Ever sine Lionel Messi left Barcelona to play in the Beijing Olympics, the footballing side of the Olympics have had a jewel among them, igniting a passion and interest that has never been present in the Olympics before.  There was some speculation as to how the Blaugrana would fair without the young Argentinian starlet, but since Messi's departure, Barca has played brilliantly and shown mid-season form much earlier than anticipated.  Now while some wondered of Barca's form, their seemed to be absolutely no doubt about the impact little Lionel would have in Beijing.  Quickly becoming a fair argument for best player in the world, Barcelona's number 10 has improved exponentially since he cracked the first team squad after the 2004/05 season.

Some would say don't believe the hype, but those people must not be watching Beijing Olympics. 

The Argentinian maestro has consistently shined game in and game out as the best player on the pitch no matter which team his countryman are facing.  Already having scored some spectacular goals, Messi added to his list of memorable moments when he created a brilliant chance which led to the winning goal vs Holland, not to mention his earlier moment of beauty as he intercepted a pass deep in Holland's territory to only then slip past 2 defenders and score on a tough angle.  

If you have a chance to watch him in Beijing, do it!  He will match up against ex-Barca midfielder Ronaldinho when Argentina face Brazil.  A battle of the number 10's if you will, and it will surely be one to remember.

Ronnie's form has improved since he left Barcelona, but look for Messi to outshine the Brazilian on the pitch.  It should equate as a match to remember.   

First, let me begin by apologizing for my post as of late, or the lack thereof. As I'm on vacation, it seems that my place of residence does not have a very capable internet connection, thus hindering me from adding any posts based on the findings or viewpoints I may have. Now that I've gotten that out of the way, let's talk Barca futbol.

I've entitled this post Barca Drama because of the undeniable truth that Barcelona have a multitude of issues that need to be addressed before full focus can be placed on the upcoming season. The uncertain future of Messi and Eto'o, the possibility of Man U's bid for our frenchman Henry, the rumors of Drogba entering the squad, and not to mention the host of other players linked with a move to the Nou Camp. Let's address these one by one and hopefully this will all play out for the better.

Messi's Olympic Drama

Lionel is the heart and soul of FC Barcelona. No doubt. He's only 21, and it's scary to see this kind of pressure put on such a young lad. I'm terrified by the idea of Messi being bossed around by both Barca and Argentina because I do not want to see the youngster burn out well before his full potential is achieved. I do not fear that Messi will ever leave the club, as it is thanks to the club that he is even playing football. For those of you who don't know, Messi was born very small and needed growth hormone injections in order to keep growing at a healthy rate. His family was unable to make these payments, and after discovering the boys talents with a football, Barcelona agreed to pay for his medication and to move him to the Barcelona youth academy in Spain. He is eternally grateful for this and loves the club because of it. However I'm still hesitant to place all the pressure on him as Peppy G has eluded. I believe we can make the Champions League without him, and so I feel that if Argentina call for him, no appeal should be made, and he should be allowed to go play in the Olympics despite their less than impacting results. Basically, Messi wants to fulfill a dream of his. He doesn't care about the glory because no one gives glory to the Olympic winner. He just wants to play for his team while he can. Next Olympics he will be too old. Final Word, Messi goes to the Olympics.

Eto'o Anyone?

He is one of the top strikers in the world, so why doesn't anyone want him? Well, it's because we pay him so much. Not many squads are willing to equal his pay. And as I predicted, it seems that the more he experiences attention under this new regime, the more comfortable he has become. Messi is the star, but many have become hesitant to give Henry the number 9 tag, therefore possibly showing Eto'o that he has the respect and the attention he deserves. If you live in Barcelona and attend matches regularly. DO NOT BOO HIM. I'm serious, I'll come find you. Final Word, Eto'o stays because Lyon is the only club Barca will sell him to and Lyon won't give up Benzema.

