Luis Suarez shows signs he is re-adapting and other things learned from Barcelona's win over Girona

Andy West 01:23 24/09/2017
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  • Barcelona maintained their perfect start to La Liga with a sixth straight win as Luis Suarez and two own goals secured a 3-0 win at Girona.

    Here are three things learned from the clash…

    THE FRIENDLY DERBY

    After the first instalment of their ‘rivalry’, and yes the inverted commas are deliberate, it’s pretty clear that the all-Catalan affair between Barcelona against Girona is not going to match the likes of Celtic vs Rangers or Liverpool vs Everton as one of the world’s most intense local derbies.

    Until recently, nearly every football fan in Girona actually supported Barca rather than their local team, who rarely attracted more than two or three thousand fans.

    Although that’s changed to an extent now, from the laid-back atmosphere at the Estadi Montilivi it was clear that many of the recent Girona converts still also hold their old allegiances dear, with Barca’s goals being roundly applauded and Lionel Messi getting a standing ovation when he went to take a corner.

    Pointedly, the backdrop to the game was an increasingly dramatic political situation in Catalunya, where there is a strong local sentiment for independence from Spain, and in an unusual atmosphere the desires of both sets of fans to achieve statehood appeared to override footballing concerns as ‘independence’ chants regularly rang around the stadium.

    Catalan football fans hold Esteladas and flag reading "Yes"

    Catalan football fans hold Esteladas and flag reading “Yes”

    SUAREZ GRADUALLY RE-ADAPTING

    Perhaps the biggest short-term loser at Barcelona from the departure of Neymar has been Luis Suarez, who has not only been deprived the services of a gifted provider of chances but has also been forced to adapt to a new position in the team as a consequence.

    The reality at Barca is that Lionel Messi will always be the centrepiece, so he has not been adversely affected by Neymar’s leaving. But with the emphasis taken away from the spectacular ‘trident’ forward line and returning to the importance of ball retention in midfield, Suarez has often been isolated and out of sorts so far this season.

    It hasn’t helped that he’s also been struggling physically after suffering an injury in the pre-season Super Cup against Real Madrid, and on the whole the first month of the season has been Suarez’s worst in Barca colours.

    But Saturday’s game showed signs of a re-emergence, with Suarez hungrily hanging off the shoulders of Girona defenders throughout the game and, when a chance came, he took it with great assurance to grab his second goal of the season. He will hope the goal and his performance in general are a sign of things to come.

    Luis Suarez celebrates his goal against Girona

    Luis Suarez celebrates his goal against Girona

    VIDAL IMPRESSES IN AUDITION

    Even before Saturday’s game at Girona, Barca boss Ernesto Valverde had fielded Gerard Deulofeu, Ousmane Dembele, Denis Suarez, Luis Suarez and Paco Alcacer in wide positions this season in his attempt to compensate for the departure of Neymar with alternative attacking width.

    None of them have particularly convinced, and with Dembele injured and Deulofeu dropped, the latest in line to face his audition for the vacant spot was Aleix Vidal.

    The former Sevilla man did better than most, showing his intentions with an early burst down the flank to deliver a dangerous cross-shot, continuing to regularly threaten the Girona defence with determined running and eventually creating the second goal with a speedy burst and cheeky back-heeled cross.

    In the long-run, it’s unlikely that Vidal will be a regular member of the starting eleven. From January onwards, certainly, Dembele will return from injury and be given an extended chance to prove himself.

    But for now, Vidal has at least made himself a viable option – and given Valverde plenty to think about.

    Messi celebrates with Vidal

    Messi celebrates with Vidal

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