Barcelona: Switching to Plan B?

Neymar of FC Barcelona duels for the ball with Jorge Andujar Moreno ‘Coke’ of Sevilla FC during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC at Camp Nou

Just two competitive matches into the 2013-14 campaign and FC Barcelona were forced to go to plan B and it worked, kind of. In the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup against Atletico Madrid, Lionel Messi had to come off at halftime because of a thigh bruise as Barcelona trailed 1-0.

This is the situation that all Barcelona fans fear. Many have believed, in the past few seasons, that Barcelona have lacked a ‘Plan B’ when Messi is not in the game and they need goals. In only the second game of the season, the club was faced with this very situation.

The requirement of a ‘Plan B’ is a big part of the reason that Barca signed Neymar this summer instead of next summer. As much as Neymar is going to improve the team’s best 11, he was also brought in to be that dynamic attacking option when Messi is out. On this night, Neymar was subbed in with about 30 minutes to go and he scored the equalising goal. This was certainly the definition of ‘Plan B’ working.

FCBLive went into euphoria after Neymar scored – all their hopes and aspirations were answered in one goal, 150 minutes into the season. Fans could not have asked for much more. I hate to toss cold water on the situation, but Barcelona needs to realise that this might be the exception this year rather than the rule.

I believe Neymar will be a wild success for Barca, but we are still a few years away from it. In game one against Levante, one that Barcelona utterly dominated, Neymar was less than impressive in his competitive debut. He often held up the ball and made errant passes.

After Barca scored their 7th goal of the match, and only one of the second half, Dani Alves gave Neymar an earful about moving the ball. Remember, Alves was the link that Barcelona were rumoured to have used to gain Neymar’s interest. They both have played together for the Brazilian national team the past few seasons. Alves appears to be a hard guy not to like, unless you play for Real Madrid.

To see Alves giving him grief was pretty ironic. I would have expected it from Xavi, but I think Alves has a vested interest. He pushed for the player to come to the club. It was kind of a father-son moment. Imagine if Puyol was out there! He might have cracked him over the head for not passing the ball faster.

The bottom line is Neymar has had only a handful of weeks to get integrated into the Barca style, which is the most unique form of football in the world. Yeah, I said it! There is no doubt that Barca want Neymar to use his individual talents to overcome challenging situations, but for the most part they want him to be a dynamic part of their future starting XI. They want him to make a consistent impact in the side; whether that means goals or assists is unimportant, as long as he is making a difference.

Alexis Sanchez of FC Barcelona looks on during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Levante UD at Camp Nou

Barcelona play their brand of football and everyone on the pitch must buy into that brand. They demand this all over the field, from their goalkeeper to their central strikers. When players come from the outside, there is a massive learning curve. Many players have failed in the system, including the great Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Alexis Sanchez was looking to be the next big ‘bust’ signing, but given time within the club (nearly two years), things have changed.

In the first two games of the season, I could already tell that Alexis Sanchez gets it. The strong finish to last season has been sustained into the pre-season and his first few games. Alexis has gone from an individual play-maker, flopping in the box constantly, to a creator who will contribute to many goals this season.

His confidence is on a major upswing and as it continues to peak, I fear for other teams. Once the opposition realise they have to do some specific things to contain him, then the front will open up even more for the central strikers, Messi or Cesc Fabregas, more often.

My contention is that Alexis is more than likely going to be the better option for a ‘Plan B’ this season than Neymar. I think people have overreacted to the first goal that Neymar scored. Neymar made a great run into a fantastic cross, but for me he was otherwise held in check with Cesc and Alexis being the difference makers. Neymar is likely to hit the skids and experience what David Villa and Sanchez experienced, a major goal scoring drought.

Yes, we are only a few matches into a long season, but they have given us a peek into the future. I think it is apparent that Barcelona will again dominate the lower quality sides in all competitions, as their team play seems even stronger than last year. Messi will need to be protected this entire season as the minutes, and physical play have taken a toll on his body.

Javier Mascherano was missed in the back-line and many who have clamoured for a new central back might have failed to realise they would have to win their spot over him. Pedro can play on the left side and be effective. A scary thought if he finds his old form.

I rate above all those things, the form and class of Alexis Sanchez. I believe his recent trend of strong play will continue, and as long as it does, Barcelona have found their Plan B.