Henry's Man U Saga

Despite some Man U fan's admission, Sir Fergie has discussed a possible bid for Thierry Henry. He is an incredible player and deserves much respect, but I do not believe he is worth 20 million euros. Now if Barca is offered that, it will be very difficult to let him go. The fan in me says don't do it because I believe we will see big things from the Frenchman this year, but the businessman in me says do it. I doubt Man U will actually make the formal bid, partially out of arrogance, and the other out of the realization that they can still get Berbatov if they stop being cheap and spend some dough. Final word, Henry stays.

Drogba to the Nou Camp?

Hell no. Stay at Stamford Bridge. Get out of here. He would cause the same amount of drama as Eto'o without the results. It doesn't make sense. We'd be giving in to his fame, and not his form. He's a good striker, don't get me wrong. But I pride myself on rooting for a club that is full of players who play on when someone nips at their shins. I don't want the diving King coming to our squad. Please Laporta, don't give in. Final Word, Drogba stays at Chelsea and has a poor first half of the season.

There you go, I've made some predictions. And the beauty of predictions is that when you make them, you prove that you're willing to be wrong.

Now ironically, the two players seen above are no longer with the squad, however I witnessed a Barcelona team today that competes with the glory days of 04/05.  Yes we only played Hibernian, and yes it was not the most competitive match of all time.  But the most encouraging thing I saw tonight was the player's ability to read each other, and to understand what one another were thinking.  Watching Messi work with Alves to score Gudjohnsen's second goal was magnificent, staging a goal of the classic Barca style.  The 6-0 win was convincing and hopefully is that start to a bright new era.

Some players that deserve highlighting would have to be Pique, Messi, Alves, and Toure.  Yaya did an exceptional job of holding the midfield, and I think his presence, along with Ketia's, will eliminate the bullying around of smaller players such as Iniesta and Xavi.  Messi was brilliant as usual.  His humble play, mixed with his hunger for goals shined and brought an immediate smile to my face.  Pique and Caceres both looked comfortable in the back and I'm sure the 4-0 lead after 26 minutes didn't hurt.  

The players wore jersey's between 1-11 for the classic style of numbering based on who is playing, which is why Messi wor 10, Henry 9, and Bojan 16, and Pique wore Milito's 3.  I sincerely believe this team is re-vamped and ready to take on the world.  I know I am. 

According to Spanish newspapers and sport.es, it's been confirmed that Valencia have fallen into debt and are receiving offers for the stars, specifically David Silva and David Villa. Much speculation has surrounded Villa since his spectacular showing in the European Championships despite his absence from the championship game. His incredible pace, finishing, and ability to make space quickly made him the talk of the town in Barcelona as a possible replacement for Samuel Eto'o. As a member of the starting XI for the Spanish national team and the face of Valencia, Villa is already partial to the spanish style of play. In previous interviews questioning the possibility of a transfer, Villa expressed his passion for playing in Spain and his preference to remain there, rather than transferring to the Premiere League or Serie A.

With that being said, top clubs such as Liverpool, Chelsea, Real Madrid, and of course Barcelona will surely challenge to snatch the star. The competition will be tight, but with the hints given by Villa, a move to the Blaugrana seems very possible. With his love for Barca's style and his own admission of his respect for the club, it would seem that if Eto'o goes, Villa could move on in as quickly as Hleb did after Ronaldinho. Still, Eto'o's agent recently stated that remaining in Barcelona is not out of the question. But just the same, a squad carrying Henry, Bojan, Messi, Eto'o, and Villa, simply seems out of the question

Villa is a much better option than Drogba in my opinion, and I think it would be rare to find someone who disagrees with that. However, Peppy G's plans may not include the smaller sized striker, as his targets have all seemed to be taller, lankier, and more like the "target man" style of player. Regardless, if Barcelona pass on Villa and he ends up playing with another top flight squad, the Catalan giants will regret their missed opportunity.

In other news, Messi has decided to travel with the team to Scotland, leaving many to wonder what will come of the recent Olympic drama.

