Osasuna 0-2 Barcelona: 5 talking points as Blaugrana secure comfortable victory

#3 Ilaix Moriba breaks his duck for Barcelona

Ilaix Moriba scored his first Barcelona goal

Ilaix Moriba is widely regarded as one of the brightest sparks in the current Barcelona academy, which led to him signing a contract with a buyout clause of €100m in 2019.

He made his La Liga debut in the 5-1 victory over Alaves - a game where Moriba experienced the full range of emotions in professional football by providing an assist and committing an error that led to a goal.

The 18-year-old has drawn comparisons to Paul Pogba owing to their similar stature and playing style.

I will remember this goal for the rest of my life! Great win! Let’s keep going! @FCBarcelona pic.twitter.com/dj865VvruP

— Ilaix Moriba (@IlaixMK) March 6, 2021

Having started the game against Osasuna on the bench, Moriba entered the fray in the 67th minute for Sergio Busquets and made his mark on the game soon after.

The composure and technique needed to skip past the challenge of Oscar Garcia before rifling home the second goal of the night underlined why the Barcelona youngster is rated so highly.

For fans seeking similarities, both Moriba and Ansu Fati's first goals for Blaugrana came against Osasuna at the same end of the field.

With the Spain international having already established himself as a key player before his unfortunate injury, fans will be hoping that Moriba can tow the same path.

#2 What next for Riqui Puig?

Riqui Puig does not get enough playing time at Barcelona

La Masia has produced an abundance of quality talent over the years and the current crop are no different.

Riqui Puig emerged in the latter months of Ernesto Valverde's Barcelona career and many believed he would be a long-term option in the Blaugrana midfield.

However, competition for places in the Blaugrana first-team is extremely tough and Puig has not had the career trajectory many projected in the last two years.

Ronald Koeman explicitly told him that he would be best served by going out on loan but Puig insisted on remaining at his boyhood club to fight for his place.

Despite occasional flashes of brilliance, the 21-year-old has simply not gotten enough playing time, with Koeman seemingly not a fan of the La Masia graduate.

Puig has made just eight appearances in La Liga, a total of just over 184 minutes, with only two starts made in the league.

🟢 @RiquiPuig, @JuniorFirpo03 🔴 @Pedri, @JordiAlba #OsasunaBarça pic.twitter.com/M5sLaWG8Ve

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 6, 2021

The emergence of Moriba has pushed him further down the pecking order and this is far from ideal for Puig's development considering that he will be turning 22 at the start of next season.

While an ideal world would see Puig fight for and most likely win his spot at Barcelona, the current reality suggests that his career might be best served by a move away from Camp Nou.

#1 Despite not scoring, influential Lionel Messi still played a key role in securing the victory

Messi provided two assists in the game for Barcelona

Lionel Messi came into the game with an opportunity to score his 20th league goal of the season for a record-extending 13th consecutive campaign.

He, however, fired blanks but it was not for want of trying from the Rosario native. The Barcelona skipper ended the game with a match-high five shots, with two of those on target, while he also posted game-high numbers for dribbles (five) and key passes (six).

His pair of assists meant he set his teammates up twice in the same game for the first time this term. It also took him to eight assists for the season, bringing his total goal contribution to 27 from 24 La Liga fixtures.