Ibrahim Afellay

Afellay is back!!!!

http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/afellay-given-medical-clearance-to-play

DV7 wrote:Afellay is back!!!!

http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/afellay-given-medical-clearance-to-play

It was time.

Affelay returning or Tello ?

I hope he can come off the bench against Malaga. Good to have him back, he'll have a decent shot at gametime.

Wish we were playing at home against Levante. When he comes on, I want to hear that crowd roar! Welcome back and you will be welcomed as you have comed back at the right time!

Afellay played today for the last 20 minutes or so against Rayo

As a midfielder I must add.

I love the fact that Affelay can be used as a midfielder or winger. Has the pace for both. The type of role that is given to Iniesta, but Iniesta should only be used as a mid and not a winger imo

"First interview in Spanish? I hope next season I can do it in Catalan (smiles)" - Afellay after the game. Hinting at staying next season?

Although I think his style is more suited to EPL, of course he should stay and he should be given a chance.

I hope he stays, he can do anything Cuenca can and more.

Such a shame he was injured all season considering Villa's injury and Pedro's form he could have really made an impact plus add in the fact he can play in midfield.

The mere fact we are talking about him getting sold for Cuenca and Tello is ridiculous tbh.

I wonder if he will play for Netherlands in Ukraine/Poland. He was doing pretty well for them before his injury.

I would also like to keep Afellay, I am much more comfortable relying on 26 year old Afellay than inexperienced youngsters in most matches.

I'm fine with relying on Cuenca or Tello, but like most people here would say, I prefer Afellay.

Anyway, I really like the guy, he REALLY should stay next season. Was gutted when I heard about his injury, glad he's back.

Versatile, came cheap, doesn't mind sitting on the bench, not involved in a Pep love affair, and is fast and can offer something else (like Tello)

He's a definite keep in my book.

The guy needs a chance. Some of the guys think he should be sold in the transfer thread though I think he needs a season to prove himself. If he gets enough chances he should then get sold with youth coming through. His style will indeed attract EPL clubs and Arsenal, Totteham and Man City were offering 11 million before he got injuried. Maybe with that year, he can do well and may get transferred for 15? HE OFFERS ALOT, as both a midfielder and winger. Can't wait to see the remainding matches with him in the side or on the bench! IBI!!!!

What about keeping Afellay as DM if Keita is sold?
He played there at PSV and he should have quality enough to play the role for us. He has not enough technique to play CM for us, but maybe as DM he could cope. He is tall, fast, strong and has quality. If he can adapt tactically, he could do well there.

Can't see him getting much playing time anywhere on the pitch. He is far behind any other CM and would be the 3rd/4rd winger in the team.

Not really true that he offers everything that Cuenca has to offer: he can shoot and has speed, but he is far worse than Cuenca in static attack, passing and tight situations, actually he offers something similar to Tello + shot.

Its really down to Tito and the staff. Its clear I think we'll make some cuts and Afellay probably 40% is leaving. However, people have to want to buy him and like Villa, coming off an injury it would probably be hard to sell for a decent price. The only reason teams might want him is if he goes to Euros and impresses.

I'd like him to get a chance just because I like him and he never really did get his chance, but this is sometimes the way at Barca. We can't have everyone.

He's not much like Tello really. I said this before actually... pace is really their only similar trait. Afellay is an attacking mid, Tello is a very direct inside forward. Afellay can make some good runs in behind too, and for now is a way more complete player.

The comparison to Cuenca has been because when they play wide they both like to stretch the play, hold the ball, pass or cross. They aren't like Pedro, Tello and Villa who you get as runners in on goal to score. Good to have confidence in Cuenca, but I'd like to see Afellay given a real chance before taking Cuenca's side. I don't agree at all that Afellay is far worse at those things to Cuenca...Definitely not. On the wing, Cuenca still has a lot to prove, just like Afellay.

I don't agree his technique isn't good enough as a CM either. He was very tidy as a CM, he offers a shot from range, pace and physical presence whilst being good technically.

If we keep him he'll be a utility player, probably won't ever be tried at DM.

A pity, cause it's the only place where he could triumph at Barça.

How would he triumph as a backup for Busquets? I've actually always been a big fan long before we bought him, but tbh I've never seen him triumphing with us just because we have too many players and he doesn't fit any position like a glove.

BarcaKizz wrote:How would he triumph as a backup for Busquets? I've actually always been a big fan long before we bought him, but tbh I've never seen him triumphing with us just because we have too many players and he doesn't fit any position like a glove.

Well, if he got the minutes Keita had this last season as a backup for Busquets, and did well with them, he would be triumphing. Remember that Keita was the 12th most used player.

free_cat wrote:

BarcaKizz wrote:How would he triumph as a backup for Busquets? I've actually always been a big fan long before we bought him, but tbh I've never seen him triumphing with us just because we have too many players and he doesn't fit any position like a glove.

Well, if he got the minutes Keita had this last season as a backup for Busquets, and did well with them, he would be triumphing. Remember that Keita was the 12th most used player.

I thought Keita was the most used last season? Or do you mean this season? Keita has been used minimally as a DM though, and I'd prefer his minutes to go to Thiago.

As a DM he can't triumph.

Bossed yesturday for Holland on the let flank, picked up right where he left off pre injury.

With Cuenca, for me he should stay...now Cuenca is down for 4 months, to me its a must we keep him for another year.

Exactly and well 6m is too little for a player who could potentially be one of the greatest players in the EPL (maybe sacrasm). One more season then 12-15 to England and possibly more Rosell is known for his dealing so hope he makes the right decision to who he pay and who he sells...

6M is ridiculously low for him. 15M after he revalues himself after the Eurocup and I'll consider it a good deal, but I don't want him to go.