Nolan: I sort of disagree and sort of agree. I think that we’ll see a revival of the “old” Ronnie when Eto’o and Deco are back in the squad and up to speed. Naturally, everyone plays well with those two, but Ronnie works so well with those guys that it’s like some sort of magical potion has been poured on the field. The sum is greater than the parts…

It’s hard to put all the blame on Ronnie but I do think now is the time to sell him.

As for Ronaldinho, that’s a toughie. He had a mediocre year last year relative to expectations and this year has, indeed, been worse. I blame this “depression in form” on Eto’o’s prolonged absence and on stubbornness. The two of them had such an amazing connection which created an unbelievable number of goals per game played. I doubt that that connection is gone, it’s just that Eto’o was injured for the better part of 6 months (3 months on the sideline with a torn meniscus and then he was rushed backed) and then he promptly got injured again. When you lose that connection, that outlet for your passes, that almost telepathic connection with a striker of immense ability, you’ll naturally have a dip in form. Defenders were forced to spread out against Eto’o’s speed and Ronaldinho’s flair, which played perfectly into Barca’s hands.

That Ronaldinho is surrounded by almost immeasurable talent is what brings me to the second part. His seeming unwillingness to adapt his style of play to the way others in the squad play is why I believe his current “bad” form has extended so long. It should be noted that while he’s not scoring goals, Barca is not exactly floundering in the depths of the league. Still, I do blame Ronnie for not being willing to open up a bit. It’s just that you, like the rest of the media, are falling for the idea that he should be scoring 50 goals a year.

Ronnie has never been a goal-scoring machine. Last year’s tally of 21 league goals was 4 more than his previous best of 17. In fact, during the 04/05 season, he scored 9 goals, but was considered the best player in the world. That he has already scored 5 goals in 9 league appearances this year seems to suggest that he’s doing fantastically well. He’s been injured, after all…

The statistical analysis could continue forever, of course, but my main point is that Ronnie isn’t doing all that badly at all. In fact, he’s covered quite well…Messi, of course was injured a couple of times during this run, but the sporting press, the tabloid jerkoffs that they are, don’t seem to remember how Ronaldinho is a solitary man, not 11 players. The defense was to blame for last year’s title loss (Betis game anyone? Espanyol?), not Ronaldinho (who wasn’t on the field for the Espanyol game).

Anyway, just thought I’d point that stuff out.