The more daring they remembered this Saturday the beginnings of Andrés Iniesta when they saw Riqui Puig play against Nàstic at the Estadi Johan Cruyff. To the great Andrés, Rijkaard, weighed down by Xavi and Edmilson's cruciate ligament injuries, placed four. Iniesta, who was barely a child, replied with a match remembered in Lisbon against Benfica in the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Champions League.
He new system of Koeman, 4-2-3-1, did not seem to benefit a footballer with indoor profile. And yet Riqui denied the theory. Placed to the right of De Jong as a double pivot, had dynamism, wanted the ball and dared to do things. You put passion and freshness, a necessity in a flat and somewhat melancholic team, trapped in that decadence that ended up manifesting itself in Liverpool and Lisbon. Riqui, in short, sent a message to Koeman. Beyond being able to discuss your physical, lightweight, has football and soul to play for the team of his life.
He Barça not for laughs, but for Boys let them start give you joy. Riqui was the best against Nàstic, but Pedri too left your details. Koeman had a good gesture with him, giving him the position of playmaker next to Messi. Later, the canary had to adapt to the movements of the Argentine. Something flashing still, and with room for improvement in decision-making, liked his daring, his cheek and his intuition. “I've seen many Barça matches, I knew that someone would appear from the second line, “he explained about his gesture, letting the ball pass between his legs. Pedri is 17 years old. Not being impressed by so much giant is already an achievement.
Trincao he hasn't turned 21 yet and also he is hungry. It is more than an extreme because it has a physical presence. Koeman heeled it on the right, its preferred position, but the one he has reserved for Messi. Of course, the Portuguese is not going to cut. “I will be me”, said. The same has been heard from Pedri and the same has been done in the Riqui field. A breath of young and fresh personality in this old Barça.