Muriqi would’ve been such a cool and niche signing, don’t think he’s necessarily game changing or in fact a starter but I see goals and sheer aerial dominance. He’d deliver if surrounded by creators. A Luuk De Jong with triple the output. What could’ve been.
Never have I seen a fullback be so influential than when I first watched Espart with Barca Atletic. His techinacal qualities are impressive but it’s his sheer intelligence that stands out. La Pausa is his expertise. Can’t wait to see how he develops and into which position.
In a weird way Espart reminds me of Pedri so much, it’s the influence he has on his team. He’s being relied upon to bail them out and he’s always there when they need it. These 15 mins are the best I’ve seen of him. His improvement has been outstanding.
Adeyemi didn’t have a great game especially considering how he was in pre season but his defensive contribution still stood out. A player won’t always perform but giving 100% is the least of my expectations and he did that. Then got rewarded with a goal. So much more to come.
Gordon is elite, he’s one of the best left wingers in the world. Forget all the tricks nothing will be more effective than unlocking space for your teammates, he does that so efficiently. 2 assists off the bench and loads of threatening runs. Just pure domination.
Espart is here to start not just stay, he’s giving everyone competition. Thought he was brilliant today other than the over reliance on him in possession (1st half) which hindered his game. But in duels, creativity, coverage of space, and combinations he was top notch.
Raphinha, Espart, Eric, Gordon, Pedri and Martin all standouts today. Fermin grew into the game too. But most importantly was everyone putting in the work for the win and it was highly deserved regardless of the sluggish performance at times. A lot to build on.
Raphinha’s a maniac, easily the standout. Never seen a player so obsessed with running. The press looks great so much better than last season but ball retention is a problem although it feels largely due to a lack of sharpness.
This feels like very early Flick days, directness and verticality are the priority. Looks like an XI without quality and little sharpness. Normal stuff.
This is a big change. Martin hasn’t played LB in a while. Gavi hasn’t gotten many minutes this pre season. Adeyemi deserves a start based on merit but hasn’t been best through the middle (unless it’s Raph at ST). Eric x Christensen is new. So much trial let’s hope for the best.
Balde left out the squad, that’s him partially gone. I’m quite saddened because he never really peaked but a move is not necessarily wrong if you can find a suitable replacement. I worry a lot about the lack of athleticism in defense surely that must be reinforced.
🚨| 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Serhou Guirassy's name has COME UP on the table during Barça - BVB negotiations for Hector Fort. He has a €30M release clause. [@gerardromero] #fcblive 🟡
This would be quite unnecessary. Don’t think he’s untouchable or anything like that but he also has value and has shown he could be a great player albeit he’s inconsistent. Worth to keep that trust and not sell suddenly at the end of the window.
🚨🎖| 𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐍: Manchester United have contacted Alejandro Balde’s camp in recent days to explore the possibility and conditions of a potential move.
However, Balde is HAPPY at Barcelona and remains focused on continuing at the club. [@FabrizioRomano] #fcblive 🔴
People jumping the gun on Hamza saying we no longer need to sign a striker. No not at all, completely illogical to invest so much yet ignore the most vacant position because of an underdeveloped ST who’s showing unreal potential.
@NealGardner_ He’s so direct both in the press and whilst he works. This really is Deco’s summer and we’re just living it. Like who would’ve thought we’d go for a Gk and loan him out. Planning both short and long term. Since when did Barca move like this. Standing ovation is what he deserves.
@NealGardner_ He’s so direct both in the press and whilst he works. This really is Deco’s summer and we’re just living it. Like who would’ve thought we’d go for a Gk and loan him out. Planning both short and long term. Since when did Barca move like this. Standing ovation is what he deserves.
Experiments which must be continued are Hamza and his development, Xavi Espart both in midfield and as a fullback and Kounde at Cb. All of which could have unreal upsides and could solve so many issues. Super happy with this preseason considering it’s a WC summer.
It’s been a while since I’ve seen a Barca squad be so close to completion. All you need is a certified and reliable striker along with a mature lcb and I see a side super difficult to beat let alone not get embarrassed by.
Gordon and Adeyemi both looking so good, all you need is the danger in behind to unlock so much. They stretch the field vertically and horizontally making it easier for everyone else. Gordon in particular plays with so much maturity, completely worth every penny the both of them.