BARCELONA
2nd in Spanish league
Champions League pedigree: European Champions 1992, 2006
THE LOW DOWN:
After their dominant year of 2006, Frank Rijkaard's men were left stunned by their failure to land a trophy last season and the pressure is on for the revamped Barca to deliver this time around.
Thierry Henry's arrival has to be viewed as a major boost, while their achievement in hanging on to Samuel Eto'o, Ronaldinho and Leo Messi in spite of plenty of transfer speculation was a significant triumph.
TECHNICAL AREA:
While many were surprised to see Rijkaard standing in the Barca dug-out as this season got underway, his determination to bounce back from the disappointment of the last campaign will fire the enthusiasm of this placid Dutchman.
With so much attacking talent to squeeze into one side, it will be tough for Rijkaard to find a winning balance. It may be that he throws his superstars onto the field and allows them to weave their magic, yet the 4-2-4 formation has never been a success for any manager. An injury to Eto'o means the Cameroon forward will miss the start of the Champions League push, so that's one problem solved.
WOW FACTOR:
Everywhere you look in this Barcelona squad there is a 'wow' factor and Rijkaard has to mould it into a cohesive attacking unit.
One thing he has in his favour this season is that all four of his attacking stars have a real passion to prove their worth. Henry needs to show his vast presence can slot neatly into the Barca set-up, while Ronaldinho and Eto'o have slipped from their pedestals as world leaders. As for Messi, he may just feel the time has come for him to confirm he is ready to accept the mantle of the world's best player.
THE BIG BUY:
Henry's arrival may have captured the headlines, but Barca's most significant signing of the summer may turn out to be Ivory Coast midfielder, Yaya Toure.
Rijkaard's attack-minded side will need more cover in the midfield and he may have signed the perfect man for the job in the robust Toure. Brother of Arsenal defender Kolo, Yaya has similar enthusiasm for the game and his all-round game will make him a real asset for Barca in the heart of the action.
THE TENDER SPOT:
Their greatest asset could also be their weakness as Rijkaard's temptation to field his quartet of attack minded of icons could backfire against sides who know how to cut off their supply. Against gritty Italian sides or a powerful unit such as Jose Mourinho's Chelsea, you need more than pure flair to emerge victorious.
It may also take time for captain Carles Puyol to form an understanding with new defensive sidekicks Gabi Milito and Eric Abidal. Both of the summer signings are quality performers, but every player needs a period of acclimatisation after a big move.
Finally, there is a theory that this Barca side showed a lack of passion for the job last season after they won it all the year before, so they may need to rediscover their hunger once again.
HOT GOSSIP:
Chelsea boss Roman Abramovich is said to be desperate to sign Ronaldinho and it may be that he comes calling with a vast offer when the transfer window reopens in January. The Spanish tax laws will hit the Brazilian in the pocket if he extends his stay in Spain, so he may be keen to move on and it could be a mid-season distraction Rijkaard could do without.
That's assuming the Dutch boss is still in position by the half-way point in the season because if his Barca side stumble as they did in the second half of last season, his tenure at the Nou Camp will be brought to a rapid conclusion.
IDEAL LINE-UP:
Valdes, Abidal, Puyol, Milito, Thuram, Toure, Deco, Henry, Messi, Ronaldinho, Eto'o
THE VERDICT:
If this team of brilliant individuals hit top form, Barca could reclaim their crown as kings of Europe, but there are too many question marks around Rijkaard's men to have any significant faith in them.
2nd in Spanish league
Champions League pedigree: European Champions 1992, 2006
THE LOW DOWN:
After their dominant year of 2006, Frank Rijkaard's men were left stunned by their failure to land a trophy last season and the pressure is on for the revamped Barca to deliver this time around.
Thierry Henry's arrival has to be viewed as a major boost, while their achievement in hanging on to Samuel Eto'o, Ronaldinho and Leo Messi in spite of plenty of transfer speculation was a significant triumph.
TECHNICAL AREA:
While many were surprised to see Rijkaard standing in the Barca dug-out as this season got underway, his determination to bounce back from the disappointment of the last campaign will fire the enthusiasm of this placid Dutchman.
With so much attacking talent to squeeze into one side, it will be tough for Rijkaard to find a winning balance. It may be that he throws his superstars onto the field and allows them to weave their magic, yet the 4-2-4 formation has never been a success for any manager. An injury to Eto'o means the Cameroon forward will miss the start of the Champions League push, so that's one problem solved.
WOW FACTOR:
Everywhere you look in this Barcelona squad there is a 'wow' factor and Rijkaard has to mould it into a cohesive attacking unit.
One thing he has in his favour this season is that all four of his attacking stars have a real passion to prove their worth. Henry needs to show his vast presence can slot neatly into the Barca set-up, while Ronaldinho and Eto'o have slipped from their pedestals as world leaders. As for Messi, he may just feel the time has come for him to confirm he is ready to accept the mantle of the world's best player.
THE BIG BUY:
Henry's arrival may have captured the headlines, but Barca's most significant signing of the summer may turn out to be Ivory Coast midfielder, Yaya Toure.
Rijkaard's attack-minded side will need more cover in the midfield and he may have signed the perfect man for the job in the robust Toure. Brother of Arsenal defender Kolo, Yaya has similar enthusiasm for the game and his all-round game will make him a real asset for Barca in the heart of the action.
THE TENDER SPOT:
Their greatest asset could also be their weakness as Rijkaard's temptation to field his quartet of attack minded of icons could backfire against sides who know how to cut off their supply. Against gritty Italian sides or a powerful unit such as Jose Mourinho's Chelsea, you need more than pure flair to emerge victorious.
It may also take time for captain Carles Puyol to form an understanding with new defensive sidekicks Gabi Milito and Eric Abidal. Both of the summer signings are quality performers, but every player needs a period of acclimatisation after a big move.
Finally, there is a theory that this Barca side showed a lack of passion for the job last season after they won it all the year before, so they may need to rediscover their hunger once again.
HOT GOSSIP:
Chelsea boss Roman Abramovich is said to be desperate to sign Ronaldinho and it may be that he comes calling with a vast offer when the transfer window reopens in January. The Spanish tax laws will hit the Brazilian in the pocket if he extends his stay in Spain, so he may be keen to move on and it could be a mid-season distraction Rijkaard could do without.
That's assuming the Dutch boss is still in position by the half-way point in the season because if his Barca side stumble as they did in the second half of last season, his tenure at the Nou Camp will be brought to a rapid conclusion.
IDEAL LINE-UP:
Valdes, Abidal, Puyol, Milito, Thuram, Toure, Deco, Henry, Messi, Ronaldinho, Eto'o
THE VERDICT:
If this team of brilliant individuals hit top form, Barca could reclaim their crown as kings of Europe, but there are too many question marks around Rijkaard's men to have any significant faith in them.
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