Christensen’s Benching Raises Questions: Barca Fan Neal Ponders Tactical Choices

Andreas Christensen found himself on the bench for consecutive games against Porto and Atletico Madrid, with his eventual start against Atleti prompted by Inigo Martinez’s injury in the warm-up. Martinez’s absence for the rest of the year potentially paves the way for Christensen to secure a more consistent role, but one curious Barca fan, Neal, wonders why the Danish player was initially benched.

“Inigo’s injury opens the door back up for Christensen. He still hasn’t put a foot wrong but somehow found himself relegated to the bench,” Neal muses.

Expressing skepticism about the coincidence, Neal emphasizes his belief that Barça’s buildup appears significantly improved with Christensen in the starting XI, describing him as a “classy footballer.”

Despite Xavi’s praise for Christensen as a top player, it’s evident that the Barcelona coach often prefers Martinez alongside Kounde and Araujo in the center-back position. While Martinez has demonstrated defensive solidity, Neal contends that Christensen brings a deeper understanding of the Barca style, showcasing superior passing ability. The article notes that such observations have led to suggestions of deploying Christensen in a midfield role.