dimitry Rybolovlev, bought two-thirds of AS Monaco’s stakes in December 2011 and since then, Monaco’s fight for survival intensified and with able reinforcements, Monaco finally gained qualification to the French Ligue 1.

The Present

The arrival of Radamel Falcao pormises great things to come

Having secured promotion to the 1^st division, Monaco has opted for a quick way to success dumping huge amounts of money in the transfer market to secure the services of world-class players. In the past few weeks, Monaco signed James Rodriguez and Joao Moutinho from FC Porto, a joint deal worth £60m. They also signed high-profile striker Radamel Falcao for a fee worth around £50m, from Athletico Madrid and Ricardo Carvalho for free from Real Madrid. In an attempt to neutralise the spending prowess and team strength of French counterparts Paris St.Germain, Claudio Ranieri has also been eyeing Fabio Coentrao, Yohann Cabaye and Marchisio. Eric Abidal, who started his career at Monaco, might return to his former club and end his career at Monaco as he hinted in his last press conference for FC Barcelona.

Monaco have got a visionary in the form of Ranieri

AS Monaco has achieved success in Ligue 2 playing a straight 4-4-2 formation with 2 strikers often lining up one behind another.With impressive signings in the summer window, Ranieri might change his tactics, tweak the team formations according to available resources. However, with reinforcements arriving in the form of world class players, AS Monaco’s prominent players over the last 2 seasons might get axed.

Lucas Ocampos, a 19-year old winger might find it difficult to challenge for the starting 11 spot. A really gifted footballer with a keen-knack for goals, Ocampos might have to play second-fiddle to new recruit James Rodriguez. Moreover, midfielder Nampalys Mendy is considering his future at the club after influx of many notable players like Joao Moutinho. Mendy, having played a huge role playing as the holding midfielder, might have to prove his worth more than ever after Ranieri announced his intention of signing Newcastle midfielder,Yohann Cabaye.One of the main reasons for AS Monaco’s success over the past season—the strike partnership of Valerie Germain and Ibrahima Toure is sure to be disrupted after the signing of high profile striker Radamel Falcao.

Mendy (left) and Ocampos (right) could en up leaving the club

With all the money splashing around, Monaco might get world class players in his team but it would be tough for Ranieri,the former Chelsea manager to actually manage the players.Youngsters like Valere Germain and Emmanuel Riviere has flourished for Monaco in the latter half of the previous season and their playing style holds promise for the future of the Monagasque club.

The Future

With the Russian billionaire on their side, Monaco has started a whole new era

AS Monaco has faltered many a times in the past owing to managerial fall-outs and sometimes due 

to lack of quality players. But this time the future of Les Rouge et Blancis in safe hands.With Dmitri Rybolovlev as the club president and a continuous flow of funds through the club system, a financial set-back is highly unlikely. Also, over the past years, AS Monaco has a history of producing raw talents.With players like Falcao, Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez added to the fold, Monaco might produce a world-class team in the next couple of years and challenge the heavyweights of Europe in the Champions League.

AS Monaco will quite surely be a force to reckon with in the near future but the question still remains-Will they be able to sustain their rapid growth? Will they be able to perform consistently over the next decade ? Will they be able to replicate history, or even, better it? Only time will tell.

Written By,

Rishav Ghosh

Rishav is a writer for 18 Yard Box

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Introducing Jesus Navas and Fernandinho- Manchester City’s new poster boys

Its quite early in the summer transfer window and at this point when some clubs are still scouting their primary targets, the English giants Manchester City have moved quicker than any of their rivals. Plugging their holes from the last season, the Citizens have already captured Jesus Navas and Fernandinho.

18YB looks at the two men individually and sees how they both fit into this star studded line up.

Jesus Navas

PROFILE

NAME	Jesús Navas González
AGE	27
POSITION	Right midfield
TRANSFER VALUE	25,000,000 €
PREVIOUS CLUB	Sevilla

The 27 year old Spanish starlet had been plying his trade for Sevilla since the age of 15 and after 12 years of serving he has decided that it’s time to match his step with the big boys. Apparently ‘home sick’, Jesus Navas had got many opportunities to move to the English League previously, his biggest suitors till now being Arsenal. However due to his sickness he stayed put with the Los Rojiblancos.

