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LaLiga resumed this weekend after a two-week-long international break. Holders FC Barcelona hosted Valencia CF in what was presumed to be a mouth-watering clash. Ernesto Valverde named La Masia prospects, Ansumane Fati and Carles Perez in the starting line-up. Also, fans got to see Arthur Melo, Sergio Busquets and Frenkie de Jong start together for the first time.
The match began with fireworks as the 16-year-old Fati scored within two minutes and provided a sumptuous assist to de Jong at minute seven. Kevin Gameiro pulled one back for the visitors as the game went into half-time two goals to one.
Right from the break, the Catalans looked positive and scored the third courtesy of Gerard Pique. Luis Suarez came on as a substitute after his injury sabbatical and joined the party to score two more for the Blaugranas. Maxi Gomez scored his first goal for Los Ches, unfortunately only a consolation as the match ended five goals to two.
Here are three talking points from the game:
#1 Ansu Fati, the gift that keeps on giving
Anssumane Fati scored once again for the Catalans, this time on his first start as a Barcelona player. He became the youngest player to score and assist in a LaLiga match. At just 16, Fati has shown maturity beyond his age and fits effortlessly into the tactical setup of Barcelona. Coming through the ranks of La Masia, he has learnt the Barca way of playing as shown by his perfect run for his goal.
Playing in front of 81,000 spectators at the Camp Nou, the youngster showed no signs of pressure. Oozing with confidence, he made terrific runs and always tried to take on a defender. His first senior team assist came as he took on Ezequiel Garay and cut in an excellent low cross for de Jong to tap into the net.
Not afraid to take his shots, he tested Jasper Cilleson on multiple occasions. Due to the adrenaline rush, he lost possession a couple of times as he tried to push forward. But, it is only natural that a winger squanders the ball while dribbling. Given his age, he is only going to improve and possibly become a vital player for Barcelona in the future.
#2 A midfield that works
Ernesto Valverde gave Arthur Melo his first start after an impressive cameo against Osasuna. Arthur occupied the left midfield spot with de Jong at the right midfield and Sergio Busquets at the helm of it. Cules were visibly excited to see the prospect of three technically sound midfielders running the matters in the middle.
Busquets was at his very best, continuing his form from the national team. He stood tall, intercepted loose balls and made necessary tackles to regain possession. Arthur and de Jong complemented the Spaniard and made excellent contributions in the attack. The Dutchman completed all his passes and all his dribbles. He had his best match yet in Blaugrana colours.
The trio pressed efficiently in the opposition half, winning back lost balls to keep the pressure. Arthur was excellent in this regard, always at the heel of his opponent. Valverde now must've found the right midfield combination for his best eleven.
#3 Leaky defence still an issue
Barcelona have had their worst start to their LaLiga campaign defensively since 2000/01. They have allowed seven goals in just four matches, keeping no clean sheets in the process. Barca dominated the first 25 minutes, only to concede by a simple defence-splitting through ball from Rodrigo. In the finishing stages of the match, the Catalan defence switched off completely to allow an unnecessary second goal.
The full-backs when they move up the field leave acres of space behind for the opposition to exploit. The centre-backs do not have the pace to catch up with the runners. Due to this, the Blaugranas concede a lot of goals via counter-attacks. The centre-backs are often guilty of leaving too much space between them for the opposition to exploit. With the high defensive line, both Pique and Lenglet should be on their feet.
With Umtiti out injured for six weeks, Barcelona should be careful with the workload of their centre-backs. Lenglet staying down after a harsh challenge from Maxi Gomez caused concerns on the Barca bench, but fortunately, there was nothing serious. With inexperienced Todibo on the bench, the depth in defence is very thin.
