Danny 1,171 Posted October 2, 2017 They could gain independence and still have one of the best teams in the world Obviously there'll be people who know more about how a potential team may look like, but gave one a go below Lopez Bellerin - Bartra - Pique - Alba Thiago - Fabregas - Busquets - Roberto - Iniesta Pedro Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SirBalon 2,607 Posted October 3, 2017 (edited) 42 minutes ago, Danny said: They could gain independence and still have one of the best teams in the world Obviously there'll be people who know more about how a potential team may look like, but gave one a go below Lopez Bellerin - Bartra - Pique - Alba Thiago - Fabregas - Busquets - Roberto - Iniesta Pedro Andrés Iniesta isn't Catalan and is infact from the most Spanish region of them all, Castilla La Mancha, home of Don Quixote... Those that fight Windmills that are imaginary dragons. He has eternally been grateful to Catalunya for everything that they have been given and counts himself as a part Catalan. But make no doubt that Iniesta is 100% "Castellano". But even so, you could make a couple of very competitive Catalan XIs to be honest without Iniesta. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Danny 1,171 Posted October 3, 2017 2 minutes ago, SirBalon said: Andrés Iniesta isn't Catalan and is infact from the most Spanish region of them all, Castilla La Mancha, home of Don Quixote... Those that fight Windmills that are imaginary dragons. He has eternally been grateful to Catalunya for everything that they have been given and counts himself as a part Catalan. But make no doubt that Iniesta is 100% "Castellano". But even so, you could make a couple of very competitive Catalan XIs to be honest without Iniesta. Now you say that I've read something similar before, but I assume he could still play for a Catalonia side due to the age he started playing for Barce? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SirBalon 2,607 Posted October 3, 2017 Just now, Danny said: Now you say that I've read something similar before, but I assume he could still play for a Catalonia side due to the age he started playing for Barce? He could indeed and has played for the Catalan regional side around Christmas time a couple of times as do other regions like Galicia and Euskadi (Basque region). He done it as a thank you as he's said various times. Under the pretence of him being eligible for them, then yes, but I guarantee you he wouldn't play for Catalonia over Spain, ever! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SirBalon 2,607 Posted October 3, 2017 (edited) 4 minutes ago, Danny said: Now you say that I've read something similar before, but I assume he could still play for a Catalonia side due to the age he started playing for Barce? If a hypothetical Catalonia was ever formed and they then claimed the Paisos Catalans, then imagine what team could be formed because that would include the French Catalan region, the Balearic Islands of which Asensio is a native and the region of Valencia and Sardinia in Italy. Take your pick from all that lot! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Danny 1,171 Posted October 3, 2017 1 minute ago, SirBalon said: If a hypothetical Catalonia was ever formed and they then claimed the Paisos Catalans, then imagine what team could be formed because that would include the French Catalan region, the Balearic Islands of which Asensio is a native and the region of Valencia. Take your pick from all that lot! That would be career suicide for Asensio haha Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SirBalon 2,607 Posted October 3, 2017 1 minute ago, Danny said: That would be career suicide for Asensio haha He obviously wouldn't do it because that sentiment doesn't exist in those other regions with him seeing himself as very Spanish. But, it still remains a hypothesis of the amount of talent that could be mustered. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
El Profesor 1,051 Posted October 3, 2017 (edited) 4 hours ago, Danny said: They could gain independence and still have one of the best teams in the world Obviously there'll be people who know more about how a potential team may look like, but gave one a go below Lopez Bellerin - Bartra - Pique - Alba Thiago - Fabregas - Busquets - Roberto - Iniesta Pedro @SirBalon can confirm, but I think Thiago views himself as a "gallego". I think he´d continue playing for Spain. Mazinho wanted him to play for our NT, but differently from Rafinha I believe he considers himself more as a spaniard than as a brazilian. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stan 10,389 Posted October 3, 2017 4 hours ago, El_Loco said: @SirBalon can confirm, but I think Thiago views himself as a "gallego". I think he´d continue playing for Spain. Mazinho wanted him to play for our NT, but differently from Rafinha I believe he considers himself more as a spaniard than as a brazilian. What's a Gallego? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Carnivore Chris 1,974 Posted October 3, 2017 (edited) Gallego means Galician, but South Americans use it to describe all Spaniards. Iniesta and Thiago would be eligible, but they wouldn't play for them, unless Catalunya had gained independence years ago already, then that's likely where Thiago would have played. Messi would be eligible as well, but he'd obviously stick with playing for Argentina. 