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This is not meant as a slagging thread (although lord only knows there is enough raw material for this) but instead a serious question.

I had heard positive reports about him when he was at Benfica (mainly driven by those clubs "in for him" at one time or anotther) but never saw him in action for Benfica (or Spain for that matter) full stop.

Accordingly, I want to ask those who did; "was he ever any good"? If so, what was he good at??

After his first couple of performances I was still convinced he could come good and, like many others, that a run of games would do him the world of good. But as time has gone on I am increasingly at a loss to find the positives.

He's a big lad, he is good in the air, he has a decent touch and can find a teammate with the ball but he looks a million miles away from being able to perform in the PL. A bit like Dzeko can be he seems like a real soft arse which, combined with his GazBaz-esque turn of pace....puts you at a real disadvantage in this league.

I know people are down on him generally after Sunday but those who have seen him play previously; is there any hope for him? If so, what needs to happen to make it happen??

Perhaps we could send him out on loan to West Brom; re-unite him with Scott Sinclair. And let them develop him for us; and perhaps we'll hold onto the 'tried and trusted' Gazbaz or another year.

I saw him for Benfica and yes he was commanding. Problem with Portuguese league is that it's not measure for anything. There are good individuals in that league but overall it's just glorified SPL. How many times has it happened? Someone who dominates Portuguese league is sold for big money and completely flops.

He can work in a 3 man midfield behind Toure and Fernandinho, imo. His lack of pace is offset by Ferna's and Yaya's dynamism while he can do the dirty work when neither of Ferna and Yaya are doing it. Can be effective in some away games.

i would

Clowncrete wrote:He can work in a 3 man midfield behind Toure and Fernandinho, imo. His lack of pace is offset by Ferna's and Yaya's dynamism while he can do the dirty work when neither of Ferna and Yaya are doing it. Can be effective in some away games.

I don't know mate.I'm lost as to what he brings to the table and would rather see Barry stick around than rely on Garcia.On what I have seen of him at City he looks way out of his depth.I know many players take time to adapt to the premier league but Im just not seeing any signs of the quality needed to succeed at this level.

Clowncrete wrote:He can work in a 3 man midfield behind Toure and Fernandinho, imo. His lack of pace is offset by Ferna's and Yaya's dynamism while he can do the dirty work when neither of Ferna and Yaya are doing it. Can be effective in some away games.

Rather see Rodwell do that.

Should have Ya Ya, Fernandinho, Milner, Rodwell and even Barry ahead of him for a cent midf spot.

If we can attract any sort of fee for him, then he's surplus to requirements. Has added virtually nothing since he arrived.

I think his attributes were listed in the op. He was a big player for Benfica. He just can't get upto speed quick enough.

He was DeJong but miles better in the air & one of the most highly rated players in that position. He was also seen as a bit of a leader I would say. I think Mancini signed him so he would be able to switch to his back 5 system without having to sub anyone.

Tbh, I still do think he's a top player.

I just think that the Premier League is different to others. We don't have the time nor the inclination to bed players in; they get a few months at best. And that's fair enough, we need to operate at maximum.

But imo, if Garcia had signed for Everton or West Ham, two years from now he would be solid as a rock, probably able to play centre back & all the top 6 would be after him.

I have no doubt he could learn to adapt his lack of pace to the Prem in either position, but in the meantime, he will fuck up loads, & we can't afford that.

Whatever happens, he cannot play centre back ever again for us. He simply cant do that job.

Mike J wrote:Whatever happens, he cannot play centre back ever again for us. He simply cant do that job.

He proved that pre season, yet there he was v Cardiff.

Hes biggest problem is pace and i really did not see him tackle that much to compere him to De jong .Don't have some pass and can't read game good as Barry so he can make up for lack of pace . Yeah i can see him only to play with Yaya and Fernandhino in front of him like some kind corrector DM sweeper u can call i how u wanna, but CB no way .

Cit.revenge wrote:Hes biggest problem is pace and i really did not see him tackle that much to compere him to De jong .Don't have some pass and can't read game good as Barry so he can make up for lack of pace . Yeah i can see him only to play with Yaya and Fernandhino in front of him like some kind corrector DM sweeper u can call i how u wanna, but CB no way .

He had a rep as a proper hardcase at Benfica & was a bit of a cult hero to their fans, like Nige was to ours.

He never seemed to be off the pace for them either, even against top teams. I really thought he would be fantastic for us.


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Obviously his pace (or lack thereof) is a major deficiency, but what really surprises me is his apparent complete lack of confidence and technical ability on the ball...

When he receives it it really does look like hes scared to death of the ball (like Lescott does when he has it at feet) and 9/10 will look for the most basic/simple pass to avoid interception, which frustratingly for us fans is sidewise/backwards.

Saying that every now and then he does unexpectedly play a decent-ish ball forward, but more often than not its when he has time and space or bizarrely when hes being chased down and doesn't have any time to react other than to nick it forward before hes charged down.

In the air he's a beast and really good at "almost scoring", perhaps his only position he can play is a DMF behind two more offensive central midfielders- A position that doesnt really exist in the current formation.

I think he is here to sell calendars....

All joking aside that is some tackle on kaka doesnt look to lack pace there, maybe theres an underlying injury?maybe hes miserable in Manchester? lost all his confidence?

As ted says we dont have time for him to get it back, not at where we are so what do we do? Flog him or persist with him till he finally gets it right?

Whatever happens we cant let Barry go this window.

Ted Hughes wrote:

Cit.revenge wrote:Hes biggest problem is pace and i really did not see him tackle that much to compere him to De jong .Don't have some pass and can't read game good as Barry so he can make up for lack of pace . Yeah i can see him only to play with Yaya and Fernandhino in front of him like some kind corrector DM sweeper u can call i how u wanna, but CB no way .

He had a rep as a proper hardcase at Benfica & was a bit of a cult hero to their fans, like Nige was to ours.

He never seemed to be off the pace for them either, even against top teams. I really thought he would be fantastic for us.


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Yeah but look at someone like Ricardo Quaresma. Guy was magical in Portuguese league. I thought he'd take Serie A by storm but he was horrible there. They have it so easy there and can be completely dominant by giving 85% effort that when they take the step up to better leagues they just can't up their game.

Also, two words. Jardel, Mario. LOL

Fuck him off to Russia ASAP