logica:

Time and again, Neymar had pointedly stated that he wants to play with Messi. I remember a time where he and Pele were stoking some flames; but just before Barca played Santos at the Club World Cup he changed his tune to one of respect for Messi and Barca. I think Dani Alves had something to do about that. And the demolition of Santos left him in no doubt about how Barca and Messi compared to both Santos and him.

Yes nothing is concrete, but Neymar does not rival Messi directly: his preference is to play from the wings. If country rivalry was an issue, Dani Alves would not be so supportive of Messi; and the partnership between Maradona and Careca would not have worked. Footballers as professionals know the difference between playing for club and country. This is a quote of what Neymar said a while back:



He obviously knows who the shot-caller is, and he will gradually step into that role as Messi's role dwindles in about 5 years from now.

By the way:

Mcleo007:

Both players are good no doubt but having two captains on the same boat has been proven to lead to disaster time and again.

usbcable:

PLAGIARISM

Old "running mouth" Cryuff words.

AjanleKoko: This totalbarca article captures my perspective on the way the current setup at FCB is treating young players coming through:

The Disregarded Youth - FC Barcelona

logica: At least I'm glad he realizes everybody isn't like Messi. So what's the point of the article?

AjanleKoko:

Is Messi the only player to come out of the youth ranks?

usbcable: Dippset will prefer getting the 100 points at the expense of trying new talents.

Look at Mourinho and Real Madrid this season.
When it was obvious getting the league is far from achievable Mr. Felix simply started fielding people that usually did not have enough chance last season.

So botomline Tito sacrificed youth players for the sake of 100 points, even when it was obvious the league has been won since last year.

A-40:
He seems really humble tho and really does sound like he looks up to Messi! Hopefully this is genuine and not oju aye

logica: I am saying the article makes no point. It talks about giving the youth a chance; then it points out they all can't be like Messi. Of course that is the reason they are not being given the chance Messi was given!

AjanleKoko:

I didn't see this rejoinder earlier.
Well, I hope you're also aware that Thiago's release clause has dropped to 18 million euros, from the 90 million figure set at the beginning of the season. This is a direct consequence of his not playing 60% of team games this season. Essentially, he can leave Barcelona quite easily this summer, as already clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester United, and even Man City have shown interest.

If he goes, and Cesc goes, I wonder if the plan is for Xavi to play till he's 40, like Puyol
The plan seems to be to sell all the promising youngsters (Cuenca, Tello, Thiago), the out-of-form-or-flavor players (Villa, Fabregas, Alves), and keep the old guard. Valdes (who will leave for free in June 2014, stupid move from the club if you ask me), Xavi and Puyol are all set to continue in their key roles next season.

Yet the club says they only need 'one or two players', yet they want to sell half the team
I rest my case sha

AjanleKoko:

I didn't see this rejoinder earlier.
Well, I hope you're also aware that Thiago's release clause has dropped to 18 million euros, from the 90 million figure set at the beginning of the season. This is a direct consequence of his not playing 60% of team games this season. Essentially, he can leave Barcelona quite easily this summer, as already clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester United, and even Man City have shown interest.

If he goes, and Cesc goes, I wonder if the plan is for Xavi to play till he's 40, like Puyol
The plan seems to be to sell all the promising youngsters (Cuenca, Tello, Thiago), the out-of-form-or-flavor players (Villa, Fabregas, Alves), and keep the old guard. Valdes (who will leave for free in June 2014, stupid move from the club if you ask me), Xavi and Puyol are all set to continue in their key roles next season.

Yet the club says they only need 'one or two players', yet they want to sell half the team
I rest my case sha

AjanleKoko:
Essentially, he can leave Barcelona quite easily this summer, as already clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester United, and even Man City have shown interest.

logica: Thiago will not get any increased playing time at those clubs. Yes, even at Man City he will warm the bench plenty; especially once he commits one of his foolish blunders while being fancy.

ddippset: i am still pessimistic about neymar/ messi combo. there will be problems! besides i have a strong gut feeling neymar is overrated.

ddippset: i like jeremy mathieu. he could pair pique. i love that. i am still pessimistic about neymar/ messi combo. there will be problems! besides i have a strong gut feeling neymar is overrated. neymar , mathieu IN, fabregas, sanchez, abidal, villa, OUT. let's make some money off them while we can.

sebod: I still don't know why Valdes did not leave again. He is already a legend but honestly don't want him again.
And i don't know why Thiago should not be integrated into the team by now. All he needs is someone that really talk to him and change his mindset about the silly errors he commits in the course of his fancy display. Xavi is getting older and is fast loosing his pace. Fabregas too should βε̲̣ kept for another season and get two solid defenders. Anything short of this may not help the team come next season.