Barcelona were unable to build on their win over Tottenham as Roma regrouped in the second half to come away victorious.
Barcelona played the second game of their pre-season tour of the United States, playing out a 4-2 defeat to Italian side Roma. Despite leading 2-1 with under 15 minutes remaining, the inexperienced B team players on display conceded 3 goals before the end of the game to give Di Francesco’s outfit their first pre-season win. In spite of the result, Valverde will be pleased as the first team players, when they play, are playing exceptionally well.
New signings settling well
Clément Lenglet, Arthur and Malcolm all put in an impressive shift in Dallas last night that is sure to impress Valverde. Lenglet looked extremely comfortable on the ball and seemed happy to carry it forward, the hallmark of a Barcelona centre-half, and the way he dealt with Justin Kluivert in the first half was remarkable. If either Vermaelen or Mina do leave during this window, Barcelona have ample cover in the young Frenchman.
Meanwhile Arthur is looking like the midfielder Barcelona have been screaming out for since Xavi’s departure. Credit where it’s due, Rakitić has performed admirably and consistently in his four seasons at the club, but Arthur has an elegance about his play. Incredibly composed, Arthur again played a memorable game in the centre of the park, and completed the vast majority of his attempted passes. Comfortable getting forward in attack and dropping deeper to assist the defence, he is looking more and more at home in a Barcelona jersey.
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Further up front, Malcolm got on the score-sheet for the first time from open play, and his link up play with Rafinha for the first goal was breathtaking. Starting on the right, he constantly drifted inside on to his left foot and his understanding with right-back Nélson Semedo was incredible, especially when you consider that they have only been playing together for little more than a week. With Messi starting on the right, Malcolm will surely give Dembélé fierce competition for a starting role on the left, now that Valverde has seemingly gone back to a 4-3-3.
Rafinha must stay
Almost inexplicably, Valverde showed little faith in Rafinha last season, which resulted in a loan move to Inter with an option to buy, while Aleix Vidal and Paulinho were constantly deployed in a midfield four. Thankfully, Inter did not exercise their purchase option, and Rafinha is back where he belongs. Brother of former Barcelona midfielder Thiago, and son of World Cup winner Mazinho, he is equally adept playing in central midfield or wide on the right, and if given game time, could push Coutinho or Rakitić for a starting spot.
Following last nights defeat, Valverde praised the 25-year-old and stated that he is very happy with his performances so far, registering a goal and two assists in two games. With Iniesta and Paulinho departing, and only Arthur being brought in as a replacement, Rafinha could find himself featuring in a lot more games than last season. However, if he continues to be overlooked, he could follow in his brother’s footsteps and leave, in what would be a big loss for Barcelona, and a massive gain for the potential suitor.
Youngsters promising, but need more work
With the main core of players starting the first half being more experienced, Barcelona played some exhilarating football and raced to an early lead. Despite Roma pegging them back, they again went in front thanks to new signing Malcolm in the second half. However, Valverde rang in changes at half-time and in the 60th minute. Barcelona’s performance and composure dramatically changed after that point due to the inexperience.
Riqui Puig and Ballou Jean-Yves Tabla were bright lights in an otherwise dim outing, and a lot of work must be done on the training ground to get these B team players up to speed. All of the good work done by Juan Miranda against Tottenham was undone last night, as he was playing left-back when Barcelona conceded those three late goals, and who will be Jordi Alba’s backup this season is anyone’s guess. Both full-backs will again be given a half each when Barcelona play AC Milan on Saturday, so both must make good on their opportunity.
While it is only pre-season, and the players are largely only 18 or 19, such performances must not be taken lightly by Valverde and an improvement must be made when they inevitably replace the senior players against Milan at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.