Rakitic Brings Promise
Ivan Rakitic– the best signing of the summer. He understands that he is not at Barcelona to replace Xavi, but he is at the club to bring a new dimension to the team. Shots from outside the 18 and long balls deep from the back are two elements needed at the club. His best moment during the Joan Gamper match ended in a goal.
Rakitic delivers a long ball over the Leon defense to Dani Alves, who lays a ground ball for Munir to finish. To me, the precision needed for such placement by Rakitic was the highlight of the match. He may still need to grow more into Barcelona’s system, but what Rakitic is adding to Enriques team will pay dividends.
Mathieu Fits at the Back
Mathieu had an excellent match today. I must admit; I am disappointed at the fact that Enrique placed Mascherano at center-back alongside Mathieu. Nonetheless, the pair worked out well. For the majority of the match, the two covered the back. Mathieu grew more and more confident as the match progressed. In one play, the new center-back even developed this belief that he is Luis Suarez and marched onto the 18 in search of a goal.
I realize Leon did not threaten the Barcelona goal too much. Mathieu still proved his worth in the few opportunities. A clean sheet backs up the defense. Do not be surprised to see the new signing start at the back this weekend.
Pressing as a Unit
Enrique brought back Blaugrana’s defense. I am not referring to the new purchases. During Guardiola’s time at the Camp Nou, Barcelona pressed teams up high as a unit. In the last two years, fans watched how slowly this style fell apart. If you watched any games under Tata Martino (the former manager) you will know what I mean.
Today’s match demonstrated how the front six pressed strongly. Neymar, Messi, and Rafinha started the defense by pressing the Leon center-backs. And then Iniesta, Busquets, and Rakitic followed through by covering the opposing midfielders. Neymar’s second goal exemplified the high pressing from Barcelona. It came off from a steal when Leon attempted to start a counter. It was wonderful seeing such beautiful football today.
Obviously, today’s victory does not account for the future. But much can be appreciated from today’s game. This team had issues at the end of last season that needed fixing. Enrique intends to rebuild an unstable structure. This must carry on through out the new season.
