Why Ousmane Dembele was taken off against Lyon
The change from Valverde provoked some criticism but it should have been expected
Ousmane Dembele was, for many Barca fans, the best player in Ernesto Valverde’s team when the coach decided to take him off after 67 minutes in Lyon. Few understood the change with Luis Suarez misfiring and Leo Messi well martialed, as the Frenchman was therefore the most dangerous part of the attack. Why Dembele?
The forward is one of the most explosive in the world and that has it’s benefits but also a more dangerous side. His speed allows him to destroy defences but also makes him more susceptible to injuries. In his first season he had two hamstring injuries which kept him out for a long time.
Barca staff worked carefully with him. It’s no coincidence that he’s been subbed off on 20 of 24 occasions he’s started. He’s only finished 17% of the games he starts.
In Lyon he went off again. In the final stages of the game might have been when he was most dangerous, with opponents worn down he could use his speed to killer effect. But he watched the rest of the game from the bench.
Dembele often shines in the second half. E.g. against Real Madrid in the 5-1 Clasico win he was crucial after the break.
Does Valverde have medical orders to sub off Dembele? No, but it’s a factor that he takes into account to keep the ‘Mosquito’ fit.
On the other hand, his substitution is also explained by status. Messi cannot be taken off, while Luis Suarez occasionally is but because of hierarchy usually isn’t. And with the Uruguayan in bad form, Valverde thought the change could crush his morale.
Cowardly and conservative for some, logical and sensible for others, Valverde had his reasons.
