Osasuna 2-2 Barcelona - 3 players that disappointed for the Catalans

Barcelona's indifferent start to their LaLiga title defense continued, as they once again failed to pick up a victory.

They came into the fixture at the Estadio El Sadaar having defeated Real Betis 5-2 last time out, but they failed to consolidate on that victory, as a brace from Roberto Torres ensured Barcelona left Pamplona with just a solitary point.

Given the disparity between the quality of both teams, this was a fixture Barcelona were expected to win, but they failed to do so due to a number of players failing to pull their weight.

In this piece, we shall be highlighting three players who were the most disappointing in the draw with Osasuna.

#3 Frenkie de Jong

Frenkie de Jong failed to make much of an impact against Osasuna

Frenkie de Jong was unarguably Barcelona's standout player during pre-season, as the 22-year-old slotted in seamlessly into midfield, and many suggested that he would be a key player for the Blaugrana this season.

His transition into competitive action has however been less assured, putting up an average display in the opening day defeat to Athletic Bilbao before improving somewhat last time out against Real Betis.

In the game against Osasuna, Frenkie de Jong was thrust in from the start alongside Sergi Busquets and Sergi Roberto, and despite seeing much of the ball as Barcelona dominated possession, the Netherlands international failed to do much with it and was restricted to mostly harmless sideways passes.

In Lionel Messi's absence, more creative duties fell upon Frenkie de Jong's shoulders, but despite maintaining his high passing accuracy, the fact that he was not able to offer much in the final third was very disappointing from the recently crowned UEFA Best Midfielder.

De Jong was hauled off for Arturo Vidal with eight minutes remaining, and he would hope to rediscover his earlier form during the international break.

#2 Gerard Pique

Gerard Pique is one of the senior members of the current Barcelona dressing room, and his status as a Barcelona legend is undebatable.

Given his high standing, the 32-year-old is the de facto leader of the defense, and is expected to keep the younger Clement Lenglet in line.

Against Osasuna, Gerad Pique was caught horribly out of position for Roberto Torres' opener, as the 30-year-old was left unmarked to head the home side into the lead, while he also failed to marshal the backline effectively as Osasuna got in behind the Barcelona defense time and again.

With Barcelona having clawed back to sneak into the lead, they would have been seeking to hold onto their narrow lead, and their defense was expected to play a major role in seeing out the victory.

However, it was their captain at the back who conspired to deny them three points, as Gerard Pique inexplicably handled in the box and was duly penalized by the referee.

Roberto Torres made no mistake from 12 yards out, to make sure Barcelona did not get the win.

#1 Antoine Griezmann

Of the 11 Barcelona players on the field, none was arguably worse than Antoine Griezmann, as for the entirety of the 90 minutes, the Frenchman failed to make any meaningful contribution on the field.

In fairness to the World Cup winner, he was largely devoid of quality service, but the fact that he was the fulcrum of the attack in the absence of Lionel Messi means that such excuses cannot be condoned.

Having starred last week with a brace and assist, Griezmann would have been seeking to consolidate on that, but put up an absolute no-show, which was rather disappointing considering the huge amount expended to get him.

To make matters worse, the 28-year-old was outshone by youngsters who cost nothing to Barcelona, and given Barcelona's history of struggling big money signings, Griezmann would be hoping to get back to his best

Edited by Kingshuk Kusari

Osasuna 2-2 Barcelona - 3 players that disappointed for the Catalans | LaLiga 2019/2020

#3 Frenkie de Jong

#2 Gerard Pique

#1 Antoine Griezmann