Either Memphis marks or nobody marks. He is the only undisputed forward. Xavi explains the lack of a goal with which his teammates do not detect his unchecks.
He is the most used footballer in the squad. He has played everything, except the last minute of the first match against Real and a quarter of an hour against Dinamo Kiev. He is the benchmark forward for Barça, the only one still standing, unscathed from injuries and illnesses. Holder in the eyes of Koeman and Xavi, with two wingers dedicated to feeding him balls. The idyllic ecosystem.
But the performance of Memphis Depay It is not just the ideal, perhaps because it bears all the responsibility of scoring goals. Either he or no one, accompanied as he is by changing strikers, each younger.
Barça needed him against Benfica more than ever, and they couldn’t find him. The heat map shows that the most advanced footballer of the team did not set foot in the Portuguese area. Statistics show that he only finished twice: one of his shots was blocked and the other went wide.
“Memphis makes some spectacular moves, but we have to see it at the right time”
Xavi Hernández / Barça Coach
Memphis has scored 7 goals in the League in 15 matchdays. But none in the 5 Champions League games. The two from Barça were scored by Piqué and Ansu Fati. Zero against Benfica postpones the pass to the round of 16 at the Munich event. Delay until then the next exam that must pass who is the top scorer in the qualifying phase for the World Cup in Qatar. Memphis has scored 12 goals in the Netherlands’ 10 games. Tied with English Harry Kane, a pure nine.
See at the right time
Memphis is not at Barça being their leading man, placed more to open spaces and to provide support as the only offensive pivot than to wait for balls in the area. “Memphis makes some spectacular movements, but we must see it at the right moment,” said Xavi, who is correcting the mistakes he sees to shape Barça to his liking.
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The first step, which is to “find Nico and Gavi in the square” is already taking place; second is to find the lost Memphis. The third will involve the ten outfield players in scoring goals. “We have to regain the confidence of the players who can score a goal.” It’s not just about Memphis, which has scored four of seven goals from the penalty spot.
Reference-www.elperiodico.com