Barcelona preseason first match: Valerenga-First half
In a bad rainy weather, Barcelona played their first preseason match against the Norwegian club, Valerenga. It was more a preseason match for Barcelona B strengthened by handful first team player than it was the other way. Obviously it is not possible to read a lot in this match, but there were lot of good signs. Playing the youth team - without some of our best youth who have a final to play against France. Playing against a team that is in its peak form, now that their league is almost midway. A team that will represent Norway in the European cup this season. Still, Barca players succeeded to promote the image of the club perfectly.
First half lineup:
Pinto-Ilie - Sergi Gomez - Milito – Maxwell-Victor Sanchez- Jonathan dos Santos -Marti Riverola -Jonathan Soriano- Tello- Bojan
The worst thing about the first half was Pinto’s Higuita moment. I like his attitude in the dressing room. I like what he offered the club so far. But his kind of habits makes me wonder how reliable he is as a backup keeper incase Valdes was not available for some games. If this was the first time he does it we could argue that it’s just a friendly and he want to have some fun (though it’s not acceptable anyway). But he did that before. Unless if he is trying to convince Pep that we need no more midfielders as he can do the Xavi, I am not sure what he was trying to prove. You can do that while playing in the backyard with some kids Not at Barcelona.
Milito and Maxwell were good - keeping in mind that it’s the first preseason game. Milito was a bit too adventurous though while trying to shuffle the lines forward. He is an excellent defender on the ball, but the balance is needed between the crucial job-defense- and advanced roles like contributing in the buildup. With the big boys in the selection I see him tuning his performance per se. Still, it’s nice to see him starting a preseason with the club. Let’s hope the worst is behind us. Maxwell goal was well taken. Another demonstration that he should be considered as a serious option for the midfield to create depth. He did well last season, and he still can do better.
Ilie had to deal with the opponent’s best player and it wasn’t easy for him. But he was fine going forward and he has decent passing skills.
In the midfield, the most interesting detail was JDS’s position. We thought he will play in front of Victor Sanchez but he played more as a deep lying midfielder and this boy does not disappoint. He was doing the anonymous job that took Xavi 10 years till he received the praise he deserves, so JDS can’t complain if his work left unnoticed. In this match, I was mostly impressed by his performance to be honest. While the other kids showed lot of potentials he demonstrated more maturity and tactical awareness doing his job almost effortlessly. He knew when to do the “looks easy” job running the show while in the shadow. He knew when to take responsibilities blasting long shots from the edge of the box. He knew how deep to move or how far to advance reading the match’s script and always being one step ahead. Tackling, marking, covering, and everything you need from a player who is looking forward for a chance on the big stage.
I made this sample that shows the JDS “looks easy” job and its impact on the team’s performance:
Maybe, Thiago is one step or two closer to first team paradise, but this guy is also up there. Unless if we decided to throw 50 M or so to finance Arsenal's budget.
Victor Sanchez is still that same utility player we knew when he first tried his luck with the first team. He scored a beautiful goal that showed the kind of skills you don’t usually expect from a player of his type. I am still not sure if he is good enough to keep. The good thing about him is that he can do so many things. The bad thing about him is that he is not exceptional in anything specific. At least till now. It’s always a bless to have this kind of players but it’s also a big sacrifice to offer him the seat and playing time you can offer to other younger and more talented players you have in the basket. Not an easy decision to make, and most probably it will depend on the final squad we structure for next season after the main transfers (the ins and outs) mature.
Bojan –the captain- was his old self without the form that you can’t demand from the first preseason match. He showed the signs of “a veteran” while linking with the rest of the youth and he was willing to take responsibilities. He wasn’t sharp enough nor did he have the “it” to cause serious damage. But again, this is the first preseason game. He had a good run of play and it was more like an intensive training session.
Marti Riverola, Jonathan Soriano and Tello delivered the type of performance you expect from B-teamers, though it was obvious that Soriano is the one with the best potentials and Marti is the Marti exciting to watch.
Posted by Ramzi
on 08:10.
Filed under
We should buy a new DM and CB, but if we don't, I think Bartra/Fontas and Oriol Romeu can do a good job. Oriol plays similar to Busquets except he is more aggresive. Sure, he makes mistakes often, but he has a great work rate and he is very determined, and he is stronger than Busquets. Besides, Busquets use to make a hell of a lot of mistakes also, but he was still in the squad. And Bartra has a VERY similar style to Pique. They can both run forward out of defense and attack, they both are good passers, ect ect. The main difference is that Bartra is more versatile and he is much faster, but in the same time he isn't quite as intelligent and his passing is some times off. I personally think that if one of our CBs are going to promoted, then it should be Bartra, because he looks better to me and because Fontas is just coming back from a serious injury. And because Barcelona B need an older and stronger player starting.