They Are Same-Same But Different!

I have had this thought lingering in my mind for quiet some time now. Barcelona play the same style of football that our beloved Arsenal plays. They attack, attack and attack, just like we do. But they are sitting on a pile of trophies and we, on the other hand, are sitting on our arse, for half a decade now. What is the reason behind this unfortunate disparity. We @11G dwell into the same..

First of all lets look at the similarities amongst us, apart from our style of play i.e. They develop players, and so do we. They rely heavily on their youth set up, and so do we. Technically, both the teams have the most gifted players in European circuit to choose from. But this is where the similarity ends. They don’t fear losing out on a transfer recruit & back themselves to get the next one come what may. We instead, go for a hiding every time the window opens. They have democratic set up to run their team, unlike ours. For them winning is more important than the business of football. In fact, there is no better way to make money than to win. If a team wins, their financial assets  automatically go on an upswing.

They bought Ronaldinho, who went on to become the best player in the world. They bought Deco who went on to play a major part in Rijkaard’s Barca. They never lost money on these players even when they paid highly for their services. They never fixed a salary structure for themselves but paid their players as per their abilities. They never told Messi that they can’t pay him beyond a certain limit even if he is the best player on the globe unlike what we did when we allowed Flamini & A Cole to leave. And yes, back then, Ashley was as good a LB as any.

Agreed that we have managed to lure away one of their own, in Fabregas, but how long can he stay here if other clubs are willing to pay thrice the amount he currently earns. Put yourself in his shoes & decide for yourself. Right now, he is as good as anybody in the EPL, if not the entire continent. In spite of that he is paid peanuts when compared to someone like Rooney or Drogba. Barca is not afraid to bring in players from outside to support their youth set up and that is where they beat us. They brought in Henry when they needed a striker. They brought in Alves when they needed a right back. Last season they bought Ibra, who is again a world class player. They buy according to their present needs, forgetting the finances in the interim. They win trophies by the dozens & inturn balance the balance-sheets! Simple, aye!? A subtle mixture of youth & experience is what adds both flair & steel to their ranks.

Arshavin and Vermaelen are the only world class players we have bought over the past two summers. Just not ambitious enough for a club of our stature. Economics dictates that spending brings in more money to spend and not otherwise. It is about time that we pumped in some serious cash to buy ready-made talent. Only then will the exuberance of youth at our disposal, fully blossom. Else we may always remain a profitable club but never become a GREAT one. Take your chances Mr. Wenger. Economics, like football, is your forte, remember!?

PS: Arsenal face first of the so-called easy games in Sunderland, tomorrow evening. Almunia or Fabianski or Mannone, god willing, it shall be a clean-sheet. I’m going for a 3-0 trashing. Thoughts?

Viva Arsenal!

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