Ronald Koeman believes his own words when he says Barcelona don't have a goal problem. But the coach huffs and puffs on the bench as his team miss chance after chance. In Turin, in Mendizorroza and last night against Dinamo Kiev. That the team has less firepower without Luis Suarez was predictable. But few imagined Leo Messi to lose his touch in front of goal, Antoine Griezmann to miss open goals or Ansu to fluff his lines.
Doubt enters in football very easily and right now there are too many Barca players thinking too much instead of shooting. It was dangerous against Dinamo, who nearly levelled in Barca's 2-1 win. They had an 18-year-old debutant, Neshcheret in goal, and he made some fine saves.
So did Barca's keeper. Marc-Andre ter Stegen was back and put on a splendid display. He saved four one on ones, with his feet, with his arms, with his hands, with strength and German steel. A contortionist. Ter Stegen plays football but he could easily be a handball goalkeeper.
He carried the team until Pique scored the second in the 65th minute. But even then the game was not safe. Barca looked like the struggling side from last season, too fragile to compete in Europe. Too many errors to think they could do something big this season. Messi scored from the penalty spot but it was Ansu who looked the best again.
He lacked a goal but was the player who made it harder for Dinamo at the back. Sergino Dest was also good news. Barca have a right back who can do damage again. But overall this was the worst Barca performance of the Koeman era.
Nobody thought Ter Stegen would be the grand protagonist. Nobody imagined that without the German keeper, Barca probably would not have won. But they did and it's three from three in the UCL. Nine points to put a foot into the next round. Barca have the goalkeeper to compete in Europe. But they lack the rest of the team.
Rajan_Sapkota
389
barca need a player like puig, who controls the game .. they have him.. but koeman 😠
-Kyle_Tyson-
8
no he is not they sold Arthur for Pjanic stupid decision there is also Alena and Puig busquets is old
Dude neither Alena nor puig are good enough to fill in for Busquets , I know it night hurt but truth to be told. Both Alena and puig . Puig specially , Are not physically upto the mark , in a physical league like la Liga where even players like Messi, Coutiniho and fati are not formidable enough to force and are easily disposed off, exhibits being the match against getafe and alaves. Puig is not at all suitable for Barcelona at the moment and Alena need to improve his passing and first touch. Yes we need replacement for Busquets he's not fast and Sharp enough but just anyone totally out of blue can't fill in his shoes