Koeman plays keys

Although he was vehement in the 4-2-3-1 defense after the defeats against Cádiz and Juventus, the truth is that Koeman has moved the tree and has touched keys and introduced nuances in the team in the last two games . Against Levante and Real Sociedad there have been certain changes at Barça that are accompanied by a better team attitude. If against Levante, Barça generated more than 20 scoring chances and did not stop until Messi scored the goal, against Real he put on his overalls to defend the 2-1 with nails and teeth, when he no longer gave him the football or physical. A significant detail. Messi won four of the six matches he had in the match. The final photo that he posted on Instagram, hugging the whole team, wants to be seen from Barcelona as the beginning of something.

Koeman, then, has introduced nuances. For starters, Frenkie de Jong has been another player in the last two games. The Dutchman has been allowed to put one more gear in and, playing without chains, he has shown his potential. To the great game, assistance included, that he signed against Levante, was added the goal against Real, the first he has signed in the last ten months. He is a player with much more initiative.

In addition, moving Braithwaite to the left has allowed Messi to create a square with De Jong, Pedri and Griezmann in which he gives the feeling of being comfortable. The Argentine moves at his own pace and Pedri, an SUV, occupies the spaces where the Argentine is not. The canary was about to score a header goal and frequently stepped on the area, although he also had time to save a sung goal. Griezmann also comes into play more in an almost interior position in which he leaves the lane free for Dest. The Frenchman has also raised the level a point in recent games, although he is still denied face to goal. Braithwaite's presence on the left also ensures that the defensive balance is not broken.

Barça has also been a more aggressive team in recent games. The presence of Araújo, a central player in tremendous progression, pushes the team forward and has infected the rest. Despite the penalty he was awarded against Cristiano and the placement error at 0-2, possibly the result of the state of frustration that that penalty had generated, he has presence and does not wrinkle. Transmit. The one of the last two games has been a more intense Barça. There have been no signs of life from the pasty rhythm of Cádiz and the scared team that played against Juventus. Koeman has also sent a message with the two substitutions for Sergio Busquets. The midfielder is essential, but the pace of the games is long. Interesting that management of the midfielder, who can still give things to the team as long as he follows the physical rhythm of the games.

It is too early to say that Barça is recovered. They have barely won two home games and have proven to be an unreliable side. But new tactical things were seen against the Real and they remembered that phrase of Koeman about the necessary “evolution” of the team. A team that made an effort, that shouted from the stands (the image of Ansu after Le Normand entered Messi) and that was happy, at last, to win a game and does not always look angry, as if not I would like to be more in the office. A team that enjoys their work and then embraces each other when they win.