Tony Montana wrote:
Tactics wrote:
There are, Bayern and Rayo for example. Bayern are no longer a longball/counter attacking team. The days of hoofing it up to the likes of Jancker are long gone, the play some of the best attacking football in Europe. It's all started with Van Gaal and Heykness added the defensive discipline (counter pressing) to it and Guardiola has even taken it to another level by pushing the defensive line higher up the pitch and playing more combinations in the final 3rd. They pin teams back home and away, I think Bale would struggle in a team like that. He lacks the technical ability (close control) to play in very tight spaces and most importantly the quickness of mind and awareness to play short passes in congested areas.
Bale is probably better than both Robben and Ribery but they are much better ball players than him and are therefore more suited to Bayern's style of play IMO.
Bale would adapt. Robben doesn't really do anything Xavi like. He's more the guy who finishes or lays it off for an assist. I think Bale could thrive in that role. As an aside, Bayern were probably better last season anyway. Certainly no worse so it's neither here nor there. I think Bayern are more robust and use physicality more than Barcelona so Bale could use that asset as well.
Conversely, I can't imagine a lot of Barca players playing outside their comfortable set up. They don't know anything else.
Tactics wrote:
I respect your opinion (despite disagreeing with you), so please don't try to make out like I'm some idiot who just follow whatever the masses say.
That's my point. It's the hipsterness of it all. Not having a go at you I just find people overanalyse footy sometimes.
A good player is a good player.
Nah I don't think Bale would adapt in such a team, he simply lacks the quality to play in a possession based team IMO. Robben doesn't play like Xavi, but he doesn't have to because he's a forward, he's got very good close control which enables him to play in tight areas and over 90% of Bayern's game takes place in tight areas, Bale would be found wanting without space.
A good player can be limited in what he can do, Bale is very limited IMO. The few qualities he has (mainly physical qualities) are outstanding, that's what makes him a top player but he'll never be as good as players like Henry or Ronaldo because they've got more to their game besides great physique, pace, power etc
