the notes of the Barça season

BarcelonaA game to forget from Barça in Vigo to end the season. Xavi Hernández’s men lost against a rival whose life was at stake and who triumphed thanks to two goals from Gabri Veiga, Celta’s great sensation. Next, and taking into account the short flight of the duel, some evaluation notes of the course.

Excel·lent. In the collective field, it has been the season – and specifically the League – of defensive solidity, of solidarity without the ball. Credit to Xavi and his coaching staff, who have convinced the players that the pressure in the opposite field was non-negotiable, but also to three players with a very outstanding performance. Under the posts, Ter Stegen has had his best campaign, even if in the end he hasn’t broken the records he set out to. And in the center, the Araujo-Christensen duo has made the difference. For the three of them, and also for the surprising Balde, it is the highest score for Barça 22/23.

Notable. Although he has reached the Pitxixi, Lewandowski’s season has not gone beyond the remarkable high, because he has suffered a decline in play and reliability after the World Cup. He has suffered against the great rivals and, about to turn 35, he remains without a replacement at the top. Good exercise also for De Jong, Pedri and Gavi, essential in the middle of the field, and Busquets, who leaves the ship without Barça having found him relief. The two pure ends of the squad, Dembélé and Raphinha, also deserve attention. Especially the Brazilian has appeared in key moments.

approved It is the note that belongs to the performance of Jordi Alba, a luxury substitute with decisive contributions; Sergi Roberto and Kessie, judges of the classic in which the League decided; Marcos Alonso and Eric Garcia, correct when they have been claimed, and Kounde, who has remained on the way to justify the 50 million that cost last summer. Equally, and despite the secondary role that justifies his transferable label, Ansu Fati has made merits to pass the season. The Spanish-Guinean, second top scorer in the league, did not want to leave, but it looks like he will have to.

Insufficient. The clearest example is Ferran Torres, author of 4 goals and 2 assists in 33 appearances in the League. Fixed at the price of gold a year ago and rightfully so, the Valencian’s market value has devalued to the point that selling it is unprofitable. Barça needs more sustainable alternatives in attack. He also suspended Piqué, who should have folded earlier, when Xavi told him he wouldn’t play. Bellerín, a testimonial and transferred in January, remains unassessed; Pablo Torre, misunderstood by the technicians and without participation either with the subsidiary (where he should have agreed to play), and Iñaki Peña.