Another day, another five goals. That’s Barcelona for you.
Of course, it wasn’t just one player running the show. The Blaugrana always share the wealth.
Raphinha continued to show out against Feyenoord, adding two more goals to his tally. Karim Adeyemi scored a golazo in place of Anthony Gordon, and Lamine Yamal kept his hot streak going with two assists and a cool goal from a free kick. Finally, newcomer Gabriel Jesus opened up his account with a cheeky header.
Barcelona had 67% of possession, although
it felt like a lot more than that. Up until late, Feyenoord could barely generate a shot on target.
That’s the difference between this team, and the Barcelona from a year ago who had their fair share of struggles in the Champions League.
Hansi Flick’s mantra in his first two seasons seemed to be attack, attack, and attack. Throw caution to the wind by being aggressive and direct so that you outscore your opponent.
The new Barca players seem to have inspired a change in the manager.
With Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, he has work horses up front who press like machines, and make everything easier for their teammates behind them.
Rodri is looking to be the x-factor. Now, Barcelona have a new Sergio Busquets, and as a result, they are going back to their old ways of managing games with possession when the situation calls for it, while still holding onto the Flick philosophy of being a vertical attacking team as much as possible.
Could this be the best of both worlds?
I think we no longer have to be cautious with our words. It’s no longer a matter of things being in the early going, and maybe it’s just a hot start.
Barcelona look like a different team this season.
They look more mature and confident in their methods. They look better able to execute on the tactics because they have improved themselves in key positions with specialists who are perfect fit for the system.
The result is a better defensive team. Rarely this season have we seen the “high line” being exposed. Is it because Barcelona stopped playing the offside trap, or simply because opponents are barely seeing any of the ball in meaningful parts of the field?
We are seeing a team with a strategy once they go up a goal or two. That’s the time for a bit of passing to tire out your opponent and really kill any chance of a comeback. It also makes it easier to run up the score over the course of a game.
There will be big tests ahead in the Champions League. PSG in Ocotber will be the one to circle on the calendar.
For now, Barca fans have every reason to feel bullish. It’s not just that their team is winning and scoring lots of goals. It’s that they have put in commanding performances in all five of their games so far. Opponents look confused and impotent.
You also have to love the rotation that you saw against Feyenoord.
Flick has a deep bench to turn to, and everyone is getting a turn.
It’s a long season ahead. To be successful, Barcelona doesn’t need heroes, they just need each other.
This is total football. This is the very best of FC Barcelona.