However, Manchester City’s new boss Manuel Pellgrini thinks that Navas could be the missing piece of the jig saw puzzle and rightly so. A shrewd signing, Navas has done excellently well for Sevilla down the right flank. Not only that, his ability to play on the left flank as well makes him City’s much required find. The Citizens do not have out and out wingers except for Scott Sinclair. The likes of Samir Nasri and David Silva can fill those gaps, however, the two are are comfortable when deployed centrally. Even when they are deployed on the flanks they tend to drift inside trying to set up the strikers with precise passes. Manchester City do have James Milner as their wing man but with him performing in patches last season, it was required that a winger be brought in. Pellegrini has been known to use the 4-2-3-1 with Malaga last season and he could do the same with City. He could deploy Navas in the role of the right winger whereas resorting to either Milner or Nasri on the left. He could rotate with Silva or Tevez (only If he stays next season) behind Aguero. He also fits into the 4-4-2 formation should Pellegrini experiment with that.

They need natural width

Navas adds an extra dimension to the City attack. He believes in hugging the by-line. His pace coupled with his ability to drive at the defenders makes him a dangerous player to mark. Not only this, Navas also has few tricks up his sleeve. His tendency of pushing the ball behind the defender and getting behind him with speed makes him a slippery customer. We can expect him to demonstrate some back flicks, dummies, step overs and much more when he takes on the field.

The only let down of Navas is his games to goals ratio. Having played a total of 283 games in all competitions for Sevilla, Navas has only put 23 in the net- a ratio which is worrying for a winger. However, when he does score, he does in style.

Fernandinho

PROFILE 

NAME	Fernanado Luis Rosa
AGE	28
POSITION	Defensive midfield
TRANSFER VALUE	40,000,000 €
PREVIOUS CLUB	Shakhtar Donetsk

Fernando Luiz Rosa or better known as Fernandinho, is a Brazilian midfielder who plied his trade for Shakhtar Donetsk since the age of 20. After eight years of service to the Ukranian club, Fernandinho has joined forces with Manchester City for an astounding fee of 40,000.000 €.

The Brazilian international caught the eye of the scouts with his stellar performance against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge where he scored the second goal for Shakhtar. Primarily a defensive midfielder, Fernandinho can play in a more advanced role as well. This could be another shrewd signing by the former Malaga boss. Ever since the departure of Nigel De Jong, City have been found wanting for a midfielder who can break the opposition play and send them forward. De Jong was the unsung hero in their title winning season making important interceptions and spreading play from the central region. Although they have got Gareth Barry, the English international is not one of the midfielders who would make crunching tackles and if Yaya Toure is wandering forward City could get exposed to easy attacks. Jack Rodwell is another candidate to fill that void. However, his inexperience sees him perform in patches. Thus Fernandinho’s signing is a big boost.

City looked to have found his replacement

Fernandinho brings freshness to the City midfield and could fit in well in the 4-2-3-1 formation acting as one of the double pivot. His ball retention capabilities and his defensive mind gives Yaya Toure the opportunity to be more adventurous, just as City would like. The added bonus with Fernandinho is that he is not alien to the attacking play which City musters up. Often known for making lung busting runs in the penalty area, he could cause a surprise in the opposition box. This along with his heading abilities and a clever mind could prove vital for City’s title charge next season. He has a fantastic passing range and could be categorised as a box-to-box midfielder rather than a complete defensive minded one. 

Hopes will hinge on this signing as it is one of the big money moves this transfer market has seen. Fernandinho would be asked to perform right from the word go and failure to this might turn the fans against him.

The Final Verdict

Manuel Pellgerini’s new boys might be what City require for their trophy run next year. This alongwith Champions League to come, City have the much needed bench strength. It remains to be seen how they start off their English campaign but one thing is for sure, City have done well to plug the gaps they left uncovered last season.

Written By,

Rishabh Ghai

Rishabh is a writer for Goal.com India, International, contributor for AIS and a writer and editor for 18 Yard Box.

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Managerial Merry-Go-Round: Manuel Pellegrini

Continuing with the Manager series, 18 Yard Box’s Aman Arora looks at Manchester City who replaced Italian Roberto Mancini with former Real Madrid boss Manuel Pellegrini.

59 year old Pellegrini, who starred for Universidad Chile throughout his 13 year career as a defender, stepped into Civil Engineering after taking an instantaneous decision to retire when an unforeseen error by him led to a goal by Ivan Zamorano. “The Engineer”, as he is fondly named by the media, Pellegrini then stepped into football management by learning the tricks of the trade at the very same club he learnt playing the sport. He then moved across cities managing clubs both in Chile and Argentina before securing the break through move to Europe in the form of a club with little previous history- Villarreal CF. It was there that his name began circulating at clubs all across Europe as he successfully implemented his own brand of football.  

