Xavi’s Three Key Decisions that Boosted (and Rescued) Barcelona
Xavi Hernandez orchestrated one of his finest nights as Barcelona’s coach against Napoli, acknowledging his team’s near-excellent performance. The improvement wasn’t just in the pre-game plan but also unfolded during the match, marked by three pivotal decisions that showcased Xavi’s managerial prowess.
- Raphinha’s Starting Role and Position: Xavi made a decisive move by starting Raphinha, who proved to be a significant playmaker for the team. With Joao Félix absent, the Brazilian played on the left, contributing both defensively and offensively. His depth in attack, reminiscent of Giuly’s style, and relentless defensive support added a crucial dynamic to the team. Despite not being the most polished with the ball, Raphinha’s aggression and work ethic uplifted the entire team, suggesting a potential continuation in this role alongside Lamine.
- Faith in Cubarsí: Xavi faced a crucial decision regarding the central defense, choosing Cubarsí over Iñigo Martínez. This choice, following Cubarsí’s impressive performance against Mallorca, paid off, as the 17-year-old delivered a clinic in Barça’s ball distribution and dominated in duels. Despite his young age, Cubarsí displayed the prowess of a seasoned 28-year-old elite center-back, earning the MVP of the match.
- Impactful Substitutions – Sergi Roberto and Romeu: When Barcelona seemed to be losing control, Xavi’s strategic substitutions – Sergi Roberto and Oriol Romeu for Christensen and Fermín – revitalized the dynamics of the game. The key here was enabling Gündogan to advance further up the field, providing clarity to Barcelona’s attack. Gündogan, operating in a more advanced role, facilitated the forwards and played a pivotal role in finding solutions. Sergi Roberto, entering the game seamlessly, capped off his performance with an assist to Lewandowski. This shift might signify a solution for Xavi to unleash the full potential of Gündogan.
Xavi’s tactical brilliance and these three decisions played a crucial role in Barcelona’s success against Napoli, marking a significant step forward for the team.
