Alaves v. Barcelona Match Review (0-1): Frenkie Scores Game Winner In Lethargic Koeman-Like Style

The Barca Breakdown discuss the first day of the 2022/23 La Liga season against Rayo Vallecano. A team that beat us in both match days last season, was responsible for our third home loss, and was the final game of the Koeman era. Every Barca fan could only imagine the sweet payback Barca would get with a huge summer of signings. However, match day 1 did not deliver exactly as fans would have thought. Xavi's starting line-up did not feature Dest, who was not even called up, nor Frenkie De Jong. Instead Araujo slotted in the right back position with Christensen and Garcia as the center backs and Gavi received a start along side Pedri and Busi. There was no other choice but to start Raphinha, Dembele, and Lewandowski in the attacking front. As one would expect, Barca dominated possession of the ball and in the first 20 or so minutes created many opportunities. It must be said, the mid field was not an integral part of these first minutes as they were hardly involved in the build up. Instead, it seemed it was the job of the defense to get the balls to the wings and allow Dembele and Raphinha to control the ball forward. This tactic was soon after found out and Barca slowed their advances to the end of the first half. There were plenty of great opportunities though. Dembele had many services into the box to Lewandowski and Raphinha. Many of which were snuffed out by the goal or off the mark. Rounding into the second half it seemed that Barca just could not break the defense of Rayo in addition to their time wasting. The game certainly picked up when Frenkie subbed in. He was able to dribble the ball down the center, creating lethal opportunities. Despite all best efforts, FC Barcelona could not find the back of the net and leave their first game of the season with a 1 point. Hopefully the team can become more cohesive through the next few games to find the net. Xavi will need to make some adjustments including starting Frenkie and not keeping in Busquests for a full 90.

13 Aug 202214min

Jaleel/ThePurist's Medium Article: https://medium.com/@Jaleel/decoding-barcelonas-centre-backs-7914e994cea1 ThePurist Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThePurist_  The BarcaBreakdown have special guest Jaleel aka the Purist, as he's known by his Twitter handle, to discuss is most recent article "Decoding Barcelona's Centre Backs". We discussed his preferred gala backline as FC Barcelona have more defensive options with the signing of Christensen and Kounde. The other players to choose from are Eric Garcia, Jordi Alba, Ronald Araujo, Sergino Dest, Sergi Roberto, Balde, and Gerard Pique. Jaleel explains why he chose each of the 4 players based on what Xavi needs and each players strengths and weaknesses. The Breakdown picked Jaleel's brain about the downstream affects of some of the choices and the expectations for the team coming into the 2022/23 season. It is clear Barca have a a high potential next season, however, with the signing of many new players and still having a young squad, Barca will still face some adversity. Nonetheless, Jaleel provided some great insight and discussion about the current state of Barca's backline and the season to come. It is exciting to consider all of Barca's options and hopefully they will come out of the preseason with a hunger to take some titles under the direction of Xavi.

6 Aug 202230min

The BarcaBreakdown discuss the final preseason game vs. New York Red Bulls, as goals from Ousmane Dembele and Memphis Depay led to a 2-0 victory for Barca. Xavi now leads the squad to the Joan Gamper game before the La Liga season begins. With Gavi, Busquets, and Frenkie de Jong starting in midfield along with Raphinha-Lewandowski-Dembele up front, a clearer picture of Xavi's preferred 11 comes into mind. Up front, with Ansu Fati recovering and Ferran Torres still on the sideline, the trio of Raphinha-Lewandowski-Dembele seems like the clear favorite. The two energetic wingers provide incredible speed and driblling, while Lewandowski looks primed to pour in goals (though he hasn't yet this preseason). In the midfield, Pedri and Busquets are clear starters for the game against Rayo. Frenkie De Jong and Gavi are battling for the 3rd starting spot, though the BarcaBreakdown believes Frenkie is better suited to play in midfield right now. In defense, Xavi has a tougher decision as he still hasn't worked with Christensen or Jules Kounde enough. We expect to see Araujo start alongside either Eric Garcia or Pique. Jordi Alba is guaranteed to start at left back, although it was comforting to see Balde play well against Red BUlls. It will be seen if Sergino Dest, the only true right back, will start, or if Araujo/Kounde will begin to take time at the RB position.

31 Juli 202217min

The Barca Breakdown discussed another landmark transfer in the summer window. Joules Kounde has signed with FC Barcelona, a deal including €50 million transfer fee + €10 million in variables over 4 years. Despite Chelsea offering over €60 million, it was clear the Frenchman didn't want to go to the Premier League. Barca now have a reinforced defense that will help them make it further into the Champions League and stop the comebacks that Barca fell victim to. But it matters no longer, Barcelona have Gerard Pique, Joules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo, Andres Christenesen, Sergio Roberto, Sergino Dest, and Jordi Alba. This will allow Xavi to rotate players much more effectively as well as mitigate the impact felt when a defender becomes injured. With so many options will Barca play a 4-3-3 or a 3-4-3? A 3-4-3 has seen much of Barca fall victim to assault from the wings, many times having players backtracking during a counter. It is likely that Xavi will stick with a 4-3-4 especially when trying out different lineups and their effectiveness. The last thing to consider is what will Xavi's preferred lineup be? Players to get the most time in as center backs will most likely be Kounde and Araujo, but there will be plenty of time for Christensen. We believe Eric Garcia will lose some minutes/starts and dest in certain situations may have to compete with Roberto or Araujo. Whatever Xavi leans towards, Barca definitely have some great potential and will be facing Juventus tomorrow in the USA.