Pellegrini managed Universidad Chile, San Lorenzo and River Plate notably before coming to Europe with Villarreal

Pellegrini gave chances to young players under him while making sure the right blend of experience and youth was formed on the pitch. He liked his teams to play football with flair, often coupled with some sleek work with the ball on the ground. Juan Roman Riquelme, in particular benefited from his style as his game took the Valencia based club from strength to strength. It was under his tout ledge that “The Yellow Submarines” reached the semi final of the 2005-2006 Champions League, only losing out narrowly to English giants Arsenal FC.  

Being the last man to break the big two’s dominance by finishing in second place in the Liga behind Barcelona, Pellegrini ensured his stakes went high by making stupendous use of the resources he had at hand. The signings of Santi Cazorla, Diego Godin, Giuseppe Rossi for Villarreal and Isco, Nacho Monreal and Cazorla(again) for Malaga (later in his career) showed his eye for talent and his belief in nurturing youth to integrate with the first team.  

Pellegrini is known the give creative freedom to players who can produce something out of nothing. Riquelme, Cazorla, Isco and Ronaldo all were helped by Pellegrini's approach 

Blending South American football with European, Pellegrini often got it right with players depending upon their characteristics. The creative freedom given to players like Riquelme, Ronaldo and then Isco clearly shows that he appreciates talent that has the potential to turn the game on its head at any given moment. His man management skills are also something that any other manager should be enviable of. From massaging Ronaldo’s ego at Madrid, which he knew would help the Portuguese settle in quicker at the Bernabeu to slamming Van der Vaart publicly, since the Dutchman is a player who likes to prove his detractors wrong, he more or less always gets it right in a dressing room filled of complex characters.

All this is only positive for City, who in turn need to show faith in the Chilean so that he can use his experience from all over the world to figure out the way sustained success can be brought to the Etihad. He can most definitely use the variations available at City now with the purchase of Jesus Navas, which gives them an additional outlet of wing play, which they lacked before. In Silva, Nasri and Tevez, City have some of the best creative players in the business and Pellegrini surely knows how to use them well. They have been playing some decent football over the last couple of seasons, but the lack of depth and variations did them in, in the just concluded campaign. His handling of the media is also well documented when he let no pressure get onto the players when he was being criticized by the media in his only season at the Bernabeu. City players, at least are thus surely to have a good time under the Chilean who takes good care of all types of characteristics in a squad, if well gelled.

As far as the cons are concerned, one fear the City hierarchy might have will be the ability of Pellegrini to grind out results in tough matches. He often lets his team play similar football against all teams with no strategy against particular opponents who have the capabilities to harm them, there by showing his tactical inefficiency at times. With the resources available at City though, coupled with his experience, hoping that he has learnt from them, should solve this problem.  

As at Madrid, City too might keep the control of transfers out of the Chilean hands, which is certainly not a good thing to do but with Ferran Soriano and Txiki Begiristain’s control showing, it could turn out to be an unintended advantage for Pellegrini. The three of them know the Spanish league well and the signings of further young imports to British shores can’t be ruled out. The Financial Fair Play is also pretty close to being implemented and thus, if the City hierarchy can use Pellegrini well and consider his opinion on his choice of recruits, for the long term, there is no reason why he can’t be successful at the Etihad.

City have overlooked managers who did well within England

On the other hand, as good as Pellegrini’s appointment is for City and their upcoming players, it shows the lack of faith the Boards of British clubs have in homegrown managers. Roberto Martinez, Sam Allardyce, Martin o'Neill and Alan Pardew all have shown their quality at some stage of their careers. Apart from David Moyes (who recently was signed by Manchester United), hardly has any manager who has proved himself at getting the best out of his players on a shoe string budget been given a chance at a top club fighting for trophies year in, year out.

In reality, this is one of the reasons for the dismal showing the English national teams have been producing in recent years. Foreign managers choose to recruit cheaper foreign imports rather than the often hyped British players who then obviously come at inflated prices. The lesser the chances they get at bigger clubs, less the exposure they get leading to hardly impressive performances at the national level. This coupled with the FA’s strategy of putting the senior team up in their priorities, using players like Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, Phil Jones, Jack Rodwell for a few minutes for a friendly game in Brazil rather then adding them to the much needed U-21 squad for Euros, the result is  what England achieved (or rather lost) in Israel.

As far as City’s future is concerned though, it could be better than it currently is provided the three of the decision makers gel well and work as a team considering that they are the chosen ones for the Mancunian club.

