Garcia Red Card Casts Shadow Over Barcelona's Draw: Player Ratings vs. Monaco
Barcelona's pre-season tour took a dramatic turn in their friendly clash against AS Monaco, with a late red card for young midfielder Gavi overshadowing a hard-fought 1-1 draw. The game offered glimpses of both promise and concern for Xavi Hernandez's side, with individual performances highlighting the potential and areas for improvement ahead of the new La Liga season.
Key Takeaways
- Garcia's Red Card: Gavi, a key part of Barcelona's midfield, received a straight red card for a reckless challenge in the closing stages. This will force Xavi to shuffle his midfield options for the coming weeks, adding a layer of complexity to his tactical planning.
- Promising Attack: Despite the stalemate, Barcelona showcased their offensive prowess, generating a number of dangerous attacks. Notably, Ansu Fati and Robert Lewandowski combined effectively, providing glimpses of their lethal partnership.
- Defensive Concerns: While the backline held firm for the majority of the match, the concession of the equalizing goal highlighted defensive vulnerabilities. Barcelona's high-line and occasional lapses in concentration could prove costly against more potent opponents.
Player Ratings
Ter Stegen (6.5): The German keeper made a couple of crucial saves to deny Monaco a breakthrough, including a fine stop from a powerful free-kick. However, he was unable to prevent the late equalizer.
Koundé (7.0): Solid performance from the French defender, who provided crucial defensive cover and showcased his passing range. Koundé seems to be settling into his role well and continues to be a vital asset to Barcelona's backline.
Araujo (6.5): Composed in the heart of the defense, but he also showcased a tendency to be caught out of position on occasion. His aerial presence remains a key asset for Barcelona.
Balde (7.0): The young left-back continues to impress with his attacking runs and ability to deliver dangerous crosses. His pace and directness were a constant threat to Monaco's defense.
Gavi (5.0): A disappointing performance for the usually energetic midfielder. While his passing and creative flair were evident, his reckless challenge leading to a red card overshadowed his efforts.
Pedri (7.5): The creative hub of Barcelona's midfield. Pedri dictated the tempo and carved out numerous chances for his teammates. His composure and vision were crucial in dictating the play.
De Jong (6.5): The Dutch midfielder worked hard, particularly in the defensive phase, offering crucial cover for his backline. However, he lacked the attacking spark that he is known for.
Fati (7.0): Fati showcased his pace and dribbling skills, proving a constant threat to the Monaco defense. While he didn't manage to find the back of the net, his movement and link-up play were impressive.
Lewandowski (7.5): The Polish striker showed glimpses of his predatory instinct, linking up well with his teammates and finding dangerous positions. He was unlucky not to find the net on a few occasions, demonstrating his ability to be a clinical finisher.
Raphinha (6.0): The Brazilian winger showed flashes of his individual brilliance but lacked consistency. He struggled to impact the game as effectively as he had in previous pre-season matches.
Substitutes:
- Ferran Torres (6.5): Offered a fresh attacking spark and showed glimpses of his ability to create chances.
- Abde (6.0): Made a lively cameo but lacked the final touch.
- Kessie (6.0): Provided a solid midfield presence after coming on.
Overall: Despite the draw and Gavi's red card, Barcelona's pre-season tour continues to offer valuable insights into the team's progress under Xavi. While defensive frailties remain a concern, the attacking prowess of Fati, Lewandowski, and Pedri gives the team a potent weapon going into the new La Liga season.
Looking ahead: Barcelona will need to address the defensive vulnerabilities highlighted in this match. The red card for Gavi will also force Xavi to adapt his midfield options. With the new season looming, the Blaugrana will need to find consistency and tactical discipline if they are to challenge for major trophies.
