HOLA!
Cristian Tello. This is one attacker who can make it big with Barcelona, if he sticks at Nou Camp. The chances are that he will stay put for at least quite a while.
The 21-year-old winger already captured the hearts of Barca fans even from last season, when he was first introduced by the then manager Joseph 'Pep' Guardiola, with some superb performances.
And on Wednesday, Tello (right) produced another sterling performance in Barca's 3-2 win over Spartak Moscow at Nou Camp in a Champions League match.
Not only he scored the first goal but he also provided the killer pass to Lionel Messi for the crucial second after working his way along the left flank beating three defenders via his skills and pace.
At that time, the visitors were leading 2-1. Messi, of course, scored the winner via a header to the jubilation of the Nou Camp crowd.
Tello, who stands at 5ft 10in, was one of the better players on the pitch during this game where Spartak employed a highly defensive approach or simply 'they parked the bus'.
Credit must be given to manager Tito Vilonova (left) who was brave enough to field Tello in the starting line-up, in the first place.
Tello was naturally happy with his performance on a big stage like the Champions League.
“I am very happy with my goal and that we won the match but I’m also very conscious of the part I have to play in this team. I’m also happy with the confidence the boss has shown in me,” he said.
Even last season, Tello was able to impress during the European competition and after showing the world what he is worth, many elite European clubs are ready to sign him in the next summer transfer window.
In fact, Liverpool quietly tried to snatch him in the last transfer window.
Tello, born in Sabadell, started his youth career with Can Rull in 1999. In 2002, he joined the Barca set-up until 2008 when he left for Espanyol.
He came back to Barca in 2010 and got his break to play for the seniors in 2011..
With Tello around, Barca have a deadlier attacking unit as they have already Messi, Pedro, Alexis Sanchez, David Villa and Andres Iniesta in the fold.
Scary indeed.
The problem, though, is at the back. And it is becoming worst with injuries to regular centerbacks Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique.
Basically, there are no other natural centerback in the squad. Barca should have signed at solid and natural centerback in the last transfer window to ease the problem.
This problem, in fact, already surfaced last season.
However, midfielder Xavi insists Barca can cope without Puyol and Pique. Both defenders now face a race against time to be fit to meet Real Madrid on Oct 7.
"All of the players that have picked up injuries are important. Puyol and Pique without a doubt are very important, but the team are big enough to cope with their absences," Xavi told Barca's website.
"We're focusing on Saturday's match against Granada. Before the Clasico there are two more league games and another Champions League fixture.
"It's clear that it would be good to get Puyol and Pique back before the Clasico, but we have a good team.
"Sergio Busquets, Alex Song, who played a good game against Spartak, Javier Mascherano.... all of them can play in the centerback position."
But then what else can Xavi say.
The defence was terribly loose in the Spartak match when Pique went out because of injury and Song took over partnering Mascherano in heart of defence.
Song, normally a defensive midfielder, did not fare well here. 'The former Arsenal man has a lot to do if he wants to contribute to the team.
Oh yes... Barca president Sandro Rosell said it would be ‘irresponsible’ of them to not offer Lionel Messi a new deal.
The 25-year old Argentina international captain is currently contracted until 2016 but Rosell feels he needs to offer him something new in order to keep him signed to the Blaugrana for as long as possible.
"It finishes in 2016, but it would be irresponsible to not improve his contract," Rosell told Catalunya Radio.
"You have to think about such things. Right now there is nothing scheduled, but this is a machine that is constantly in motion and things can change at any moment.
"The coaching staff think about next Sunday, we (as club officials) look further down the line and take the more distant future into consideration.
"Work has to start now on the contract that will take effect from 2016."
Good move.
Oh yes... congratulacion Pique and pop star Sakira for their coming baby. The first that is.
But who knows more will be coming.
Adios!
FIXTURES:
TOMORROW
Real Zaragoza v Osasuna (10pm)
Home win
SUNDAY
Celta Vigo v Getafe (12am)
A draw
Real Betis v Espanyol (2am)
Home win
Barcelona v Granada (4am)
Home win
Mallorca v Valencia (8pm)
A draw
Levante v Real Sociedad (10pm)
Home win
MONDAY
Atletico Madrid v Valladolid (12am)
Home win
Athletic Bilbao v Malaga (1.50am)
A draw
Rayo Vallecano v Real Madrid (3.30am)
Away win
TUESDAY
Deportivo v Sevilla (3.30am)
Away win
Predictions by Malaysian Digest
- mD
