Do you guys think. Barcelona are good enough to win la Liga without Messi for an extended period of time?
As long as they have Neymar and Tello yes.
Yes, Barca can win La Liga without Messi but it will be a 3 way fight between a surging RM (which I knew would happen), Simeone's Atleti side, & Barca.
A large part of this campaign's success is due to Tata's arrival. Barca is playing a more direct style when the opportunity presents itself & Tata has seemed to instill confidence in players like Cesc, Alexis, Pedro, & Bartra. Their play is reflecting as such. Alex Song is playing well also.
Despite his keen rotation policy, there are a few questionable moves though... Iniesta continues to sit at critical times & he hasn't played a full 90 mins so far this campaign. I'd also like to see Tello & Sergi Roberto play more.
I'd also like to see Bartra play more. I've really liked what I've seen so far this campaign from him especially today. He plays with a certain fire that you want in a player. He even gets a little angry out there on the pitch but not in a destructive way.
I am a little worried about Messi & his lingering thigh/hamstring issues. There were rumors of Pep making Messi adhere to a strict physical regimen & when Pep left it fell by the wayside.
To be honest, for someone whose one oft the world's top athletes, he's not in the type of shape one would come to expect. Yes his body type if different than most especially since he's shorter than most players.
Neymar continues to impress. Not only is he continuing to attack & pass well, but he's starting to find the back of the net. He & Cesc seem to be building a solid partnership. That's been a huge key in Barca's success so far...