Incredible! I exclaimed as I watched Barcelona trash Shakhtar Donetsk 5—1 at the Nou Camp in the Champions League Quarter Final match on April 6th. All due respect to Shakhtar, but they were no match for Barcelona and were, like the rest of us, left mesmerised by the scintillating football that their talented opponents dished out.
Five fantastic goals. Each of them can be described as exquisite masterpieces of a brilliant artist. I am a fan of Barcelona’s football. I am also a supporter of Arsenal, their English counterparts. But Arsenal have not been able to achieve what Barcelona has. They have not won as many trophies. Their problem is that they just don't have the final product. They play well. They threaten. They deceive. But they don't finish their opponents off even after having them at their mercy.
Let us consider the principal reason why Arsenal have won many fans all over the world in the last few years. The answer is obvious; it is due to their brand of exciting and attacking football. Even the recently axed Chelsea manager, Carlo Ancelloti, has said that he admires the way Arsenal play, but with no trophies (in the last six years!) to show for their efforts they have let their fans down time and again.
Barcelona also play in a similar way or to quote Real Madrid legend Alfred Di Stefano, “Barcelona treat the ball with respect, adoration; they almost pamper it."And they have won nine trophies (including the 2011 Spanish league) in the last three years itself to boot. Thus, if Arsenal are credited for promoting this enthralling brand of football, Barcelona must be praised for mastering it and showing the world how to win using it. It would not be unfair to say that Barca epitomise all that fans could have ever hoped Arsenal to be.
What's the difference between the two sides you ask? Well to tell you the truth, buddy, there are numerous differences. First of all, most of the players in Barcelona’s team have already proven themselves at the international level, whereas Arsenal rely more on talented but inexperienced players, who are young and still finding their way.
Second of all, Barcelona have Lionel Messi.
Third of all, Barcelona’s management have taken much better decisions compared to those of Arsenal’s. To play the beautiful game in the beautiful way, a team needs the right kind of players. And Barca have an almost invincible side, apart from Messi, they boast of many Spanish world champions in their ranks including Andres Iniesta and David Villa. They also do not shy away from loosening their purse strings, as and when required, to buy special players, unlike Arsenal who are thrifty, and at times, downright parsimonious. I also feel Arsenal should make it a priority to have a significant number of native, i.e. in their case british, players in their side.
As both clubs are proponents of attractive football, I wish both Arsenal and Barcelona the best for the future. But the present, of course, belongs to the latter. El fantastico Barca!
Five fantastic goals. Each of them can be described as exquisite masterpieces of a brilliant artist. I am a fan of Barcelona’s football. I am also a supporter of Arsenal, their English counterparts. But Arsenal have not been able to achieve what Barcelona has. They have not won as many trophies. Their problem is that they just don't have the final product. They play well. They threaten. They deceive. But they don't finish their opponents off even after having them at their mercy.
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| Image Courtesy: www.atacmag.com |
Let us consider the principal reason why Arsenal have won many fans all over the world in the last few years. The answer is obvious; it is due to their brand of exciting and attacking football. Even the recently axed Chelsea manager, Carlo Ancelloti, has said that he admires the way Arsenal play, but with no trophies (in the last six years!) to show for their efforts they have let their fans down time and again.
Barcelona also play in a similar way or to quote Real Madrid legend Alfred Di Stefano, “Barcelona treat the ball with respect, adoration; they almost pamper it."And they have won nine trophies (including the 2011 Spanish league) in the last three years itself to boot. Thus, if Arsenal are credited for promoting this enthralling brand of football, Barcelona must be praised for mastering it and showing the world how to win using it. It would not be unfair to say that Barca epitomise all that fans could have ever hoped Arsenal to be.
What's the difference between the two sides you ask? Well to tell you the truth, buddy, there are numerous differences. First of all, most of the players in Barcelona’s team have already proven themselves at the international level, whereas Arsenal rely more on talented but inexperienced players, who are young and still finding their way.
Second of all, Barcelona have Lionel Messi.
Third of all, Barcelona’s management have taken much better decisions compared to those of Arsenal’s. To play the beautiful game in the beautiful way, a team needs the right kind of players. And Barca have an almost invincible side, apart from Messi, they boast of many Spanish world champions in their ranks including Andres Iniesta and David Villa. They also do not shy away from loosening their purse strings, as and when required, to buy special players, unlike Arsenal who are thrifty, and at times, downright parsimonious. I also feel Arsenal should make it a priority to have a significant number of native, i.e. in their case british, players in their side.
As both clubs are proponents of attractive football, I wish both Arsenal and Barcelona the best for the future. But the present, of course, belongs to the latter. El fantastico Barca!
