Questions asked and questions answered for Barcelona.
No need to worry about backup plans, because it doesn’t seem to matter who plays. This Barcelona team is forming a team identity, and what we’ve seen so far suggests that Hansi Flick will be able to rotate his players and be able to trust that the show will carry on without a drop in quality.
The energy is contagious, opposing teams are struggling to find a way to respond. If you score a goal in the first minutes against José Bordalás’s side, no
easy feat, you are on your way to victory.
What’s been so fun is being able to cheer every player on, and watching as the Barcelona comrades celebrate one another.
It wasn’t long that we had to wonder when Anthony Gordon would get his first goal. It was a matter of time, and after a red-hot international break the English international picked right up where he left off.
Raphinha didn’t even have to suit up. I had my doubts about Gabriel Jesus and his ability to fill the big boots left behind, but now the Brazilian is looking like yet another great fit for Flick’s system. Even Hamza Abdelkarim was able to record important minutes at the end.
All you have to do is give a little criticism to a player, like Jules Kounde, and the next day he shows up ready to prove you wrong, surrounded by team-mates who have his back.
Pedri got a much-needed rest, and Gavi was there to pick up the baton. The list goes on. This isn’t wishful thinking, nor is it a fleeting euphoria.
Barcelona deserves all the praise they are getting, because they are not just undefeated, they are putting in rockstar performances consistently.
Whether it’s an injury, or even just to give an important player a rest, the next man up is ready.
Getafe for me is always a test because they are a team that make you fight and earn everything. Galatasaray will be another important challenge, this time on the road in a high-profile Champions League showdown.
Who will play? Does Barcelona even have an ideal starting eleven?
At this point, Flick seems to be saying, don’t worry about that, because the whole team is being trained to understand the assignment and perform when called on.
Expect Barcelona to stay hungry with ambitions high, and their minds focused on the task at hand. Nothing can be taken for granted.
This is one of those rare times when you stop thinking about individuals, and you just appreciate the collective for what it’s become, and what it’s capable of.
Ride that wave Barcelona. Have fun and keep the good times rolling.
