Moussa Wague pick of the bunch as Barcelona youngsters concede defeat to Celta Vigo

Sooraj Kamath - Writer 09:55 05/05/2019
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  • Moussa Wague

    Celta Vigo took a big step towards securing La Liga survival after a 2-0 victory over champions Barcelona, who changed their entire starting XI at Estadio de Balaidos.

    The home side move five points clear of the relegation zone to 14th place, while Barca slipped to a first La Liga defeat since November.

    With the first team rested after their Champions League exploits against Liverpool, Barcelona’s XI sported some unfamiliar faces, with right-back Moussa Wague impressing the most.

    Here, we take a look at the 20-year-old’s performance.

    KEY STATS 

    Minutes: 90

    Goals: 0

    Assists: 0

    Shots (On target): 1 (1)

    Passes (Success rate): 50 (86%)

    Successful dribbles: 3

    Aerials won: 1

    Tackles won: 3

    Clearances: 1

    30-SECOND REPORT

    Wague was one of the few players who showed urgency in attack when in possession. The full-back kept Sofiane Boufal – one of Europe’s better dribblers – in check, ensuring the right flank stayed free from danger.

    In attack, Wague provided both underlapping and overlapping options depending upon the situation. The former Eupen man’s movements were evidence to the fact that his reading of the game was worth appreciating.

    GOT RIGHT 

    1v1 defending

    The Senegalese defender’s pace helped keep him in the same frame as Boufal in a toe-to-toe battle. He won three of the five tackles he attempted and was only dribbled past twice during the 90 minutes. Most importantly, Boufal was restricted to just two shots, both of which were off-target.

    GOT WRONG

    Aerial duels

    The full-back found it difficult to ward off the aerial threat presented from long balls from the Celta Vigo left flank. This was due to his positioning which was usually advanced and closer to the centre of the pitch than the touch-line. Luckily for him, Jean Clair Todibo was ever present to provide aerial support and allow him the liberty to focus on his attacking duties.

    VERDICT 

    Not all the young guns that took the field against Celta Vigo can say they made the best of the opportunity provided to them. Wague was clearly the pick of the bunch, looking lively in attack and defence.

    The defender’s dribbling was an added dimension to his game, an important one for a modern day full-back. The Senegalese player impressed, displaying attributes that could make him a great fit to Barcelona in the years to come.

    Rating: 6/10

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