A lot of fans want Barcelona to sign another player who demands the ball to “help” Yamal and take pressure off him, but honestly, I completely disagree with that idea.
That's exactly why I value profiles like Raphinha's so much to play alongside a star like Yamal. You need players on opposite flanks who complement each other rather than compete for the number of touches.
In my opinion, Messi's best season at Barcelona came when he had inside forwards like David Villa and Pedro around him, players who constantly made runs, pressed aggressively, attacked space, and helped take pressure off Messi without demanding the ball every second.
That's why the system worked so well. The profiles matched perfectly.
Even though the Messi-Neymar partnership was amazing for a season or two, in my opinion it was never built to last long term. Neymar was also a superstar who wanted the spotlight for himself, and eventually that led to him leaving for PSG.
Yamal is a superstar who wants the ball at all times because he can make the difference with it. To get the best out of him, you need players around him who make runs, attack spaces, work hard off the ball, and complement his style not players competing with him for possession.
That's why the Raphinha-Yamal partnership worked so well. They were never competing against each other, their profiles perfectly complemented one another.
If Gordon can follow Raphinha's example and give Barça even 60% of what Raphinha brings to the team, he would be a great signing. He's only 25 and just entering his prime years. Perfect timing to join Barcelona, he's short and long term signing.
🚨💣 BREAKING: Anthony Gordon to Barcelona, here we go! Official bid accepted now by Newcastle board and Saudi owners.
€70m fixed fee plus add-ons to bring final package over €80m for #NUFC.
Gordon set to travel this week for medical and contract signing at FCB. 🔵🔴✈️
🚨🔵🔴 More on Anthony Gordon.
The player is keen on joining Barcelona and ready to accept if clubs can agree.
Barça in official talks with Newcastle since last night.
Premier League clubs still trying to enter behind the scenes, Barça has priority.
🎥 https://t.co/daMPFMLs3u
We’re Ready! The official video for DAI DAI, the FIFA World Cup Official 2026 song is here! ⚽️🐺 @burnaboy https://t.co/kXfEuINE0D
A big thank you to Leo Messi, Mbappé, Luis Díaz, Vinícius Jr, Rodri, Takefusa Kubo, Santiago Giménez, Alphonso Davies, Jamal Musiala, Christian Pulisic, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland