3️⃣ TALKING POINTS AS STYLISH BARCA BREEZE PAST VALENCIA

 TALKING POINTS FROM VALENCIA 1-4 BARCELONA

-Mitansh Kagalwala

Photo Via: barcablaugranes.com

The Blaugrana visited the Mestalla to take on Valencia, looking to bounce back from last week’s setback against Espanyol in the Barcelona Derby. Barcelona started off on the front foot, going 3-0 up in the first half through an Aubameyang double either side of a Frenkie De Jong goal, but Valencia were far from out, having two goals of their own disallowed, for offside and the ball going out of play. The home side did strike back in the second half through Carlos Soler, but Pedri restored Barca’s three goal advantage just minutes after coming on with an excellent strike from range (which was later given to Aubameyang). The result sees Barca remain in 4^th place, 4 points behind Real Betis in 3^rd but with a game in hand, while Valencia languish in 12^th with just 30 points from 25 games. Here’s what we made of it:

1.      THE FIRST FLIPS: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s January move to Barca was heavily scrutinized and debated, with many wondering if the striker’s prime days were over. While Aubameyang looked sharp in his first performances, he failed to get on the score sheet. On Sunday, however, the Blaugrana fans finally got to see the Gabonese striker’s trademark front flip celebrations. Thrice, in fact, as Aubameyang bagged a hattrick, with an excellent, cool finish after being played through, a tap-in from close range, and a deflection off his back from Pedri’s shot. Aubameyang adds pace and spark to Barca’s attack, and we cannot wait to see how Xavi uses him.

2.      SPANISH PRINCE: How good is Pedri. No, seriously, just how good is the 19-year old. The youngster started the game on the bench as Xavi looked to give him a rest, but was brought on for Frenkie De Jong with Barca 3-1 up to add some control and stability to the midfield. Four minutes in, he latched onto a rolling a ball, and smashed it off Aubameyang’s back into the roof of the net to seal the game once and for all. He was solid defensively, and he pierced through Valencia’s defense whenever gaps appeared. Much has been said about his abilities, but if he continues like this, a Ballon D’Or in his future doesn’t seem too far-fetched.

3.      SAME OLD, SAME OLD: Barca’s defence has had holes in it for so long now, it’s more surprising when Barca keep a clean sheet. Sunday’s scoreline at the Mestalla flatters the Catalan side, with two goals ruled out for marginal (but correct) decisions, and the Valencians threatened for much of the game. Sergino Dest was decent but not spectacular, Ronald Araujo was his usual solid self, Eric Garcia started off decently but struggled defensively at the end of the first half, while Jordi Alba assisted the first with a spectacular long ball and was solid defensively. Garcia’s replacement, Oscar Mingueza’s positioning was horrid at times, leading to Valencia’s goal, but his passing was essentially flawless. While Xavi has made a lot of progress with the entire side, it is evident Barca require more squad depth and quality in defence.