El Marcaje: Riqui Puig showed off his tactical intelligence

El Marcaje: Riqui Puig showed off his tactical intelligence

Riqui Puig disputa el balón con Fede San Emeterio durante el Real Valladolid-Barça de La Liga 2019/20
Riqui Puig disputa el balón con Fede San Emeterio durante el Real Valladolid-Barça de La Liga 2019/20 | AFP

Setien started the midfielder against Real Valladolid on Saturday

Riqui Puig returned to Quique Setien's side for the 1-0 win over Real Valldolid, to join Sergio Busquets, Arturo Vidal and Sergi Roberto in midfield as the coach turned around the set-up.

He went 3-5-2, with Arturo Vidal in the enganche role, and Messi and Griezmann up front. Nelson Semedo and Jordi Alba gave width in the wing positions and Riqui showed his versatility. 

He was very active in the first half, helping Barcelona break the pressure. Above all he shined in his associative play and got to the edge of the box to help break lines.

His diagonals surprised Valladolid and he also took the first shot after good work from Nelson Semedo.

He also nearly fed Messi and Griezmann after a quarter of an hour, as well as teeing up the Frenchman after a great play from Messi.

The Cantera player only had 10 minutes in the second half before Rakitic came on for him in the 56th minute. He gave the sensation that he is growing into the side. His tactical intelligence to interpret movements between lines that Setien asks of his central midfielders and his energy to break presses are definitely his biggest assets and reasons to keep giving him minutes.

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