Written by,
Aman Arora

Aman writes for 18 Yard Box and Goal India

Discuss with the author at @aman_ghs or drop in your comments below

Managerial Merry-Go-Round: David Moyes

18 Yard Box's  Aman Arora takes a look at what might change at Manchester United who have appointed David Moyes as their new manager as Sir Alex Ferguson announced his much lamented retirement.

 

The off season break is only a month old but having seen wholesale changes at top clubs with respect to the managers , fans can expect subsequent changes in the philosophies instilled at the club from the very bottom of levels. Playing staff, backroom staff and youth set up all could see changes especially at newly crowned Premier League champions Manchester United. 

Sir Alex Ferguson announced his retirement after 27 years in charge of Manchester United

Sir Alex Ferguson, having retired after a massive 27 years in charge, managed to make United the best team in English football if not world football and has left a dynasty at the club for any new manager who would have come in. Scotsman David Moyes though, is one of the few men who have created their own little kingdom elsewhere while preparing for the ultimate job in English football. His eleven years in managing Everton proved his man management skills, nurturing skills and talent acquisition skills as he brought a number of young players and gave them enough time to integrate with the first team. Finishing among the top 7 teams in the League for most of the previous decade with the limited resources and backing in the transfer market, Moyes managed to exceed expectations of fans.

His nurturing of many young players and teaming them up seamlessly with the first team squad was one of his top priorities as shown with Wayne Rooney, Seamus Coleman, Ross Barkeley, Jose Baxter, Victor Anichebe, Apostolos Vellios, Marouane Fellaini and Leon Osman all given first team chances at a tender age under him. He more often than not got the best out of his squad as well, with making the Champions League first qualifying round in the 2004-2005 season. Expect him to continue implementing a similar approach at new club United while challenging for trophies right away. His only chance of a trophy at Everton came in the 2009 FA Cup final where his team lost to Chelsea, but having some of the most promising youngsters in the world at a club with such a winning mentality instilled in it will only help Moyes to succeed Sir Alex in the way he should. 

Former Preston North End manager David Moyes has replaced Sir Alex at helm for United

They are currently being linked with Cesc Fabregas of Barcelona and Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid not to forget Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski, while Moyes has a job at hand to convince Rooney that the grass is not greener away from Old Trafford. If the former Preston North End manager does get any of the club’s current targets though, an assault on the League trophy yet again will be as effective as ever. Danny Welbeck, Shinji Kagawa, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Rafael, Fabio, Chicharito, De Gea and Jonny Evans are all players yet to reach their prime and Moyes certainly has the capabilities to make them perform at their best in the coming seasons. Moyes’ style of football also suits Manchester United, with the Scotsman appreciating patient, attacking football while maintaining the consistency and never say die attitude.

He has deployed a 4-4-1-1 and a 4-4-2 formation over the majority of his years at the Merseyside club with a withdrawn number 10 an important part of his sides defensively. He likes to have a strong base of defense with the full backs often used an additional source of attacks. To sum up, his style will suit the English Champions who are also used to playing a similar system over the years. A double pivot though, which Sir Alex used in the last 2-3 seasons hasn’t been really seen at Goodison Park in Moyes’ time as manager, the reason of which was probably the lack of traditional wingers he used. His tactical acumen has been proved in matches where his teams set up depending on opposition and their own players’ availability.

Overall though, Moyes looks like he should have no problems in getting players accustomed to his style of football since the philosophy more or less will remain same.

Thus, Moyes’ reign at Old Trafford should look like a continuation of the winning mentality attained under Sir Alex and ensuring that United only move forward with this change at helm.

Written by,
Aman Arora

Aman writes for Goal India and 18 Yard Box

Discuss your views with the author at @aman_ghs or Drop in your comments below.

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Neymar’s inclusion: A gamble or a well thought move?

18 Yard Box has a look at the Pros and Cons of the transfer of the season.

It will be captivatng to see the two maestros link up

A saga which has been going on since the past 3 to 4 years has finally come to an end. Neymar da Silva Santos Junior, better known as Neymar, has agreed a deal with Barcelona which will see him ply his trade for 5 years with the Catalan giants.

Amidst the talks of Bayern Munich upstaging Barcelona as the new super power at the European stage, Barcelona chiefs had to play their trump card to draw the world’s attention towards themselves. The signing of the 21 year Brazilian international has caused a great buzz in the footballing fraternity.

However, Barcelona, who are known to stick with their La Masia graduates rather than spending heavily, are a side which relies on individuals who stick to playing like a team. It remains to be seen whether the move is a gamble or a well crafted one.

