Henry to Barca

well... it's a good thing we have an active football fan on the blog to analyze situations like this. so here are the angles:

(1) Ronaldinho and Henry may together combine to set up a great 1-2 punch in the Barcelona lineup. However, it will not create a position struggle as they do not play the same position. Ronaldinho is a mid (midfielder) while Henry is a striker. Ronaldinho will be the man bringing the ball up the field through the middle and then throwing it to (perhaps the world's best striker) Henry on the outside to set up incredible goals for the Barca squad.

(2) the possible position cramp comes between Henry and Samuel Eto'o the current star striker for Barca. however, in soccer you can play with two players up top so this may not make a problem. but rather than launch further into this let's focus on the real issue...

(3) within the soccer world it is well-known that Barca's locker room was divided this season between factions led by 'Dinho and Eto'o. it is also known that the Barca owner and manager were not pleased by this at all so there has been much speculation that one of the two is on his way out. many have said that it would likely be 'Dinho as he is becoming pricey and there is a lot of interest coming from AC Milan in the Italian League. Now one could argue that this move suggests to the contrary -- namely that Eto'o will leave and Henry will replace him. this could be... however, at the same time one could say that Henry is coming in to replace the name recognition/marketing power of 'Dinho. so really this move doesn't reveal anything concrete.

needless to say, with Henry and either 'Dinho or Eto'o in the same attacking force Barca will be an imposing force. and if somehow the two can resolve their feud and Barca can keep all three... well, let's just say i'll be watching a lot more Barca games.

there ya go choi... thoughts from your local soccer expert. wimbledon starts tomorrow.. i'll hold off until at least we're through the first two rounds unless something crazy happens.

Go Roger,
-riley.