Barca's Turn

I speculated that Zambrotta would go to Barcelona. And looks like things are going just the way I expected.

Although Barca do have class full-backs on either side in Gio Van Bronkrost and Belletti, it is hard to see why they need a new full-back. A back-up of Zambrotta's standard would never be happy as a back-up.

Some might argue that Belletti is not first choice right-back. Well, perhaps Zambrotta is better than Oleguer in an attacking sense, but the reason why Oleguer is on sometimes instead of Belletti is because Rijkaard is looking for a more defensive formation. And, I must add that I think Barcelona are under-ultilizing Belletti - though really 21 starts last season isn't too bad.

Back to Zambrotta though. He can play 'winger' you say? Last time I checked Barca doesn't play with wingers. They usually play a 4-2-3-1 formation with 2 holding midfielders - usually Xavi if fit and Van Bommel/Motta and an attacking trio of Deco, Ronaldinho and Guily. With the all too famous assassin Eto'o upfront. The attacking midfield bench includes: Leo Messi, Andre Iniesta, Santiago Ezquerro and the new addition Eidur Gudjohsen. So where does Zambrotta fit in?

Never mind Zambrotta though, where would Lilian Thuram fit in? A player his age and stature should not be sitting on the bench, he should play out his career on a high. But to think that Barca might do away with either Carlos Puyol or Rafael Marquez or Edmilson in central of defense? Or Belleti/Oleguer/Zambrotta on the right full-back? Unthinkable.

You have your own opinions about the great Juve Sale... and the clubs that bought the players.