26 Juli 202214min

The Barca Breakdown discussed FC Barcelona's preseason El Clasico match in Las Vegas. The starting line-up included Lewandowski, Raphinha, Fat, Pedri, Gavi, Busquets, Alba, Christensen, Garcia, Araujo, and Ter Stegen. In his first game joining FC Barcelona, Lewandowski looked like a lethal stud. He was playing on both sides of the pitch working and looking to score. A few shots on goal created some very exciting moments for the Pol. However, he never was able to find the back of the net. Nevertheless, after a great Barca press, Real Madrid were forced into a bad position and lost the ball due to a terrible clearance. Raphinha is able to smash the ball into the back of the net and take Barca up 1-0. After a close opportunity from Fati the first half ended.    The second half the whole team changed and we were able to see some play from Dembele, Sergio Roberto, Kessie, Frenkie De Jong, and Depay, amongst others. While this half was not as exciting as the first half, it still had some interesting highlights from Depay, Kessie, and Roberto. Barca were able to hold off Real Madrid for 90 minutes, without allowing them a shot on Target. The damage against Real Madrid was not large with a 1 goal deficit but it could have been worse if Courtois was not saving almost every shot that came to the giant.    With an exciting Clasico, it gives Barca fans a hopeful look at what is to come during the 2022/23 season!

24 Juli 202213min

The Barca Breakdown discuss the signing of Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich! The Pol comes to Barca on a 4 year deal at €45 million transfer fee + €5 million in variables. In a crazy summer transfer window, Barca are able to sign some big names and Lewandowski is the icing on the cake. For several years now, Barca have been missing an all out striker to score goals, and now they have him for 4 years.    There are many postivies the striker will provide, but his proven track record of 50+ goals in all competitions year in and year out, only strengthen the excitement of his arrival. With Dembele and Raphinha on the wings providing balls into the striker, this front 3 will be a force to be reckoned with. The only downside is Lewandowski is older (33), but with age comes wisdom and experience. If we can even get 20+ goals it would be a success.    Barca still need some help in the defensive line, however this has given hope to a quality 2022/23 campaign!

16 Juli 20228min

The Barca Breakdown discussed the agreement reached by Leeds United and FC Barcelona for the purchase of Raphinha. The agreement includes 58 Million Euros + 6-9 Million in bonuses until 2027. With the signing of Dembele, Barca have managed two very important signings in the summer transfer window on top of the acquisition of Christensen and Kessie. The board was able to make purchases due to the sale of TV rights that generated them funds. The signing of Raphinha has sparked concern that Barca could be over spending money right after they got some funds. On top of the worry that a 5 year signing could be troublesome if Raphinha underperformed. It wouldn't be the first time Barca signed a player that ended up flopping for large amounts of money and long contracts. While all of these are viable concerns, Barca are under new management, there is a new squad, and it's great to have fresh attacking players. Speaking of available forwards, Depay is rumored to be leaving the team and Ferran Torres has a wound to one of his feet. The sporting team of FC Barcelona have been busy this summer. Hopefully some of their purchases will pan out and Xavi will be able to win some trophies next season!

13 Juli 202211min

The Barca Breakdown discussed that reports are, Dembele has signed a contract with FC Barcelona at a reduced salary until 2024. After the chaos of last season, it seems Dembele's agent has only forced a lower salary by not taking the initial contracts. While this may be bad news for Dembele, Barca get a great deal and the player gets to stay where he pleases. Now that Barca have signed Dembele, what does that mean in the quest to acquire Raphinha and Lewandowski? Both players would cost a pretty penny for them to come and Barca would be signing several forwards when they definitely need to bolster the back line. The economic levers that will generate Barca money should be used wisely. Money should be managed well when looking to purchase either player. Reports are Raphinha will come to Barca but Bayern Munich has yet to say they are willing to let Lewandowski leave. Transfer rumors are a tricky business, but one name has been thrown around a lot this summer. Frenkie De Jong has made news several times in connection with a transfer to Manchester United. However, the Dutchman has clearly stated he wants to stay at Barcelona. Additionally, he has several years on his contract in which he deferred payments to the later half of his contract, meaning he is owed larger amounts of money. It is rumored that Frenkie's contract was leaked by Barca to justify his release. Whatever the case, Frenkie wishes to stay and play Champions League Football which would not be found at Man United. Chelsea has joined the running for the Dutchman. Lastly, Barca sent Trincao for 10 Million Euros taking a loss from his original acquisition. Whatever the case may be, Barca finally cut ties with old signings that haven't panned out. This is one of the last few steps Barca are taking to get rid of the Bartomeu era.

9 Juli 202213min