Barcelona cruised to a 4-0 win over the Basque team.
Injuries
Barcelona suffered another injury to a key midfield player, this time it was Sergio Busquets who was the unfortunate victim. That brings it to a total of three players injured, with Andrés Iniesta and Rafinha out as well. None of the injuries are serious, but it is less than ideal going in to a hectic part of the season. This was the only downside to what was a good performance, and a comfortable win.
The importance of Busquets was highlighted in the match against Eibar because it was an open game especially in the second half. Resting Gerard Piqué, and having Jérémy Mathieu in his place, probably didn’t help either. This led to Samuel Umtiti being the only composed centre-back on the pitch for Barça, which is tough for a player as young as him.
The lack of Busquets caused Barcelona’s play to be sloppy due to him not being there to organise the play, and set Barcelona’s tempo. However, the team had the ability to quickly transition up the pitch. Also, the shot-stopping ability of Marc-André ter Stegen allowed them to pull through. Busquets is a vital link between the defenders and the creative players, due to his ability to be always open as a passing option, so his presence will be sorely missed.
Vidal’s Attacking Threat
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Aleix Vidal showed why he can part of Barcelona’s plans in the future with his brief twenty-five minute appearance in this match. He is an excellent back-up to have for Sergi Roberto as the midfielder turned defender develops into the role. His time at Sevilla as a winger means that he provides a genuine attacking threat from the full-back position.
This was obvious against Eibar because he gave Barça width and whipped in some dangerous crosses with one of them providing the assist for Neymar at the end. His speed and crossing ability means he is dangerous on the counter-attack. This gives Luis Enrique another attacking option to consider from the vast arsenal that Barcelona currently possess. Vidal was also pretty solid in terms of his defending during the match, which is important as well.
Next: Transfer rumours- Lallana and Turan
Chances Created
A common theme in recent matches including this one is the large amount of chances that are being created. On top of that, the front three have been a lot more clinical since the start of the new year. The only potential anomaly is the Real Sociedad game, but that game never seems to follow the conventional pattern.
The fluidity and chemistry among the front three is at the heart of the chances being created. All three of them seem to be at their best, which is allowing the team as a whole to thrive. Lionel Messi is basically playing as a combination of himself, Xavi and Andrés Iniesta from the Pep Guardiola years, which is remarkable. Also, Neymar and Luis Suárez finally seem to have found consistent goalscoring form.
This return to form is reminiscent of the 2014/15 season when the trio became unstoppable in the second half of the season. Hopefully, this increase in the standard of performance allows Barcelona to complete their quest for the European treble. Nonetheless, Barcelona fans are being treated to some of the most aesthetically pleasing football on the planet currently.