And finally, in a somewhat laughable matter, Ronaldinho has opted to take the number 80 for his new AC Milan jersey, claiming that it represents his birth year, 1980. Clarence Seedorf is the current holder of the illustrious number 10 at the Italian club, and his unwillingness to hand over the number has been the first hint of unrest in the club since Ronaldinho's arrival. I don't want to sound too negative, but let's just hope that Ronnie doesn't turn up like another BRazilian who arrived in AC and decided to take an unorthodox number. Do you remember..... Ronaldo and his number 99?

Yeah, a year later, he faced allegations of sleeping with transvestite hookers, and suffered a blown knee. We'll see.

Let me begin by declaring that as a Barca fan, I am anti-Real Madrid, but by no means anti-Manchester United.  Our meetings in the Champions League were well played and I congratulate you on your championship of both the Premiereship and the Champions League.  With that being said, I am interested to hear what you Man U fans have to say about the recent comments by Tottenham about your beloved Sir Alex, and his "hypocritical behavior" in his pursuit of Berbatov.

In an interview today with the Chairman of the Hotspurs,  he charged Ferguson as wreckless, disrespectful, and hypocritical because actions taken in pursuit of the Tottenham striker, Dimitar Berbatov.  Now as I understand what must occur during the pursuit of any top flight footballer, I do feel that there is some legitimacy in the Chairman's complaints, at least as far as the hypocrite comment goes.  

I have heard much groaning from Man U fans about the way Real Madrid has persisted in the crown jewel of Old Trafford, Cristian Ronaldo, and yet it seems that much of the same persistence and confidence (or arrogance) is being done in pursuit of the crown jewel of Tottenham.  Fergie made a formal complaint to FIFA about Madrid's Calderon, and it seems that now he is the one doing to pursuing. 

I don't know all the facts, but I'm interested to hear and see what you Manchester fans think.  Let the discussion begin. 

I know some of us have been a little shocked by the reports of the Cameroonian striker actually considering the 3-6 month move to Uzbekistan for a reported 40 million Euros. Now While I'm just as shocked as the rest of us, my mind starting turning about the possibilities of this move, and how if played correctly, Barcelona could pull off a move for the history books.

The deal with the Uzbekistan club would be a short term transfer or loan that would see Samuel play in the Asian Champions League. I have no idea about the club offering up this money, or the Asian tournament itself, but it does leave you to wonder about the possibilities of this circumstance. And I believe that if Barca could pull it off, by January 2009, the club will be 40 mill euros wealthier, and STILL have Eto'o playing for the club. And here's how.

By accepting the transfer as a loan rather then a full out sell and allowing the striker to go to Uzbekistan, the club will have gained 40 million, and in doing so, allow it to pursue anyone they are interested in while banking on the Cameroonian's return 6 months later. It's most likely that another striker would be purchased, but that's a different topic. Let's just say Sammy goes to Asia to play in their Champions League, and then after 6 months, returns to Barcelona in January. At that point, our need for him may have increased, and Barcelona would be able to add one of the most feared goal scorers in all of Europe mid-season.

I know it's far-fetched, and quite the long shot. But it's fun to dream isn't it.

The pride of Russia, Andrei Arshavin, has just admitted that he still desires a move to Barcelona despite all the recent speculation surrounding a possible move to the Premiere League. After shining brighty during the European Championships, the Russian wonder kid admitted that a transfer to the Nou Camp "would be a dream come true," immediately putting Barca at the front of clubs hoping to snag the hot commodity. But it would seem that the players own desires have been tossed aside by the desires of his club, Zenit St. Petersburg.

He was quick to admit that he is unsure if Barca still want him, and that Hleb might make things more difficult for him and the club due to the money. However, he hopes that his desire to move to a bigger league and pursue a higher level of play will override the greediness of his squad.

The Catalans initially offered roughly 15 mil euros for the lad, only to be rejected quickly by the Russian squad as they have placed a value of 30 mil euros on Arshavin. Arshavin knows that his club is asking for too much money, and that it may be impossible to leave Zenit for Barcelona unless his club backs down and realizes the ridiculousness of asking 30 million for a player who shines for merely two games.

