After lengthy discussions in the office and some questions from some of you, I asked my colleague and stats man Chris Collinson (@chriscollinson7) to research whether Barcelona have changed their style under Tito Vilanova in comparison to Pep Guardiola's team.
HANDY PERFORMERHi Guillem, I was wondering how you would rate David de Gea's start to his Manchester United career? Filling the gap left by Edwin van der Sar's departure was a massive challenge but he appears to have made a solid start to life at Old Trafford - do you agree? Also is there any truth in speculation from Spain that the former Atletico Madrid stopper is homesick? Thanks in advance. Shane Farrington
GUILLEM SAYS: I mentioned on my Twitter account @GuillemBalague last week that he isn't homesick and is working hard to keep his place as No 1. My only criticism of Sir Alex is perhaps that by changing goalkeepers you risk harming their confidence, so I wonder if he will stick with De Gea now that he has been playing and let him grow? De Gea wants to stay at Manchester United, 100 per cent.
ALL OVER FOR ALVES?Hi Guillem, big fan, my question is in regards to Dani Alves. I'm an avid Barca fan; me and my dad catch every game. Dani Alves often comes off as the weak link for us. Aside from his speed and stamina he doesn't offer much. I was wondering if you think Barca would be better off shipping him off to PSG (who he hasn't ruled out a move to) and start training Montoya in as the full time right back now? He proved to be more than capable in the Clasico and Tito has tons of time for him. It's clear he's the next right back, but should he be put in now? Thanks in advance. Jamie O'Callaghan
GUILLEM SAYS: Last season he was surely one of the weakest links in the side. He didn't track back as much as he used to and he didn't add that much offensively. But previously to that in the first three years under Guardiola he was one of the top players and provided an outstanding link to Messi and whoever played wide. He helped to give Barcelona another offensive dimension; he helped to keep the pressure high as well. But certainly in the last year-and-a-half he has become one of the weak links and the board toyed with the idea of selling him but no big offer came in.
MEXICAN STAND-OFFHello Guillem, great show. I have heard that Hector Moreno who plays for Espanyol is being linked for a move to Barcelona. Can you tell a little bit more about that, the Mexican is a great defender and it would surely be an exciting addition to the Barcelona team. Jose Hayaux du tilly
GUILLEM SAYS: That link has been made by the Catalan press. Espanyol doesn't know anything about it. Certainly he is one of the top players at Espanyol; his composure on the ball is great, as is his anticipation, while he is strong even if he isn't one of the tallest centre backs. He is a player who can improve though and who, probably, belongs at the higher level of Barcelona. I've got no doubt about it.
PRIZED POSSESSIONHello Guillem. I enjoy reading your columns and keep up the awesome work. My question to you is with the Ballon D'Or debate in full flow, why are only Messi and Ronaldo considered the only candidates worthy to win it? Why not Iniesta or Xavi? They have achieved more than both the stars at club or international level. It's high time the jury who decides such awards overlooks the superstar status and gives it to any of the Spanish magicians. Arun Nori
GUILLEM SAYS: I'd say that Messi is a 'freak of nature' - he has to be because it's not normal to see so much talent in one person! Meanwhile, we are going to see more and more 'Ronaldos' from now on. Yes he has incredible talent but it is based on his strength and technique. But both of them in their own way are well above anybody else in the world. I am friendly with both Xavi and Iniesta and I would love each of them to get the Ballon D'Or at some point. Iniesta has got a chance if the vote goes towards rewarding Spain for their success, but it would almost be like a team award rather than an individual award. I don't particularly like that scenario so if you are going to give it to an individual, it has to be Messi or Ronaldo I suppose.
