Without the Invincible, the invincibility disappeared - Levante vs FC Barcelona Laliga game analysis

Without the Invincible, the invincibility disappeared

Levante vs FC Barcelona – May 13, 2018– Laliga game Analysis

Valverde for some inexplicable reason decided to drop Messi entirely from the team. It was a decision he would regret as Barcelona who were chasing a league season without a loss were taken apart by Levante who have been outstanding in their home turf. All Barca had to do was to see off two games without a loss. To rest the one guy who had been their talisman and the main reason why they remained undefeated for so long, for some midweek friendly game just doesn’t make any sense. 

Well – Barca managed to spoil Messi's colossal efforts with some pathetic display in defense and midfield. They went down 5-1 by the 50^th minute.  I am not singling out one bad player – everyone were lethargic and casual except one. Unlike the Roma game, it was great to see a little spine in the form of an inspired Coutinho, who scored a hat trick. After managing to make it 5-4, Barca failed to make it 5-5. If only Messi was on the bench, he would have definitely turned it around.

Sadly Messi, the fighting Coutinho  and the departing Iniesta did not deserve this.

Analysis:

From this season one thing can be predicted with accuracy – after every 2-3 regular games, Vermaelen (despite his wonderful skills) is going to pull up injured. It's better they see him off along with Andre Gomes, Alcacer and Digne.

The young Dembele is inconsistent. Semedo has to improve his defensive skills and finishing, upfront.

How old is Yerry Mina? Because his movement was worse than a 35 year old. If you are that slow, why would you want to rush forward and attack.

Rakitic and Busquets need to be rotated regularly otherwise they end up being ineffective.

In hindsight, it was good that Valverde dropped Messi. Because it showed that this was not an invincible Barcelona. It had only one Mr. Invincible who made them unbeatable.

With Arthur and Griezmann now a part of Barca, its time they start building a strong, young bench as well.

The priorities of the FC Barcelona management seems to be different to that of the average fan. Sadly its the team and the coach who bear the brunt of this.

Lessons to be learnt:

Let’s just get to the ground reality. This Barcelona side was in crisis and is still in crisis, not from this season, but it started last season even with Neymar being a part of it. When Neymar left, it created a sudden vacuum which made them even more vulnerable. The new signings have been less than impressive as they alternated between moments of brilliance and mediocrity.

While he strengthened the defense, Ernesto Valverde had been pretty crazy with his rotations and substitutions which cost the team a lot. Instead of gradual and small changes, he throws a completely new set of players together, that disrupt the team in a big way. No wonder many fans are not in favour of Valverde continuing as the coach of Barcelona. There was an insistence to use only the purchased players many of whom have found it difficult to fit in. Whether it is the coach’s idea or the management’s decision is a debatable matter. The only exception was Coutinho who wanted to fit in and has succeeded.

Yes – Barcelona has won the league by a mile and has been quite impressive in many matches. But most of their stalwarts are aging. The people who have been steady for the team are tired and worn out due to lack of rotation.  Why wouldn’t FC Barcelona encourage the coaches to use the immense talents of La Masia and integrate them into the team, as and when they could. Even if it turned out to be disastrous (which I doubt), it would have had its positive effects in the long run.

I am someone who would always give the team the credit rather than any individual. But I have to admit, that, this had been Messi’s league. Of all the years at FC Barcelona, this had been Messi’s grandest performance ever. He had kept them afloat in most of the tough encounters and he had made them invincible. If anyone dare compare him to any of the so called great players of today, it’s totally laughable and stupid. His multidimensional game is way beyond the rest. The others may be playmakers or goal scorers or win bigger trophies – but when it comes to all round, individual, brilliance, they pale in front of the Sun of football. A dazzling Messi had been the unstoppable force who had pulled his team through the thick and thin. Without a doubt, Leo Messi will be overloaded with more responsibilities next season.

Right from the day Neymar left, Messi had taken up additional responsibilities and was at his best most of the times. He is human and no question, he too has erred – but he was superlative for 99% of the games.  Mind you he is aging and he is not going to last forever. With Iniesta gone, there is no one to compliment his brilliance and intelligence in the team. I dread the day when Messi decides to hang up his boots (which may not be too far away). That will be when Barcelona face their biggest test. Its time they start preparing for that eventuality.

In the next couple of years, Barcelona should forget about trophies and forge a younger and stronger team for the future under the leadership of Messi. That would mean giving up on accolades for the little legend in his prime. But that’s a sacrifice Leo Messi would be willing to make for the sake of his club’s future. Just like old times, there needs to be continuity between the young and old. Buying a few good players is a great option. But getting in more La Masia youngsters who are already trained in the Barca way is a much better choice.

There may never be another Messi, Xavi or Inieasta. The famed La Masia could always produce great players in their mold and I am sure all the three legends would do their best to ensure that it happens. They need to look for alternatives in La Masia instead of buying players and trying to fit them in. Its time Barca realizes the hard reality that Messi will not be around for long. They need to build a future team nurtured by the greatest of all players and this is the right time to start doing it.

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