5 hours ago, El_Loco said: @SirBalon can confirm, but I think Thiago views himself as a "gallego". I think he´d continue playing for Spain. Mazinho wanted him to play for our NT, but differently from Rafinha I believe he considers himself more as a spaniard than as a brazilian. Thiago would play for whoever guaranteed him the bigger chance at winning trophies. He doesn't have an allegiance to any country that lad. If Catalunya had gained independence around the time he was coming through Barcelona's system, then I think he would have chosen Catalunya, for the same reasons he chose Spain. In fact, under those circumstances, he may not have even been eligible for Spain since he wouldn't have technically ever played for a Spanish team, but a Catalan one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Berserker 1,313 Posted October 3, 2017 33 minutes ago, The Rebel CRS said: Gallego means Galician, but South Americans use it to describe all Spaniards. Iniesta and Thiago would be eligible, but they wouldn't play for them, unless Catalunya had gained independence years ago already, then that's likely where Thiago would have played. Messi would be eligible as well, but he'd obviously stick with playing for Argentina. Thiago would play for whoever guaranteed him the bigger chance at winning trophies. He doesn't have an allegiance to any country that lad. If Catalunya had gained independence around the time he was coming through Barcelona's system, then I think he would have chosen Catalunya, for the same reasons he chose Spain. In fact, under those circumstances, he may not have even been eligible for Spain since he wouldn't have technically ever played for a Spanish team, but a Catalan one. Not South Americans, only us do that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Steve Bruce Almighty 2,851 Posted October 3, 2017 This team looks old. Have none of the kids who throw rocks at tourists come through yet? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SirBalon 2,607 Posted October 3, 2017 6 hours ago, El_Loco said: @SirBalon can confirm, but I think Thiago views himself as a "gallego". I think he´d continue playing for Spain. Mazinho wanted him to play for our NT, but differently from Rafinha I believe he considers himself more as a spaniard than as a brazilian. 1 hour ago, The Rebel CRS said: Gallego means Galician, but South Americans use it to describe all Spaniards. Iniesta and Thiago would be eligible, but they wouldn't play for them, unless Catalunya had gained independence years ago already, then that's likely where Thiago would have played. Messi would be eligible as well, but he'd obviously stick with playing for Argentina. Thiago would play for whoever guaranteed him the bigger chance at winning trophies. He doesn't have an allegiance to any country that lad. If Catalunya had gained independence around the time he was coming through Barcelona's system, then I think he would have chosen Catalunya, for the same reasons he chose Spain. In fact, under those circumstances, he may not have even been eligible for Spain since he wouldn't have technically ever played for a Spanish team, but a Catalan one. Thiago does actually consider himself Gallego (Galician)... He's mentioned it on various occasions. As for Rafinha, he feels Brazilian and why he chose Brazil. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Carnivore Chris 1,974 Posted October 3, 2017 (edited) 5 minutes ago, SirBalon said: Thiago does actually consider himself Gallego (Galician)... He's mentioned it on various occasions. As for Rafinha, he feels Brazilian and why he chose Brazil. Rafinha is as Brazilian as they come. He is lost without Alves and Neymar. Speaking of Rafinha, he has been forgotten about lately due to injuries, but when he was getting chances he offered a lot and scored goals as well, not to mention his season for Celta on loan. Unfortunately, it looks like he is going to be out for even longer now according to reports. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SirBalon 2,607 Posted October 3, 2017 6 minutes ago, The Rebel CRS said: Rafinha is as Brazilian as they come. He is lost without Alves and Neymar. Speaking of Rafinha, he has been forgotten about lately due to injuries, but when he was getting chances he offered a lot and scored goals as well, not to mention his season for Celta on loan. Unfortunately, it looks like he is going to be out for even longer now according to reports. Yeah, don't know what's going on there with some injuries... They seem to be taking forever. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Panna King 872 Posted October 3, 2017 Jordi Cruyff played for the Catalan team. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Carnivore Chris 1,974 Posted October 3, 2017 3 hours ago, Berserker said: Not South Americans, only us do that. The reason @El_Loco must call them it then is due to how much he wants to be an Argentine 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Carnivore Chris 1,974 Posted October 3, 2017 (edited) 2 minutes ago, VanPanna said: Jordi Cruyff played for the Catalan team. Kubala did as well. Cruijff managed the Catalan national team quite recently also. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Panna King 872 Posted October 3, 2017 Catalonian are supposed to have an Arranged friendly with The Dutch national team very soon for Johan Cruyff. Be a great game with 2 great friendships over the years. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spike 2,690 Posted October 3, 2017 Pedro isn't Catalan either. He is from Tenerife Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Inverted 1,313 Posted October 3, 2017 It's one of those where the conversations of who is eligible and who would actually play are very different. