How Lionel Messi will position under Ronald Koeman
Barcelona’s first match gives insight into Lionel Messi’s new position.
Lionel Messi played in a false 9 role in Barcelona’s first La Liga match of the season against Villarreal. The Argentine looked extremely comfortable playing that role. He played for the whole 90 minutes and scored a penalty and also helped by dropping down to support as a playmaker.
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Ansu Fati started the show in a fantastic manner scoring a brace for Barcelona. However, every fan was interested in watching Messi play false 9 after a long time. The La Liga giants sold many key players such as Ivan Rakitic to Sevilla, Luis Suarez to Atletico Madrid, Nelson Semedo to Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arthur Melo to Juventus. As of now, the Blaugrana do not have a proper centre forward. Antoine Griezmann can be considered an option but Ronald Koeman is looking like fielding Lionel Messi as a false 9 until they get a replacement. They have been linked to Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez and Lyon’s Memphis Depay, but any deal is yet to finalize.
The Argentine is looking to just focus on winning games. On paper, he just scored a penalty but there’s a different type of desire in the footballer that has shown his need for winning. He scored Barca’s third goal and caused Pau Torres to score the one as an own goal in the favour for his side. After a trophyless season and the whole fiasco to leave the club, the Argentine will be looking to shut some of the people who have doubted him and questioned him. The 33-year-old looks as serious and determined as ever.
Koeman played the little magician as a false 9 for a whole 90 minutes and without any replacement. The Dutchman used a 4-2-3-1 formation to defeat Villarreal. It seemed to have had an effect perfectly.
Until the Catalans sign a proper centre forward, it looks like Messi will be playing in the middle for a while. His passing, link up and ways of creating spaces will help move the game forward down the middle. His finishing is something one cannot question so that goes without say. Leo will be playing in the middle with the likes of Fati, Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele, Francisco Trincao and many more playing alongside him.
Next. Barcelona still hopeful for Lautaro Martinez and Memphis Depay.. dark
How many goals will Messi score this season?