The glory of the penalty against Real Sociedad, his first official goal (even in a shoot-out), with the first team, has been short-lived for Riqui Puig. This Thursday, Koeman replaced him at halftime, a clear sign that he was not satisfied with his performance. beyond the yellow card that he saw in the sixth minute and that soon conditioned him.
It was an important week for the 21-year-old Matadepera midfielder. The lack of Barça troops in the center of the field, and the accumulation of extensions gave him a good opportunity to take over from Pedri. But it cannot be said that he has taken advantage of it. Before the Real he was failed and committed several risk losses. His courage to shoot the fifth penalty, however, made up for everything. But, footballingly, he was not at the level in overtime against Athletic either. Riqui is the victim of a certain precipitation in his game, he moves with too many touches at times and, defensively, it is difficult for him to maintain his position.
Against Cornellá, he conditioned the game himself with a card in the sixth minute of the game (he must also temper with the referees, on the field and in the stands), but he was not able to set Barça's rhythm either. The midfield, with Pjanic, Ilaix and the youth squad, suffered until Busquets and Pedri appeared on the field. The temple of the canary, with football in his head, contrasts with Riqui's haste. Koeman was not for parties. He knew that he had to ensure victory anyway and that the match was at risk. The entry of Dembélé by Riqui was a message to the youth squad, who does not enjoy the full confidence of the Dutchman and who is in a fundamental year for his career.
On the way to 21 years, his idea is to continue at Barça. But time passes and you don't have many minutes. Of course, the losses of Barça and the accumulation of matches may soon give him new opportunities.