Talking Points As Barcelona Show Signs Of Life Against Valencia

 3 TALKING POINTS FROM BARCA 3-1 VALENCIA

-Mitansh Kagalwala

Photo Via: barcablaugranes.com

  1. RETURNING PLAYERS: Barca have endured a torrid time in recent weeks, and a large part of the reason why is the number of players on their injury list. After the international break, however, Barca finally show signs of fighting for top 4, and it was the returning players who made the difference against Valencia. Ansu Fati was excellent, scoring a banger for the equalizer, and then winning the penalty for the second. Jordi Alba too was fantastic, linking up well with Fati, Depay and Gavi, and played the ball which won Barca their penalty. Sergio Aguero too returned from injury in what is welcome news for the Blaugrana faithful. Barca look a completely transformed side with both of these players, but whether this good form will last is a question, as El Clasico looms over the Blaugrana. 
  2. SERGIÑO DEST AS WINGER: Sergiño Dest's time at Barca has been a very inconsistent one. The exciting American youngster had a brilliant game against Levante, but then fell flat against Benfica. Here, against Valencia, however, Dest had arguably his best game in red and blue. Free of his defensive shackles, Dest constantly ran at the Valencia defense with speed and flair. It was his hardwork and sheer determination which led to the third goal of the night. Barca have looked in desperate need of wide players and speed, and perhaps Dest is the answer, but assumptions must not be made from just a single game. 
  3. SAME OLD PROBLEMS: Barca's defense has been leaky for years now, and they have been especially weak when coming up against pace. Here too, Pique and Garcia looked shaky, and Barca's defense were lucky not to concede a second, the post and Ter Stegen coming to their rescue. Goncalo Guedes, Carlos Soler and Dimitri Foulquier caused Barca a number of problems, and should have had a second in their period of dominance in the second half. From this showing, Barca have cause to be worried with El Clasico coming up, and the threat of the pace of Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo running Barca ragged. 

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