Foot & Soccer Soccer Match Reports, Football News
Because the group stage part of the Champions League concludes, Hansi Flick has already established the core group of gamers who will possible play key roles in Barcelona’s quest for the ultimate.
Out of the eight rounds, solely 4 gamers—Jules Kounde, Pedri, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski—have began each sport.
Along with these 4, there’s a second group that has made common appearances, whereas others have had restricted minutes on the sector.
The core group
Kounde, Pedri, Raphinha, and Lewandowski have all featured in all eight Champions League matches, each at residence at Montjuic and away.
Of those gamers, Kounde has been essentially the most constant, taking part in essentially the most minutes. The French right-back has accomplished the total 90 minutes in seven of the eight video games, together with his solely substitution coming within the 74th minute in opposition to Benfica.
Jules Kounde has performed essentially the most minutes in UCL for Barcelona. (Picture by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Pictures)
This alteration was a part of a tactical shift to carry on extra attacking gamers because the match progressed.
Pedri, Raphinha, and Lewandowski have additionally contributed closely, every taking part in a major variety of minutes.
Pedri has featured in each match, with 638 minutes to his identify, though he has solely accomplished two full video games, the latest ones in opposition to Dortmund and Benfica.
His function has been versatile, as he has alternated between the double pivot and attacking midfield positions.
Raphinha, in wonderful kind as a objective scorer, has accomplished 5 matches however has been substituted in video games in opposition to Bayern, Purple Star, and Dortmund.
His flexibility has been evident as he has performed throughout numerous positions, together with left midfielder, proper midfielder, and whilst a central midfielder, ending the final two matches in his extra acquainted function.
Lewandowski, one in all Europe’s prime scorers, has had fewer minutes on the sector, with a transparent emphasis on managing his health for the ultimate levels of the competitors.
His shortest look was in opposition to Atalanta, the place he performed simply 69 minutes. This technique has been a part of Flick’s plan to offer the star striker ample relaxation whereas nonetheless sustaining the crew’s attacking power.
