Barcelona were not at their best against Alavés, but one player’s return to the starting lineup should give the Blaugrana optimism moving forward.
Raphinha recorded two assists to give Barcelona the equalizer and the game winner after surrendering an early goal. Beyond the stat sheet, however, the captain made his team better by leading by example showing an energy and determination to win every ball and out work the opposition.
As a result, Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo were given more opportunities to show their qualities, and recorded three goals and an assist between them.
(Photo by Manuel Queimadelos/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
(Photo by Manuel Queimadelos/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
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For Hansi Flick’s system to work, Raphinha has proven to be the one player who is truly indispensable. By leading the defensive effort of the forward line, everything else is able to click into place. His efforts become a contagion, with the rest of the forwards and midfielders following his lead and giving decisive efforts as well.
As Hansi Flick said after the game, “When Raphinha presses, everyone is ready to do it too. He has a lot of dynamism.”
Raphinha said himself: “I often say that the best defense starts with a good attack. It’s crucial that we help the defense with pressure. I try to make it easier for our defenders and more difficult for the opponent. I try to press and take away space from the other team’s center-backs so we can have the ball. It’s good when the team presses behind me like that, but I often do it without thinking. I just run to try and win the ball back as quickly as possible.”
Barcelona were far from perfect against Alavés. They left a much weaker opponent, who was playing on the road, in the game until the final minute. Their three goals were beautifully worked, but they should have scored more. A continued relentless effort from Raphinha and company will naturally lead to more ruthlessness in front of goal, if the mentality can be continued with consistency.
Raphinha would have made a world of difference against Chelsea if he had started.
(Photo by Manuel Queimadelos/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
(Photo by Manuel Queimadelos/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
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Against Atlético Madrid on Tuesday, the Brazilian will once again be the one to set the tone. To be honest, I’m not sure who else has the character to be Barcelona’s spiritual leader.
Atleti is in good form after a rough start to their La Liga campaign. They are back to showing that Diego Simeone grit, and were even able to grind out a win against Inter Milan midweek in the Champions League. They were responsible for bringing Real Madrid back down to earth after a 5-2 thrashing in late September, and they will be ready to punish the Blaugrana too if they don’t show up ready for a fight.
Luckily, Flick will be able to call on Raphinha, who isn’t above doing the necessary grunt work.
If his comrades follow suit, Barcelona will be able to grow into the season at just they right time. If they don’t, concern will start to set in as the new year approaches.
(Photo by Manuel Queimadelos/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
(Photo by Manuel Queimadelos/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
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The Camp Nou will be rocking on Tuesday night. This is a pivotal game that will show whether Barcelona are true contenders in Spain.
There’s a lot to prove with critics ready to pounce.
No time like the presence to calm the doubters, and show the world that the same Barcelona who electrified the world a year ago under Hansi Flick is still there.
This is an opportunity to make a statement. With Raphinha leading the line, Barcelona must seize the day, and jump start their system and their season.