The "Joaos" have arrived at Barcelona!
I really don't remember how long it has been since we have seen such a free flowing performance from Barcelona. Almost brought back memories of that golden era. I don't wanna get too carried away, and it's just one match - but there is a strong feeling growing among the fans after last night that Barca are back! The Barcelona of old - the masters of beautiful football are back.
Finally a lineup most fans are happy with!
Now it is not to say I understand football better than xavi - he knows what he is doing. But at times you are just left banging your head against the wall with Xavi's team selection. And, despite the fact that we were somehow grinding out wins, watching Barcelona play has been nothing short of frustrating. Watching Sergi Roberto attempt to play football, watching Alonso at left back was nothing short of torture. Playing 4 in the midfield and leaving Robert Lewandowski isolated up front just leaves him to do too much all alone.
Last night we finally went back to our tried and tested 4-3-3 and did it bring out the best of this team! In some style too - 5-0!
Xavi got his team selection absolutely spot on. In defence, Joao Cancelo HAD to start. We finally have a proper right back at the club after who knows how long. He just had to start! Midfield Trio of Romeu, de Jong and Gavi was a no brainer especially with Pedri's injury and Gundogan not being 100% fit. But what we saw last night is exactly why Gavi has to play in the midfield, not as a winger. With Gavi in the middle, Barcelona just has so much more dynamic going forward and solidity defensively.
Gavi's defensive presence, his leadership mentality and creativity - all spells a start in the making. We have a gem at our hand, and if he and Pedri can stay fit for long periods - Barcelona may already have their Xavi and Iniesta replacement for the years to come.
Ferran Torres finally gets his much deserved start and Felix at the left wing was also another no brainer if we're playing 4-3-3, especially after the departures of Fati and Abde.
The Positives.
A lot actually! I've already mentioned a couple of them above. Joao Cancelo just showed what we were lacking and why our so talented front line was not being able to be as explosive as they should be. With two proper fullbacks now, Balde and Cancelo, they finally will be getting the service into the box to make them a constant threat. But what was most satisfying about Cancelo last night was the elegant bit of creativity he brings and how seamlessly he inverts into the midfield and overcrowds the opposition out of the battle for ball control. Cancelo's beautiful goal was just the icing on the cake!
Romeu quietly dropped another masterclass - no fuss, no mess, just pure class! A lot of Madrid fans actually mocked barca for bringing in such a "Low quality" holding midfielder like Romeu because we couldn't afford the more expensive options out there. He cost us just 3.5 million.
Well here's a fun fact losers - our 3.5 million man already has more assists this season than your pride midfielders Tchouameni and Camavinga combined! Another fun fact btw is, Tchouameni and camavinga cost Real Madrid over 100 million. Suck on it!
In fact, add the likes of Declan Rice (105 million paid by Arsenal) and Moises Caicedo (115 million paid by Chelsea) to Tchouameni and Camavinga - our 3.5 million :Low Quality" holding midfielder still has more assist than all of them combined.
Another Frenkie de Jong master class.
Just another day at the office. Nothing to say really, it's becoming the norm.
Robert Lewandowski Back among the goals.
Probably the most important positive of the night. If we are to defend the La Liga title, and put up any fight for the Champions League, we need Robert Lewandowski to be firing on all cylinders.
First free-kick goal since Lionel Messi.
It's been years. Lionel Messi was the last one to score a freekick goal for Barcelona. Ferran Torres breaks the curse finally just moments before being subbed off. What was satisfying to see was, even when he was subbed off, there was NO signs of anger of displeasure from Ferran - he straight up went and cheered up his replacement. A proper team player - ferran torres will be massive for us this season, not just with goals, but with his attitude.
Raphinha back among the goals too!
Again, very important for him to find his confidence. We all know what a class player he is - he just needs confidence.
No shortage of confidence with Felix.
There never was any doubt about Joao Felix's talent, and it was on full display last night. However, his game awareness and decision making has to be much more improved. Ferran torres probably could have had a hat-trick last night only if Felix had the common sense to pass the ball at the right time.
Defensive solidity
There were very few defensive errors. Kounde and Chriestensen has put up another solid display. Barca fans have a lot to be excited about when Araujo is fit and firing again. There's optimism around Inigo Martinez also, but we just haven't seen enough of him in a Blaugarana shirt to pass a final judgement.
I feel Ter Stegen gets very little love for his efforts, almost like we take him for granted. Despite a solid defensive display, there were a couple of occasions at 2-0 when Real Betis had the chance to get back into the game and Ter Stegen stood tall, single handedly maintained our two goal lead.
