PSV v Barcelona talking points as Dembele asserts himself

Sooraj Kamath - Writer 02:37 29/11/2018
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Ousmane Dembele

    Barcelona qualified as group toppers after stealing a 2-1 win away to PSV Eindoven in their fifth game in the Champions League.

    The Blaugrana midfield was absolutely awful but the frontline bailed them out and prevented what could have been an embarrassing defeat.

    We take a look at some of the talking points from the game.

    BARCELONA’S MIDFIELD DROPS A SHOCKER

    Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Busquests had a horrendous first half, committing silly mistakes that could have led to goals. Luuk de Jong and Hirving Lozano were the star performers for the hosts, latching onto every mistake but lacking the prowess to finish off the chances.

    Steven Bergwijn was a constant threat on the left and Nelson Semedo found it hard to keep up with the Dutchman. The trio could have combined to score two goals in the first half alone, had the woodwork not betrayed them.

    Barcelona’s midfield was suffocated by PSV’s pressing and gave the ball away easily, on many occasions.

    Marc-Andre ter Stegen was at his distributive worst and lost possession way too often. It’s only fair that the German writes a thank-you note to the frame of the goal for saving his blushes.

    De Jong’s header kissed the crossbar and Pablo Rosario hit the wrong side of the post in the dying moments of the first half.

    A lead at half-time could have completely changed the dynamics of the second half for PSV ad they were unlucky not to achieve this.

    Sergio Busquets should have done better

    Sergio Busquets should have done better

    OUSMANE DEMBELE ASSERTS HIMSELF

    Two words for Dembele’s performance against PSV – absolutely elegant. The visitors were on the back-foot throughout the first half despite seeing more of the ball. Dembele’s performance could be the one positive that Ernesto Valverde would pick from the first half.

    The Frenchman was a constant threat that the likes of Angelino and Gaston Pereiro just could not deal with.

    The 21-year-old was clever with his decisions on the field, for a change and could have bagged a couple more assists with the quality of his passes.

    The ambipedal winger completed all four of the dribbles that he attempted, delivered three key passes and was dispossessed just once during the 78 minutes that he played.

    The Frenchman grabbed an assist as he set up Lionel Messi in a crowded PSV box and could have scored a couple more himself.

    The youngster might just have established himself as an undisputed starter with a performance like this.

    Ousmane Dembele was magnificent

    Ousmane Dembele was magnificent

    GALLANT PSV PUSH BARCA TO THE EDGE

    The hosts were all over the Spanish giants whenever they had the ball. For all of Barcelona’s meaningless possession, it was PSV who created clear-cut chances.

    Lozano has been on Barcelona’s radar after his impressive performance in the World Cup and the Mexican did not work hard to hide his admiration for the club too.

    With a performance like this, it’s safe to say that the 23-year-old has drawn some attention from his potential future employers. The Mexican created quite a few clear cut chances for Bergwijn to miss. Lozano had a couple of chances which he should have buried but the youngster can be proud of staging a spirited performance.

    De Jong was PSV’s best player on the night and deserved the consolation goal. The Dutchman was always among the thick of things that transpired in the neutral third and was absolutely relentless with his pursuit for the winner.

    The result was a tad bit unfair for the hosts but PSV can be proud of a spirited performance that pushed Barcelona to the edge.

     Luuk De Jong impressed for PSV Eindhoven

    Luuk De Jong impressed for PSV Eindhoven

    Recommended