On the third day of La Liga, Barcelona plays Real Valladolid. The game will take place at Camp Nou on Sunday night at a time that isn’t too late.
Valladolid has had a rough start to the season, while the home team has already earned four points from their first two games. They lost their first game of the season by three goals to Villarreal. In their second game, they tied with Sevilla.
Pacheta’s team would be in big trouble if they went three games without a win. They’ll go into Camp Nou looking to win, so Xavi’s team must be careful. Barca Universal gives you three things to discuss before the Sunday match.
- Enter Jules Kounde
Before the summer transfer window, the center-back position might have been the weakest in the team. Even though the Catalans had signed Andreas Christensen, there was a sense that they still didn’t have enough players.
Because Gerard Pique was getting old, Clement Lenglet was about to leave, and Samuel Umtiti’s future was unclear, there weren’t many good options in the middle of the defense. This is why Jules Kounde’s arrival was so important.
The Frenchman was one of the best defenders in La Liga in recent years and could have made a big difference for Xavi’s team. With Ronald Araujo, he would be a solid goalie for Barcelona for many years.
Even though he would be there, Kounde couldn’t play in the first two league games. The Blaugranas could sign all their new players except for him because there wasn’t enough room on the wage roster.
But it looks like La Liga made a mistake the first time they looked at the club’s paperwork. So, Barcelona’s appeal, based on Article 92 of the league’s rules, made it possible for them to sign Kounde officially.
The fact that the French player is on the team is big news for Xavi. He could start at center back with Ronald Araujo, and Sergi Roberto, who played well against Manchester City, could move right around.
- Sergio Busquets is back on the team
Sergio Busquets was sent off in his first game of the season after making a dangerous tackle late in the game and getting a second yellow card.
So, the veteran did not participate in the game against Real Sociedad. It would be an understatement to say that Barcelona missed him that night.
Frenkie de Jong was used as part of the double pivot that night, but he had trouble making decisions and defending. Later in the game, Pedri moved back to help as a defensive midfielder, which cut down his time in the final third.
Frenkie de Jong did not play well at all against Sociedad. (Getty Images picture by David Ramos) )
As the game continued, it became clear that the Azulgranas had no easy way to replace their captain. Even though this could be his last season with the team, he will still start every game until the end.
- Is this Ansu Fati’s first start?
At 1-1 against La Real, Barcelona was having trouble. Ansu Fati made the difference. The incredible thing about what he did was how quickly it made a difference.
In the 63rd minute, the teenager came on and took the place of Ferran Torres. With a jaw-dropping backheel pass to Ousmane Dembele, he already had his first game assist after just three minutes.
After less than 200 seconds, Fati was in the news again because he had made his second assist. Barcelona’s third night goal was scored when Pedri worked well with Robert Lewandowski and then passed the ball to him excellently.
His goal in the 79th minute was the icing on the cake. When Lewandowski set the young player free in the Sociedad box, he didn’t hesitate to put the ball in the back of the net.
After making such a big splash, Fati should be given a chance to start. But, because the teenager has been hurt before, it is not an easy choice.
If the season’s first games indicate, the Spanish player seems to have gotten over his concerns about his fitness. Still, it’s unclear if Xavi is willing to take the risk so soon or if he wants to wait a few more weeks before giving Fati the full 90 minutes.
