Noah Hickey: Can anyone top Barcelona?

opinion

By Noah Hickey

Published: 7:45AM Wednesday September 14, 2011 Source: ONE Sport

  • Print this article
  • Text size + -

It doesn't seem like long ago we watched Barcelona demolish Manchester United in the Champions League Final and today we are straight back into it all over again.

Is there any team that can realistically beat Barcelona this time around?

I am amazed to watch teams such as Manchester United and City tear teams apart in the English Premier League (EPL) and yet both could be beaten significantly by Barca.

The unity and talent that Barcelona have is unparalleled by any of their rivals, including Real Madrid, for me.

The biggest threat is likely to come from one of the clubs mentioned above though the only thing stopping Barcelona is history, and it tells us that no team has won two European titles in a row in 20 years.

It shows how hard the competition is and that clubs have historically strengthened their squads during the off-season to vie for the title.

I can't see any club that has purchased the sort of players in the last off-season to take down such a powerhouse.

Some may argue Manchester City have though this is a team that needs to prove themselves in England for me to truly believe the Champions League is on the cards.

It does make me think how far the levels are spreading across the globe with the EPL having, arguably, the biggest pool of top international players.

From the lower teams right through to the top they are full with imports and even our very best Ryan Nelsen.

The gulf between the lower teams and the very best is phenomenal, week in, week out we watch the top three or four teams starve opposition of position and seemingly scoring at will.

For this to then happen in the Champions League final it leaves me gobsmacked at the level these players are performing at.

Playing against the very best players does put it all in perspective, I remember barely seeing the ball against teams such as France and Brazil when we played them.

To see this in the EPL is far more alarming, these are players that are on weekly wages such as $60,000 plus coming up against top teams that keep possession in the same manner.

However the Champions League has lost none of its appeal and will again be an amazing competition right from the get-go with Barcelona taking on AC Milan today.

Let's just hope someone can stand up and give Barcelona a real run for their money this year. My money certainly wouldn't be going against them though!

What do you think? Comments below.

 

  • Print this article
  • Text size + -
  • more...

Add a Comment:

Post new comment

    Latest Football Video

    Football News

    Most Popular

    1. RWC deal eases heat on Wallabies
    2. Tough guy Shields banging with the big boys watch
    3. Extra player to be added to ABs squad watch
    4. Japan train with 'rice balls' to sharpen skills
    5. Lakers tumble out, Sixers on brink watch

    rssLatest News

    Advertising

    How do you want your news?

    • Mobile Devices

      TVNZ is available on mobile phones: Text TVNZ to 8869.

    • News Feeds

      See when TVNZ have added new content. You can get the latest headlines anywhere.

    • Podcasts

      Enjoy TVNZ on the move - a wide range of programmes and highlights are available.