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 feel Barça may well be making a mistake.
Deco was one of the pillars of the team in his first two seasons. His drop in form this season may be due to external factors that can be overcome; it may be due to the poor pre-season, lack of rest after last summer’s World Cup; or he could, of course, simply be past his best.
Some will suggest that with Xavi and Iniesta we don’t need Deco. However, if Deco was sold how much could Barça expect to get for him? Probably no more than €10M and then you would have to buy a replacement. Looking at the price that Man Utd have paid for Owen Hargreaves (€25M) or Bayern Munich for Franck Ribery (€26M), it would not be cheap, and at the end of the day a new signing may not fit into the team. If Xavi or Iniesta get injured you would want a guarenteed replacement. For me, it makes more sense to stick with Deco who could still regain his previous form, and if he doesn’t he should be sold next summer.
So, what do you think? Would you sell Deco now?
6 responses so far ↓
Linda // Jun 21, 2007 at 12:21
I agree with you: selling Deco at this point would be counter-productive. He has had an inconsistent season, but take him off the pitch and a lot of the time our midfield ends up missing a bit of bite. He’s a handy player to have around, one of the leaders of the dressing room and plus, as you said, we couldn’t get that much for him anyway.
Plus, his drive to win trophies is stronger than most other players. If he wants to leave, you know something’s wrong.
Anonymous // Jun 22, 2007 at 3:54
Recently found this blog, and it’s a great read. Keep up the good work.
As for Deco, I agree. When he’s fit and on form, the whole team is firing, as we saw in the 6-0 against Atletico. This season I feel that he has suffered the most from his constant niggling injuries and mental exhaustion (he was the only member of the squad to have come in after winning big trophies with Porto).
I think we’ll see a much better Deco next season. Like you said, selling him would be a mistake, especially with Crosas as yet unproven, and Toure (SPORT sounds confident it’ll go through by Monday) also an unknown quantity to most of us.
King of Zamunda // Jun 22, 2007 at 18:06
Yaya Toure should be a very good signing indeed, look back to his performances with Ivory Coast in the world cup, played a very confident game, one of the younger members of a very good team that played with great distinction and commitment to each other. He’s very classy, loves cleaning up and starting attacks and scores a few to boot.
As for Deco, don’t think he’s past his best, players of his fashion are few and far between, picking out passing and evading defenders as marauding midfield maestro’s- poor man’s Zola is our Deco, and I say that with no sarcasm, hold onto him and see how he fires up next season I say!!
Nic // Jun 22, 2007 at 21:50
The Yaya Touré deal seems very close to going through. I look forward to seeing him next season, as a defensive midfielder.
Kenny // Jun 25, 2007 at 13:17
Sell Deco ? NO WAY when he plays Barca play!
TOSHO // Sep 25, 2007 at 12:52
We can all see the contribution of Deco since his arrival,selling him now will be ingrate,and if Barca is looking for replacement let the it come before u off load.
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