We know it as “The Beautiful Game”; We acclaim the footballing artists who offer us an escape from our mundane lives and jobs. With their magical skills, they dazzle and leave audiences of millions in awe.
Of the many beautiful aspects of the game, the dribble might just be the most singular of traits — one that only the truly gifted possess. People of yesteryear worshiped the likes of Maradona and Garrincha for what they could do with the ball.
Barcelona missed a chance to climb to the top of the La Liga table with a shock 4-3 defeat to Celta Vigo on Sunday. With Celta Vigo in the bottom half of the table, a Barcelona squad without the injured Lionel Messi was still expected to emerge with three points in Galicia.
However, notable mistakes from goalkeeper Marc-Andre ted Stegen, defender Jeremy Mathieu and midfielder Sergio Busquets essentially handed the victory to the home side.
In an interview with Marca week, Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué spoke with reporters about the growing soccer culture in the United States, and the interest its growth has begun to draw from players across the globe.
“I read that the MLS is the seventh biggest league in terms of stadium attendances, fans are increasingly hooked on soccer in the United States and it would be an attractive option in a few years," Pique said.
Andres Iniesta is capable of producing the wholly original — his skill on the pitch is of the once in a generation variety. In this regard, you have absolutely no hope of replicating him.
At 32 years of age, he’s still completed an average of four successful dribbles (taking on your marker and retaining possession) throughout the beginning of the 2016-17 La Liga season. That’s more than Lionel Messi.
Barcelona traveled to Gijon on Saturday for a difficult match against Sporting. Barcelona made their travels without Lionel Messi, who will be sidelined for three weeks with a groin injury suffered against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
In his stead, Neymar and Luis Suarez inspired their side to a resounding 5-0 victory. Neymar registered a brace and Luis Suarez scored Barca's opening goal in the 29th minute.
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid tied 1-1 at the Camp Nou in a very well-played soccer game that was overshadowed by the best player in the world, Lionel Messi, going off with an injury.
Ivan Rakitic scored a header from a corner kick for Barcelona and Angel Correa took advantage of a Javier Mascherano slip for Atletico Madrid, but the real story was Messi's injury in the second half, which will keep the reigning World Player of the Year out for around three weeks.
Michael Laudrup was a sensational playmaker for Juventus, Barcelona, Real Madrid and the Denmark National Team during his extensive playing career. Lauded as one of the greatest players of his generation, Laudrup earned his fame as a phenomenal passer of the ball.
In the intense and sometimes ruthless environment that is modern day soccer, depth is no longer a unique trait that teams can do without. It is a necessity. Unfortunately for Barcelona, they were one of the latest and greatest examples of this new reality.
Last season was shaping up to be one of the best for the Blaugrana, with their striking trio on top form and the rest of the starting XI playing their part. However, by Barca’s ridiculously high standards, things didn’t necessarily go to plan over the final few months of the season.