Barcelona turned in another underwhelming performance in their scoreless draw at Cadiz on Thursday, in which they played most of the second half with 10 men after Frenkie de Jong‘s sending off.
The Catalans’ tough start to the 2021/22 season continued, with pressure continuing to mount on under-fire coach Ronald Koeman. His time on the bench could well be set to end.
The German goalkeeper had to do well to deny Alvaro Negredo with a fine stop, showing his class.
The youngster had some difficulties on the night, and not a lot of good happened on his side. Things improved once Sergi Roberto came on.
The Uruguayan looks comfortable in this team. He wasn’t attacking as much as against Granada, but he has shown that he’s worthy of a regular starting place.
The Catalan returned to the starting XI and had his hands full with Negredo but dealt with him well for the most part. He was focused, and performed.
Ronald Koeman opted for the American but it wasn’t his best night defensively. He did, though, look to contribute in attack.
Busquets showed forcefulness on the night and a willingness to fight. He was booked, and wasn’t at his best.
The Dutchman had a night to forget, being sent off for two yellow cards in four minutes just after the hour mark. In his time on the pitch he didn’t take many risks in possession.
The teenager started his first game in LaLiga Santander and there were things to be positive about. He was, in fact, perhaps the most outstanding player for the Catalans.
The Austrian started for the second straight game and tried, but looked toothless. Koeman replaced him after the break.
De Jong started his first game for the club and came close with an early header but didn’t offer much else.
Memphis has become Barcelona‘s most dangerous player in attack. He started on the left on Thursday and wasn’t able to make a decisive difference. He did miss a huge chance in stoppage time.
He could well be nearing the end of his time at the club and this result won’t have helped him after requesting more support from the board. His side don’t look comfortable, and he doesn’t seem to have the answers.
Replacing Demir, Sergi Roberto did well on the right and allowed the Catalans to use that side of the pitch more.
A second-half arrival, the Brazilian didn’t do much.
A late introduction without much time to impact on the game.
The midfielder only got the last 10 minutes, never enough time to make a difference. And a poor pass almost cost Barcelona a goal.
