Daily Poll: International Friendlies: Good or Bad?

Maybe La Liga matches should be moved to a Friday? As Luis covered in his round-up, the majority of the Barcelona squad were in international action and almost all of them performed well. Pedro got a brace, David Villa scored on his return to the international scene, while both Xavi and Lionel Messi scored sumptuous free-kicks. Dani Alves couldn’t get on the score-sheet, but he is only a right-back after all. However, of all these goals, and of all the games played last night, only Lionel Messi was in competitive action. Just how happy should we be about this?

Barcelona’s schedule is rigorous enough as it is, and while we cannot object to our players being called up for competitive fixtures, it is frustrating to see Alves fly half-way around the world to play yet another pointless fixture just a few days after being taken off injured against Valencia. Not only that, but Xavi came on at half-time against Saudi Arabia in spite of his troublesome Achilles problem. With the Spanish 2-0 up at the time, there is simply no logic behind the switch. So, my feelings are known, but what do you think of international friendlies?

In Thursday’s late poll, we asked whether or not you would sign Neymar in the winter transfer window and 48% were in favour of bringing him in, no matter the situation. Surprisingly, the option I thought would amass the most votes finished in last place, with only 12% favouring the move in case of injuries or loss of form.