Penya barcelonista de miami-dade

Barça starts 2025 with a bang and with doubts.

02/01/2025 10:27 PM | Anonymous member

FC Barcelona has kicked off 2025 with a series of impressive results. The Blaugrana are unbeaten so far this year and have secured significant victories over Athletic, Real Madrid and Benfica. However, there are doubts about this team moving forward in different positions.

Barça may have ended 2024 in disappointing fashion, but 2025 have seen them excel as they to challenge for all three trophies this year after already capturing the Spanish Super Cup. Unbeaten in eight matches stretched between four different competitions, it seems that Barça may have found their grove back. Barça gave us an unforgettable commanding 5-2 win over Real Madrid in the Spanish Supercopa final and an exhilarating come from behind 4-5 victory in Portugal over Benfica in the Champions League. Barça finished second in their Champions League group and will enjoy a bye in the knockout stages.

The attacking duo of Raphinha and Lamine Yamal has been instrumental in Barcelona's recent success. Their synergy and creativity have consistently troubled opposition defenses, contributing crucial goals and assists. Midfielder Pedri is enjoying being the maestro orchestrating play with precision, dictating the tempo and linking defense with attack seamlessly, and it’s great to see the scrappy Gavi back in action. Even Frenkie de Jong has put in some decent performances recently which is a plus for the midfield. Defensively, Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, and Alejandro Balde have formed a formidable backline. Their performances have been pivotal in maintaining the team's defensive stability.

However, not all is well for the Blaugrana as there are lingering questions for Hansi Flick. Despite the positive outcomes, manager Hansi Flick still has a 7-point mountain to climb in the league standings. Furthermore, he has some difficult decisions to make regarding some of the players.

The first issue that Flick must deal with is the goalkeeper dilemma. The choice of the starting goalkeeper remains uncertain, as both Wojciech Szczęsny and Iñaki Peña have exhibited inconsistencies. Flick will have to get it right in who will command the goal the rest of the way.

Another area of concern is the defensive partnership in the center of the back four. After Iñigo Martínez went down with an injury, Flick was able to call up Ronald Araújo to fill in. However, who will Flick select when Martinez, Araújo and Christiansen are all fit to be the ideal partner for Pau Cubarsí in central defense. It is remarkable that the teenager Cubarsi is the sure bet while the other three have their flaws and injury history. Will Flick rotate partners or settle on one of the three to strengthen the backline.

The final concern is what Robert Lewandowski’s role will be during the second half of the season.  The veteran striker’s position in the starting lineup is under scrutiny and he usually disappears in the second half of the season. It doesn’t help that the Blaugrana seem to score more when he is not in the starting lineup. Flick will have to assess whether to continue with Lewandowski as a starter or perhaps utilize him as an impactful substitute, a super sup much akin to Henrik Larsson’s role in the past, and go with Ferran Torres up front or rely on a false 9 as a way to optimize the team's dangerous attack.

As Barcelona battles on all three fronts in the next few months, Flick’s decision about these areas will be essential for sustaining the Blaugrana’s momentum and achieving their objectives. The team's depth and talent provide a solid foundation, However, clarity in these areas will be pivotal for continued success.


Author
Comment
 

Penya Barcelonista de Miami-Dade is a 501(c)6 non-profit organization. Coral Gables, FL 33134

info@miamiblaugrana.org | www.miamiblaugrana.org

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software