Thiago Alcantara

Boss first half.

Always making himself an option, forming triangles. The only dribbler we had out there and it showed in 1st half.

Unlucky not to score.

@BarcaKizz wrote:There is this fear among many that Thiago will not get enough time and he'll be pushed out of the Barca squad at some point because of Cesc's purchase.

I don't agree. He's too good and Barca aren't idiots. He'll just keep performing and he'll become a star for us, I have no doubts. Cesc has to perform as well. If anything he's more likely to leave at some point. Thiago is just so good, I see him forcing his way in no matter what.

When Xavi retires or gets older and gets injured more frequently Thiago would begin to shine as a starter in my opinion and that is the only reason why he is staying.

The injury sustained by Thiago to his knee ligaments against Sevilla could be worse than expected.

Stay tuned... It looks like he'll be out for at least a month.

Fu#*$!!!

Thiago will be out for approximately eight weeks.

shit. does he need surgery? couldn't find it.

Damn it.....the guy just can't get a break eh? F**k.....

Two whole f*cking months.

Feel sorry for him, at his age he needs to play on the pitch, not in physio.

Too bad! He just came from injury

Tough luck.Was supposed to be his season but injuries seem to be ruining it.

When is he expected back.He needs to get a run of games before the break.Otherwise I fear that Tito wont play him in the second half of the season.

The last I found on the subject is a piece by Sport on the 30th of Sept saying he was out for 2 months - so by early December he should be back.

Back on the training ground, but training on his own for now. Should be about 2 weeks then you'd hope.

Great news.

@BarcaKizz wrote:Back on the training ground, but training on his own for now. Should be about 2 weeks then you'd hope.

Where did you find that?

He is back.
The return of the KING

Yep, medical clearance and travels for the Levante match

Do you guys think Thiago can reach Xavi's and Iniesta's level in next 2-5 years (or ever)? I have high hopes for him, and so far he has not let me down and IMO is showing a great progress although he had a small patch of injuries.

Probably not. But there is no need to shoot for that level. Historically, who has been on those two level?

Simply one of, if not the best around in his position is more than good enough and I think he can become that.

I think he can. Thiago is at least as good as xavi or iniesta at 22 in my opinion. So if he plays enough and gains experience, why not? He certainly has some attributes that are better than xavis, like his physique.

Technically he is in a similar level, so what he needs to improve is in his mind mostly.

I agree, I am more impressed with him now than I was Iniesta at that age and Xavi too.

But I dont know, he is indeed technically he isnt inferior and he is better physically..but stamping the impact on games like those two have done for years and years..its not easy. Takes more than talent.

Perhaps we should set the bar that high, who knows, his talent is that good. Its just a heck of a lot to live up to. I dont expect it from him, or anyone really.

I think he can.He has a bit of both but is not a replica of either Xavi and Iniesta.Like Xavi he is always looking to come towards the ball and receive it.But I dont think he will ever become the game controller Xavi is.
Similarly he has the ability to drive with the ball from midfield like Iniesta can but not quite to that elite level.
He also has his own unique set of skills.I think he definitely has what it takes to be at that level.Just needs to stay injury free.And there is no one better to learn from than Xavi.They were both brilliant and combined brilliantly against Cordoba even under extreme pressing.Would love to see a lot more of that partnership.
Barring any major surprises he will be the best midfielder on the planet in
2-3 years.I see Busquets and Toni Kroos as his closest competitors.

Lets see if he turns up against a decent opposition first

@danyjr wrote:Lets see if he turns up against a decent opposition first

Already did that against Madrid and Milan.

Seen better