#barcelona

#barcelona

Sometimes, when I talk to Ronald Araujo I tell him. When he scores goals or when he wins something, I tell him, remember, people have no memory and every three days they are going to demand the same from you, and that's what happens to him, he has to perform every game between an 8 and a 10 because if not the people will already ask him. It's what Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético demand of you. Be at a high level and constantly.

Barcelona are entering a decisive period in their long-term planning. Robert Lewandowski's contract runs until 2026, yet the club can no longer delay the conversation about what comes next. The Polish striker is still capable of delivering key moments, but the reality is that the team needs a successor who can lead the frontline for the next cycle. With Hansi Flick pushing for a more fluid, intense and physically demanding approach, the identity of the next No. 9 matters more than ever.

The most sought-after option is Nico Schlotterbeck. The German international is regarded as the player with the most similar characteristics to Inigo Martinez and is rated highly by Hansi Flick. Schlotterbeck is left-footed, smart, fast and excellent on the ball, making him an ideal cog in Hansi Flick's high defensive line. However, he is expensive as well, having been regarded as one of Dortmund's top players.

Litmanen's seven-year spell at Ajax saw the Finnish forward establish himself as one of Europe's best players, as the Dutch side's punt on the young MyPa star in 1992 more than paid off. Litmanen would net 129 goals in 228 appearances for the club, helping them win four Eredivisie titles and three KNVB Cups domestically, with that side's crowning achievement being the 1995 Champions League victory under boss Louis van Gaal.

However, in a recent interview with 365scores, Lewandowski's agent, Pini Zahavi, has squashed all rumours about him possibly leaving in January. "Everything being said about Lewandowski 's possible departure in the winter transfer window is completely false," he said (h/t Mundo Deportivo). Zahavi added that the Pole is not thinking of a mid-season exit from Barcelona and remains fully focused on ending the season in Catalonia.

The past few months have seen tensions rise between Barcelona and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) over the handling of Lamine Yamal's fitness. The Blaugrana were unhappy that the 18-year-old was made to play during the September international break despite not being at 100% fit, which has given way to recurring pubalgia issues. Lamine then missed the Spain call-up in October due to the discomfort resurfacing.

To begin the ranking, Raphinha did not hesitate long before naming Neymar as his number one choice. Rather than building up from the bottom like most countdowns do, he went straight to the top, explaining his decision with a moment of reflection. That leads to the second name on his list, who was Ronaldinho. Raphinha's choice here is particularly striking, as Ronaldinho is widely regarded as one of the greatest entertainers football has ever seen. At the start of the 21st century, he transformed Barcelona both on and off the pitch, bringing joy, creativity, and global attention back to Camp Nou. Yet, in Raphinha's eyes, Neymar edges him out for the top spot.

It was a huge mistake to go to Chelsea. A bloody huge mistake. At the time, I was going through a rough patch at Barça. My house had just been burgled, and Barça needed to sell either Depay or me. The only offer on the table was Chelsea's. I accepted. I would go for my family, even if I went to Chelsea.

"Very good. "I was there for a year, starting in the youth team, then moving up to the reserve team, scoring goals and having a week of preseason training with the first team. "All of that gives you a name and visibility. I will always be grateful to Barça."

Barca fired off 18 shots throughout the first half but did not inch ahead until the first minute of stoppage time, with Putellas converting from the penalty spot following a foul from Linde Veefkind. Kim Everaerts then put through her own net just before the hour mark. Paredes completed the scoring off Mapi Leon's set-piece delivery in the 67th minute, as Barca went top of the 18-team group on goal difference, ahead of Lyon and Manchester United.