18 Yard Box’s Rishabh Ghai takes a look at this move from both the angles.

PROS

Compared to the Brazilian legend Pele, Neymar’s style of play reminds one of a certain Ronaldinho in the Barcelona team. Primarily a left winger, Neymar is a versatile player who can play as a striker as well as on wings. What makes Neymar a special buy is also his ability to play as a number 9. Being a player as versatile as he is, Neymar could very well fit into the fluid system which Barcelona deploy. At an age of just 21, Neymar has electric pace to run past his opponents and also the trickery to create magic. 

Neymar's trickery could allow him to get past defenders

In Barca, who play a 4-3-3 formation, Neymar could find himself on the left hand side of the three pronged attack. His responsibility will be to create as well as score goals from that end. His ability to cut inside alongwith his eye for goals could see him do wonders for the Barcelona attack. Moreover, Messi, who prefers a more fluid role upfront, could just drop a little deeper to get Neymar involved in the play.

With the Barcelona midfield ageing and having not found a suitable replacement for Xavi as of yet, Barcelona could very well confine Iniesta, who has turned 29, to a deeper role thereby freeing the likes of Tello, Pedro, Messi and Neymar to create havoc upfront. Thiago Alcantra looked to be a player for the future. However, he has not lived up to the demands of this talented side. Cesc Fabregas has also been a disappointment and looks to be heading out. After two unconvincing years, Alexis Sanchez could be very well be on his way out of this club alongwith David Villa who also has not impressed after his comeback from a long term injury. This could very well present a brilliant opportunity to the 2011 South American Footballer of the Year to showcase his talents.

How many more years can he give to Barcelona?

Another boon of this signing is the psychological boost that the team gets, having signed one of the most prized possessions in world football. This along with the increase in the shirt sales could generate huge amount of revenue for the club. This signing also shows the intention of Barcelona that they are not ready to give up their number one spot too easily.

CONS

One of the main reasons Ronaldinho was allowed to leave Barcelona was Pep’s wish to change the club’s policy of having out and out wingers. Ever since then Barcelona’s front three compress more allowing their full backs to make overlapping runs. This has been quite successful for the Nou Camp side. However, if Neymar is to be given a Ronaldinho role, it would mean Barcelona resorting to the Frank Rijkaard formula which could backfire considering the squad they have right now.

Could Neymar emulate the Catalan legend?

Another problem with Neymar’s game is his ability to close down and track back. The Spanish based club were taught a bitter defensive lesson this season by the Bavarian giants and adding Neymar does not give protection to the full backs. Neymar has not been known for his defensive work and still has plenty to learn.

The supporters could have heavy expectation from the former Santos man and failure to perform immediately could lead to the fans turning against him. Being young, he needs to be handled with much care and Tito Vilonova will be well aware of this. He still needs to do plenty to prove himself in the European circuit and could take time to produce the kind of results which he has been doing for Santos day in day out.

Another cause for concern is his passing abilities. Neymar needs to do plenty of work to improve his range of passing if he has to fit into this Barcelona side. This side works as a well oiled machine in which a single rusty part could cause the whole system to malfunction. Neymar needs to be wary that he is not that rusted part.

"This side works as a well oiled machine in which a single rusty part could cause the whole system to malfunction. Neymar needs to be wary that he is not that rusted part"

Acquring Neymar at a fee of 25m Euros could lay contraint on the Barcelona manager should he want to further strengthen his squad. Barcelona are in a dire need of a central defender with Carlos Puyol ageing and Gerrard Pique underperforming. Although Barcelona do have the youngster Marc Bartra, he still needs to hone his skills and create an impression. Barca also do not have world class full backs to match the likes of Jordi Alba and Dani Alves. Although, Eric Abidal is fit, his body has taken heavy toll due to his health problems and he would leave this summer. Adriano has been the utility man for the Catalunya club but they need a defence which can not only pass the ball but also stop the attacks of the opponents. Thus signing Neymar could backfire and disturb the balance of a well knit team.

The two need better replacements at the back

Much has been debated and discussed. But the fact remains that come August, Neymar would play for Barcelona beside, arguably, the best player of the world. An attack which poses such threats will surely be tormenting for the opponents. However, whether this buy works wonders for Barcelona or pegs them back in the quest for European glory remains to be seen.

Written By,

Rishabh Ghai

Rishabh is a writer for Goal.com India, International, contributor for AIS and a writer and editor for 18 Yard Box.

Follow Rishabh Ghai on Twitter

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Drop in your views regarding Barcelona's new wonder boy.