Barcelona v Villarreal talking points: Catalans lack punch in Luis Suarez's absence

Andy West 00:49 03/12/2018
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  • Barcelona laboured to a 2-0 victory over Villarreal as header from Gerard Pique was followed by a late strike from Carles Alena, scoring his first league goal.

    It was a solid but unspectacular performance from the reigning champions, and here we review three main talking points from the game.

    Dembele continues to blossom

    The last seven days have been particularly promising for Ousmane Dembele, who followed a crucial goal against Atletico Madrid and an assist against PSV Eindhoven with another strong showing here, including a pinpoint cross for Pique’s opener.

    Dembele was far from perfect, frequently giving away possession with sloppy misplaced passes, but that is the rough you have to accept if you also want the smooth of his ability to unlock opposition defences with his tantalising blend of fast and unpredictable dribbling, dangerous crossing and quickfire shooting.

    The foibles of the winger mean he has struggled to gain the trust of coach Ernesto Valverde but he appears to be on the right track now, although a real test of the manager’s faith in the Frenchman will come when Luis Suarez returns to fitness – perhaps in next weekend’s derby date at Espanyol.

    Ousmane Dembele put in a dazzling display for Barcelona.

    Ousmane Dembele put in a dazzling display for Barcelona.

    Suarez missed as Barca lack punch

    With Suarez injured, the last two games have seen Lionel Messi lead the line from a false nine position – a role he last occupied in 2014. And although this game delivered three points, it also showed how important Suarez is.

    There were plenty of occasions when Barca’s wingers or full-backs received possession in wide areas and looked up, but rather than seeing Suarez in the middle there was nobody, forcing them to come back inside with a square pass into midfield rather than attempting a more penetrating option.

    At times Arturo Vidal filled the void by darting forward from his deeper midfield position in the hope of getting on the end of a cross, but generally Barca were forced to pass from side to side without really threatening to break into more dangerous areas.

    Although Messi still caused danger sporadically, this is a very different team from the one with which he wreaked havoc from the false nine role during Pep Guardiola’s tenure, and it does not look to be a viable option for more than a few games.

    Lionel Messi struggled.

    Lionel Messi struggled.

    Coutinho continues to labour

    The headlines surrounding Dembele in the last few weeks have served to mask a poor run of form from another of Barca’s recent expensive signings, Philippe Coutinho.

    After a bright start last season, the former Liverpool man has generally struggled in the current campaign, largely failing to convert his undoubted technical ability into effective performances. His particular problem is a lack of patience, due to his tendency to run straight towards goal as fast as possible.

    This made him look especially uncomfortable with the lack of a genuine centre forward ahead of him, and it was no surprise when the Brazilian – rather than Dembele – was replaced by Malcom in the final stages.

    Coutinho is clearly skilful enough to make a big success of his Barca career, but he needs to un-learn some of the insistent directness he picked up in English football and become more patient and composed, rather than always in a hurry.

    Underwhelming: Philippe Coutinho (L)

    Underwhelming: Philippe Coutinho (L)

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