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Carnivore Chris 1,974 Posted October 3, 2017 (edited) 45 minutes ago, Spike said: Pedro isn't Catalan either. He is from Tenerife As it stands, Catalunya has a strong side in terms of players who are eligible such as Messi, Pedro, Iniesta and Thiago given that all could play for their national teams and catalunya. But that would all change if they gained independence and these players would continue playing for Spain(or Argentina in Messi's case, who has never actually made an appearance for Catalunya surprisingly, although could do) and not represent the catalans. It wouldn't be a great side to be honest, not like they were about 7 years ago when players like Valdes, Puyol and Xavi were in their pomp. In this case, I reckon Basque country have a better side myself in terms of Spanish regions forming a team. Kepa De Marcos -- Iñigo -- Laporte -- Balenziaga Herrera -- Illarramendi Raul Garcia Muniain --------- Iñaki Aduriz Also plenty of depth as well. Had they not already played for their national teams then obviously Griezmann, Azpilicueta, Llorente and Javi Martinez would have been eligible, as they are today. I added Raul Garcia, as I think he'd choose Pais Vasco myself since he doesn't get a look in for Spain. Also Laporte hasn't been called up by France yet meaning he would be available. If the 2 played tomorrow(as they are now), it would make for a good friendly to be honest if everyone eligible played, since you can represent both them and your country as it is today. Kepa De Marcos -- Iñigo -- Laporte -- Azpilicueta Herrera -- Illarramendi Raul Garcia Iñaki --------- Griezmann Aduriz Vs Messi Pedro ------------ Iniesta Thiago - Busquets - Roberto Alba -- Pique -- Barta -- Bellerin Pau Lopez Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spike 2,690 Posted October 3, 2017 Pedro has never appeared for the Catalonia team so think it is safe to say he'd settle with Spain. In reality it'd look more like this Krkic -Sergio Garcia - Deulofeu Alba - Roberto - Busquets - Vidal Fontas - Pique - Bartra Casilla I'b be surprised by people like Fabregas because they seem like the types to not really care about this sort of thing. @SirBalon even said it himself, Catalonia is full of immigrants so even if they are Catalonia doesn't mean they are Catalan... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Posted October 3, 2017 2 hours ago, The Rebel CRS said: The reason @El_Loco must call them it then is due to how much he wants to be an Argentine Here in Peru we are only familiar with Catalans, the Basque and Castillans (if that's what they are called). We only refer to them as "españoles". Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SirBalon 2,607 Posted October 3, 2017 8 hours ago, Spike said: Pedro has never appeared for the Catalonia team so think it is safe to say he'd settle with Spain. In reality it'd look more like this Krkic -Sergio Garcia - Deulofeu Alba - Roberto - Busquets - Vidal Fontas - Pique - Bartra Casilla I'b be surprised by people like Fabregas because they seem like the types to not really care about this sort of thing. @SirBalon even said it himself, Catalonia is full of immigrants so even if they are Catalonia doesn't mean they are Catalan... I think most true Catalans would play for Catalunya if they were to achieve independence. I know I would if I were a professional footballer, had played for Spain and Galicia became independent. It wouldn't mean that I wasn't honoured to have played for what was previously my country every single time and that it would remain that way. But things are how they are and whoever doesn't understand that has brain cells missing or has issues revolving hatred. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spike 2,690 Posted October 3, 2017 2 minutes ago, SirBalon said: I think most true Catalans would play for Catalunya if they were to achieve independence. I know I would if I were a professional footballer, had played for Spain and Galicia became independent. It wouldn't mean that I wasn't honoured to have played for what was previously my country every single time and that it would remain that way. But things are how they are and whoever doesn't understand that has brain cells missing or has issues revolving hatred. Not everyone feels nationalism like that though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SirBalon 2,607 Posted October 3, 2017 (edited) 7 minutes ago, Spike said: Not everyone feels nationalism like that though. I know and I appreciate that. But for those that do, they are easy to understand and that's what I'm getting at. I would never criticise anyone for choosing who they want to play for or what nationality they feel they pertain to. That same courtesy I want in return! For example I have never criticised any player that has been born somewhere and then opted to play for another country... It's happened more than a hundred times I'm sure. Well there are people that have special sentiments to where they feel they belong to and that's all that matters and should be respected. What I don't like are people like Munir... He chose to play for Spain and after his debut he has never played again for the full Spain national side and now wants to play for Morocco. You are given options and within those options lie rules... When you sign on the dotted line to the well explained rules, then that's it. Unless something changes in accordance to the rules accepting how you feel, then you must live by those decisions. This is at the end of the day, only football! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
El Profesor 1,051 Posted October 3, 2017 10 hours ago, The Rebel CRS said: The reason @El_Loco must call them it then is due to how much he wants to be an Argentine Never! haha The russian federation apparently invited Barcelona to play in their league. Next thing the russian will do is probably to invite Shaktar Donetsk. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
