Ronald Koeman forgets about Francisco Trincao
The Portuguese forward is not useful in the 3-5-2 system it seems
Like with most things in life, if someone comes out on top, someone else bears the brunt. In this case, Trincao is a player who has suffered because of the team’s shift to 3-5-2. Koeman’s side play with one less forward so he’s no longer the first thought when it comes to changing up the attack, with Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele battling for a place. Martin Braithwaite is ahead of the Portuguese too, as we saw in the cup final.
Trincao will go his 10th game without starting tonight, with his last coming on Feb 24 against Elche. In this run he has only played in 13.9 per cent of minutes, 117 of 810 possible.
They show his fall in Koeman’s eyes, having previously played 32 per cent of minutes. 1,093 of 3,420 possible.
Trincao has started nine of the 46 games this season, having his best moments when he scored against Real Betis and then hit a double against Alves with his first Liga start.
Just two weeks after Koeman switched system and it has left him without a place. Jordi Alba and Sergino Dest take up the places on the flank. Braithwaite is more of a box specialist so gets the nod up top ahead of Trincao too.
Barcelona’s economic situation means they have to think about sales this summer and Trincao is a very real option if they get an attractive offer.
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