There has been some criticism in the press of the first two substitutions that Frank Rijkaard made in yesterday’s match against Racing. In the 62nd minute Messi was replaced by Henry, and some are suggesting that it would have been better to take off Eto’o or Ronaldinho as they weren’t doing anything.

Thierry Daniel Henry today completed his move to Barcelona after passing a medical examination this morning. Henry will wear the number 14 shirt as he did with Arsenal. There have been many reactions to ”Titi’s” decision, and perhaps the most interesting of these are the ones coming from Arsenal fans.

In the last couple of days I’ve claimed that Deco has been poor at times this season, and I’ve also stated that I see no reason to sell him. Then in one of the papers today there is a story saying that Deco is on Barça’s ‘out’ list. If the story is true then I […]

After last season’s triumphs in La Liga and the Champions League, many people thought that this season would see a repeat, with the only difference being that Barça would also win the Club World Cup and a couple of Supercopas to boot. Barça brought in three new players, Zambrotta, Thuram and Gudjohnsen to replace Gabri, Van […]

There is certainly a heated debate going on about Messi’s handled goal against Espanyol. My article “The Hand Of Messi” was also posted on Soccerlens http://soccerlens.com/the-hand-of-messi/1991/ and has provoked a storm of outrage. Calls for a ban of up to 12 months to teach the little cheat a lesson, claims that what he did was […]

Leo Messi continues to emulate the great Diego Maradona. However, unlike his wondergoal in the cup against Getafe, Messi’s effort in scoring his first goal against Espanyol was not so praiseworthy. Messi clearly handled the ball into the net just as Maradona did against England in that memorable World Cup Quarter-Final in Mexico.

It is being suggested in some newspapers that Liverpool have offered 60 million euros for Samuel Eto’o. While I don’t believe for a minute that Eto’o will leave this summer, it got me pondering as to how much would be necessary for me to begin thinking about taking the money.

With the closest title race in years in its final phase we now have an undesired and untimely interruption next weekend for international games. This breaks the league’s rhythm, it is frustrating for fans and clubs are bound to complain if any of their players get injured.