Barcelona’s Struggling Stars: A Look at Players Whose Form Has Taken a Hit
As Barcelona navigates through the season, certain players have faced challenges in maintaining their peak form. Let’s delve into the performances of individuals whose contributions have fallen below expectations in recent times.
- Oriol Romeu: The defensive midfielder has encountered a rough patch since late September, potentially linked to Frenkie de Jong’s injury. Unfortunately, Romeu’s struggles defensively, particularly in crucial matches, have raised concerns, with a near-miss against Alaves nearly costing the team points.
- Alejandro Balde: Once a regular starter, the left-back has found himself on the sidelines, indicative of his diminished form this season. Notably absent from the Spain squad, Balde’s impact on the left side has dwindled compared to the previous season. His swift runs and defensive reliability have become sporadic, contributing to his fall from prominence.
- Joao Cancelo: The Portuguese player, who displayed early-season efficiency, has seen a decline in performance. Despite his active involvement in midfield and forward runs, the tangible results on the pitch have been lacking. Additionally, his playing style leaves significant defensive gaps, creating challenges for the team.
- Andreas Christensen: Two consecutive starts against formidable opponents did little to enhance Christensen’s standing. His performance against Shakhtar Donetsk included an error leading to a conceded goal. While he may contribute to Barcelona’s positional buildup, the pecking order now favors Inigo Martinez for his overall effectiveness.
- Fermin: Despite standout performances at home against Shakhtar Donetsk and Real Madrid, the 20-year-old has struggled to replicate his success in away games. Initially considered a key starter in October, his form has dipped, leading to a loss of prominence with Pedri’s comeback.
This scrutiny of individual performances highlights the dynamic nature of football and the challenges faced by players as they navigate the demands of the season. Barcelona will undoubtedly seek to address these concerns as they aim for consistent excellence on the pitch.
