by FCBayernMunchen » Sun Jul 27, 2014 6:57 pm
Last year, even before we won the treble, there were already rumours of Rode joining us. Many asked why and I clearly remember saying he would be the perfect transfer because the only thing that squad lacked was a true backup for Schweinsteiger.
A lot has changed since then. Since Pep took over it is no longer the case that we struggle a lot without Schweinsteiger (Thiago is the key now). We no longer have Martinez's backup in Gustavo. Heck, Martinez himself is no longer in midfield.
I admit that over the past few months I have not rated Rode much. Maybe because he wasn't playing, but I wrote him off as one who would hardly play. Based on what I saw today, and what you guys said about him yesterday, it looks like I will be proven wrong. He is showing why I said what I said about him a year ago. This is simply fantastic.
Like I said in chat, if at least two of Bernat, Rode, and Hojbjerg impress, then Kroos leaving is a blessing. It opens up another spot in midfield to add a faster, more dynamic and fluid midfielder. We can expect a different style this season from what we're seeing and based on our squad. A possession-based and tiki-taka style, yes, but one that passes less around the box and attempts quicker combinations and through passes (directed towards our new killer striker). This is what I dream of seeing. For me it is the best style of football.