Yes he is a stellar player and has shown great talent and potential, but anything above 15 million is a waste in my book. I would love to see the Russian in the blaugrana, but with the purchase of Hleb, I don't see where Arshavin fits in. Arshavin is much like Bojan. Fast, hungry for goals, and passionate about the club, and I do not see why this purchase would be necessary. For the price that Zenit is demanding, I say pass and save your money.

Arshavin said "I hope that they call me, and that they sign me." Unless the price goes down, I hope that we do not.

But.... the more I read about this kid's personality and love for Barcelona, the more I want him to play for us.  He seems like a normal guy who just LOVES Barcelona, just like you and me.  I find myself rooting for him to come to the club and fulfill his childhood dream.  He has taken pictures for sport.es while holding the Barca jersey, and has admitted that he will NOT play for rival Real Madrid.  'At a boy! 

Today, the Catalan Giants announced the official signing of Aliaksandr Hleb from England's Arsenal. He will arrive in Barcelona around 1 p.m. and will continue to go through the medical processes until 7 tonight. After the tests are completed at the Barcelona Hospital, it is expected that he will be presented as an official member of FC Barcelona sometime tomorrow.

Hleb will be the sixth signing for Barcelona in this very active, and I would say productive transfer window, following Caceres, Keita, Pique, Alves, and Henrique. Even though it is a recent signing, it was one that took weeks to finalize. Much speculation surrounded Hleb's satisfaction at Arsenal at the end of the season, and he was linked with a move to Barcelona or Inter Milan for much of the summer. Now that Hleb has been purchased, it seems the Russian Arshavin will most likely go to Arsenal due to the fact The Gunners will have the extra cash, and Barcelona no longer have the need. I would still love to acquire the little maestro, but it's a slim possiblity.

With the departure of Ronaldinho, one could assume that this signing is helped by the funds provided by AC Milan, and the need for a creative force on the left, but Hleb will most likely be filling the shoes of another departed Barca member, Deco.

Deco's ability to pentetrate defenses with his passing and brilliance was key to much success for Barcelona, and that style of play is exactly what makes Hleb a good signing for the club. He's not a goal scorer, but the Belarus international has terrific vision, an uncanny work ethic, and a passion for playing. The signing of Hleb will stir up the depth chart for that left attacking forward position, with Iniesta, Bojan, and possibly Henry (if Eto'o plays up top). But as far as this fan is concerned, Hleb looks to be the right kind of player for what Peppy G is re-constructing at the Nou Camp.

Samuel Eto'o has been an essential member of the rise of FC Barcelona over the past 3-4 years.  His insatiable hunger for the back of the net has led to some spectacular moments during his career at the Nou Camp, however reports throughout the entire summer have cast a shadow of doubt over whether or not the Cameroon striker will remain in Spain. 

I say he stays.  And I say that he storms back as the rampant ruiner of madridistas dreams.  Why?  I'll tell you.

Ever since Sammy made his way into top flight football, he's been a striker capable of holding his own up top.  It takes an ego to be able to pull that off day in and day out, and that ego was supplied a feast for the better part of his timein Barca.  His play on the pitch was never the problem.  It was his attitude that constantly needed adjustment.  I believe that the attitude problems derived from more than a "lack of appreciation."  I believe that he truly desired to be the star offensive force, or "the man," up top.  With Ronaldinho claiming that spot for so long, it's no wonder he grew frustrated.  He is easily one of the top strikers in the world, and yet he was never the star attacking force of his squad.  Now that R10 is out of the picture, I believe that if he chooses to stay and play under new coach Peppy G, he will feel the recognition he desires and help eliminate some of the off field drama. 

 Yes Messi is the primary force in the squad now, but because he is so young, Eto'o does not feel threatened by him.  I mean come on, how can you stay mad at a kid who travels across the world to show up to training early, just to play 30 minutes, for the sole purpose of making the fans and his team happy.  Messi is still "a kid" and with the uprising of wonderboy Bojan Krkic, there is definitely more youthful talent to come.  Let's just hope for us Barca fans, the potential of a Henry, Eto'o, Messi strike force will produce glory, and not disappointment.