Barcelona’s attacking dilemma and how to resolve it

ANSU FATI

Quique Setien really needs to implement Fati on a more regular basis as the 17-year-old has had the most success out of all the attackers. After his dominating performance against Leganes, it would have been truly frustrating for the youngster to be omitted from the Sevilla match where his services were really needed as the on-field attackers struggled to break through Julen Lopetegui’s defense. Despite this, Ansu delivered a strong performance against Bilbao alongside Riqui Puig, where the two La Masia graduates were the only ones that brought a spark to the struggling Barca squad. Fati has truly earned a spot as a regular under Setien and awaits the blessings from the Spanish coach to follow through.

LIONEL MESSI

Messi, as always, has only been a positive influence for the squad but the Argentine maestro has struggled to be as precise as his former self before the lockdown. Having scored 2 goals in the last 4 matches, it is Messi’s passing and set-piece abilities that made the difference for Barca. The club’s captain is often seen luring in the midfield as the team struggles to move the ball forward. He is often looking to create chances with his crosses or through balls to find the other two attackers, mostly Luis Suarez and Antoine Griezmann, with both the superstars failing to connect. What Messi really needs is a teammate like Ansu Fati that can pull the opponents towards himself so the Argentine can do what he does best, dribbling past the opponents. When players like Greizmann and Suarez are on-field, the opposition can focus mostly on Messi as they are aware that keeping just one defender on the other two is sufficient to shut them down.