As Barcelona defeat Athletic Club in their first home game of the season, the Catalans continue on with their good form. Lets discuss three major points that have become a point of conversation amongst the Culers with regards to this game.
1: Marc Bernal has Filled a Major Void in the Squad
Ever since Sergio Busquets’ departure from FC Barcelona, the Catalans have struggled to replace the veteran defensive midfielder. To fulfill his void, managers have opted to play double pivots or force players like Frenkie De Jong to slot in as a single pivot. However, none of these approaches have proven to be productive.
In spite of these complications, La Masia came to Barca’s aid yet again. The well reputed academy gave rise to 17 year old, Marc Bernal, who has left an impeccable impression on Hansi Flick starting in the US Pre Season tour.
Bernal provides exceptional defensive cover allowing his fellow midfielders to play further up the pitch. This has aided two sensational performances from Casado against Valencia and then Pedri against Atheltic Club. Additionally, Bernal’s possession retention skills have proven to be remarkable thus far.
The 17 year old can not only carry the ball under pressure but also has the vision and skill to play the right pass at the current tempo of the game. Bernal is slowly establishing himself to be a regular feature in the first team this season.
2: Jules Kounde locks up Nico Williams
One of the most awaited individual matchups in the anticipation of this fixture was between Kounde and Nico Williams. In their matchup in the Euros Semi Final, Nico Williams emerged victorious but it was Kounde who won this matchup as he completely neutralised the Spaniard’s threat.
The story of the matchup in this game was quite the same, but with Kounde emerging victorious this time. The French International completely neutralised the left flank of Athletic Club. This was exemplified by the fact that Nico failed to dribble past Kounde a total of 0 times.
3: Pedri tantalises the Catalan Crowd with his Stunning Exhibition of Football Mastery
With Pedri making his return to the starting lineup after his injury, he reminded the footballing world of the sheer scale of the talent this 21 year old sensation possesses.
Completing a game high 5 chances created, Pedri instilled a great deal of dynamism into the game whenever he gained possession of the ball. He progressed possession aptly by carrying the ball through pressure into spaces close to the final third.
This allowed Pedri to frequently connect with Barca’s 4 attackers and craft opportunity upon opportunity and his efforts were finally fruitful as it was Pedri’s cross that was deflected by Bilbao’s keeper into the path of Lewandowski which led to the match winning goal.
