3 Things We Learned: Real Sociedad vs FC Barcelona
Barcelona battled to a 1-1 draw in an intense match against La Real.
Response
After a game where Barcelona were outplayed, it’s hard to pull a positive. However, their response to going behind is worth focusing on. They were calm on the ball in the immediate period after they conceded. This is a rarity for Barcelona because they usually let the intensity of the opposition effect them. They then play at a frantic pace, and lose their usual organized shape. This match was different, though, because they used the limited amount of time they had on the ball wisely. The Catalans transitioned quickly down the pitch, thanks to some brilliant dribbling from Neymar, and he found Lionel Messi in the box who finished with aplomb.
The versatility that they showed was interesting as well because Real Sociedad controlled the match. This forced Barça to play on the counter-attack, and even though they didn’t play well, they still managed to come away with a point. The experience gained in this match could be useful in the future against other teams who like to dictate possession.
Denis Suárez
More from Analysis
- FC Barcelona vs Betis Player Ratings
- How can Xavi unlock Joao Felix for FC Barcelona?
- Where does Joao Cancelo fit for FC Barcelona?
- Three takeaways from Barcelona’s 4-3 win at Villarreal
- Barcelona vs Cádiz Player Ratings from a 2-0 win
The elegant Spaniard, once again, showed his importance to the team. Coming on for the ineffectual Ivan Rakitić at the start of the second half, he brought some ball-retention and movement to the midfield. This helped alleviate some of the pressure on the team, and allowed Sergio Busquets some brief respite. His understanding of the midfield role was key in allowing Barcelona a route back into the game after they went behind.
Suárez should be Andrés Iniesta’s replacement in the long term. They have striking similarities in terms of their playing style due to the high standard of dribbling and passing ability that they both possess. One aspect of the role that is overlooked is the defensive side. They need to track back, put pressure on the ball, and interrupt the passing lanes. Suárez is able to do this effectively while his fellow summer signing, André Gomes, is still coming to terms with it. This is why Suárez currently deserves the available berth in midfield if Iniesta or Rakitić are unavailable.
Luis Suárez
The Uruguayan had another disappointing performance, and this is starting to become a bit too regular. The amount of times he was caught offside is a microcosm of his current struggles. The on-form Suárez is a menace for defenses because of his ability to pull away defenders, and stay on the shoulder of the last one. Currently, his performances are haphazard, his usual fluid movement just looks chaotic. The expert finishing isn’t as pinpoint with the shot that hit the post against Celtic being an example of this. The logic that informs his pressing and general decision-making doesn’t seem as clear. Maybe I expect too much from him after his amazing performances over the past two seasons, but it seems like he isn’t playing to his full potential currently. He is a key ingredient in the team due to his unique chemistry with Messi and Neymar, so hopefully he finds form soon. Based on previous barren runs of form, it shouldn’t be too long before he hits top gear again.