Ronald Koeman surprised again with the eleven in Valladolid. He dispensed with Busquets, Cooutinho and Griezmann from the start but, above all, he made the difference with the system. The 4-3-3 or 3-4-3 purists must have had a stomachache because at least in the first half he showed that you can play exactly as well with three center backs and three long lanes. This was the one by one of Barça
Ter Stegen. A quiet night in the cold of Valladolid. He made a double stop almost without moving, stiff. Under sticks is a guarantee. His problem is when he leaves the security zone.
Mingueza. Right. Three centrals always stand out if they play protected. He was focused and delivered.
Araújo. At the level of Mingueza. Right, without suffering. He didn't even have a problem getting the ball out because that was for Pjanic.
Lenglet. Goal scorer. He interprets the passing game better in attack than in defense. Great header. In defense he lived calm.
Dest. Live calmer as a lane. But he has energy to come down to help. It's very good because he insists over and over for his band. And having so much energy is a lot in modern football.
Pjanic. Outstanding. He gives the game much more rhythm than Busquets. With its risks, because many more balls than Badia's midfielder. But he is dynamic and, in addition, he encourages De Jong to put rhythm to the games.
De Jong. He's in good shape. He dares more and the key for the Dutchman to work is, simply, to put rhythm and cane to his game. If he accelerates, Barça accelerates.
Sunrise. Nowadays, it is better that he plays as a winger than as a winger because, in the end, where he really suffers is in returns and defense, where he suffers a lot physically.
Pedri. Huge. It is a crush on the canary with Barça. It's nice to see him touch the ball, like in that high heel to Messi. But above all, it is a tactical sense of the game. It is always where it is expected.
Messi. Plugged in. From him came the plays of the first two goals and, in addition, he was able to make two more in the first half. Masip denied them. He goes on vacation with a good feeling. and with a connection and a very special hug with Pedri.
Braithwaite. Good with the sword to make the 0-2, always intense. Before I had already been able to mark it with a heel. Good connection to Dest. He did what he must do. Take advantage of the quality of his teammates and put his intensity and his ability to uncheck at the service of the team. He gives things to the team. Honor to the day laborers.
In the second part they came out.
Umtiti. It does not have the rhythm that is required of a Barça footballer.
Busquets. Clueless He lost an unforgivable ball inside the area. He goes to Christmas as a substitute and with the feeling that Barça is more fun without him. After his horrible first half with Valencia, a great bench at Zorrilla.
Coutinho. Symbolic image. Substitute for Pedri. You could consider your situation in January. But at least he tried things. He shot the stick.
Junior. Testimonial. He could have his chance against Eibar due to Alba's suspension.