Why No Pique

David is correct, I intended the piece to focus on the players that were either on the bench, getting promoted or coming into the club.  I tried to stay away from starters, but I did toss in Pedro.  He was a starter so that kind of made me break the pattern I was trying to focus on.  I guess I did that because I felt if Barca gets back 2010-11 Pedro they will be tough to stop.

I did not include Pique because I thought he was a victim of bad scheming and Alba not understanding the dynamic.  In the past Abidal stayed home more and gave Barca a 3 man back line with Busquets sweeping in front of it.  This past season I felt that Alves and Alba were up the pitch too at the same time exposing the center backs to swift counters and long balls.

In the past (specifically 2010-11) when Alves was up field I viewed it like this Pique was always covering the right flank.  Puyol down the middle and Abidal on the left.  Busquets was always running in between the gaps trying to win the ball back.  This worked even when Mascherano was put in for Puyol.  I have always viewed 2010-11 as the most underrated defensive season of all time.  They allowed two goals three times. Lost two matches.  Lost by two once and never allowed three goals.

So, I have a hard time pinning it on Pique.  I think he got victimized trying to cover up for Alves and Alba making hard run backs.  The Milan game was the one that really showed me that as continually got beat up by long balls.  Madrid started doing the same thing to us after that.

I never felt like it was Pique playing poorly, but our setup.  That all being said I'm not a strong tactical guy.  I only get to watch them on TV so I can't always see the shape and I may have formed my opinion based on a few situations rather than what others might have perceived.  I would love to hear your thoughts on Pique.

I value your opinion and I'm sure David would agree we would appreciate a RT of the article.  I do plan on writing a full team preview next week and recapping my thoughts on the entire starting 11.  I appreciate your feedback and the read.

Thanks,

James Garner