Martin Braithwaite impressed in nearly perfect Barcelona debut.
Lionel Messi scored four times in Barcelona’s 5-0 thrashing of Eibar at the Camp Nou, breaking his scoring drought of four games. Ordinarily, it would be difficult for anyone else to top that and this case was no different.
But Martin Braithwaite also made his debut with the Catalan side replacing Antoine Griezmann in the second-half. For a man who had been at the club for just a few days, he fit in like a glove.
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Despite entering in the 72nd minute, the Danish forward definitely left his mark on the game.
He provided the assist for Messi’s fourth goal and could have scored the fifth. His shot was saved by the Eibar keeper but it landed near Arthur Melo who was left with an easy tap-in.
On providing the assist to Messi, Braithwaite said,
"“I won’t wash my clothes after I hugged Messi,” he joked. “I’m very happy to have given my first assist to Leo.”"
He added that his debut was a dream come true but that he was a bit nervous but excited to get into the game. He also thanked the fans for the warm reception when he was brought on.
Manager Quique Setién was also left impressed by his performance.
"“Braithwaite did more than I expected,much more,” Setien said. “Honestly, I think we have made an extraordinary signing. He will adapt perfectly to what we do, he was involved in two goals today and he understands the game so well.Source: Diario Sport"
In the 20 minutes or so he played, not only was he able to provide pace, but he was able to get in behind the defense and open up space which gives someone like Lionel Messi an avenue to score or another outlet for him to pass to. Against Eibar, it also allowed for Griezmann to be given a rest as well as Ansu Fati.
Braithwaite’s next opportunity will come against Real Madrid as he is only allowed to play in LaLiga and not Champions League. It will be interesting to see whether or not his debut was enough to earn him a start or if he’ll be used as an impact sub in the Clasico.