As I start penning this down, the realisation is already dawned upon Barca players, fans, media and generally everybody that Barcelona has let La Liga slip through. Tragic as it is always for over-entitled Barca fan brats, to lose out on any trophy, However, even law of average would give Barca a break this time. Both Real Madrid and Barca tried their best to pass on the trophy to each other. In the end of the day, the team which was more desperate to lose the trophy, lost it. Apologise for the gibberish so far. As you can make out, writing is not my proficiency. Let's just forget about La Liga for now. Time for Barca to focus on UCL. Since that repeat of a devastating night against Pool last year, I have always wished Barca to win the UCL this time even at the peril of La Liga. The easy part of my wish has been granted.
Jumping straight in to UCL. I am personally glad that UCL will be a one legged neutral venue tie which I think increases the chances of Barca of having that one odd night of good performance. Because, truly the current team isn't better than most elite teams consistently over 180 minutes. So, how does Barca make the best of their current squad. If I were in the shoes of Quique Setien, I would field the following team.
GK - Ter Stegen
RB - Semedo RCB - Pique LCB - Lenglet LB - Alba
RM - Puig CDM - FDJ LM - Vidal
RF - Messi CF - Suarez LF - Fati/ Demb
Goal keeping position is a no brainer. AT right back, Semedo provides a better overall package over Roberto. Roberto really is a better MF. Pique has to be still there. For some reason, Lenglet is not a big fan favourite, but my word he's consistently good. Araujo hasn't been a nightmare and if injury forces, he would have to fill in the big shoes of Lenglet. No one in the squad has yet really challenged Alba for his position. And he's been pretty darn good recently.
Moving to the midfield, I think FDJ has to start as the DM. He might not be yet ready to be the sole pivot, but he's definitely better than Busi currently. Busi would be roasted against UCL sides that we will potentially come across including Napoli. This position will be very important to decide our performance. On the left side, I think Vidal has done enough to sway Setien's favour. I think he brings a bit of wildcard feature about himself. If he doesn't work, swiftly bring on Roberto or Raki. Puig has to start. This year, we have to bet on youth. And the lad has proven his quality already. Not sure what any other player will bring that he doesnt haveto offer. He might have bad days, so will any other mid fielder in our squad.
Moving to front line - Suarez is still untouchable sadly. I say sadly, not because he's bad, but because by now Barca could have easily invested some of the humongous pile of cash in getting a top quality striker who would at least cause a selection headache for Setien. We need 433 formation and we won't win it with 442. Fati to start, and Dembele can slowly work his way in to the squad. That would leave the two to battle it out for the left wing/ forward position. Griez to substitute depending on score and need.
Comments
Post a Comment