The Barca players who look stronger after this week
Some of the team emerged with at least a little credit
It’s been a week to forget, after Inter and the Clasico. However some of Xavi’s players, just a few of them, come out of it looking a bit stronger.
Jules Kounde returned from injury and had a solid game, while Ferran Torres scored as a substitute, while Gavi and Ansu Fati added good injury.
Kounde was Barcelona’s best defender. He was not dribbled past once, blocked a shot, won three duels, completed 83 passes at 93 per cent accuracy, played seven long balls and made one key pass. He helped Sergi Roberto in the battle with Vinicius. A vital figure for Xavi.
Ansu and Ferran came off the bench and gave Barcelona some good attacking impact, more than Raphinha and Dembele had offered.
Gavi showed he should be a starter. Personality, attitude, intensity, he brought it all. And football, too. He was missed and is a vital part of Barcelona’s spine.
Frenkie de Jong started the game and took advantage of it with a solid performance, although after Busquets went off and he was pivot, he was caught out of position a few times after going forward.
