For all the problems, chaos and grief from the pitch, FC Barcelona’s season has started quite well on the green, green grass at Camp Nou.
Blaugrana welcomed Real Sociedad to their church last weekend, and while others smelled of blood and vulnerability, the hosts stood firm. Ronald Koeman’s men excelled in a 4-2 victory over the guests, and they were largely comfortable for a full 90 minutes.
Barça’s tour of killing Basque clubs is not over yet, as they travel to the Stadio San Mames to face Real Sociedad’s bitter rivals, the Athletic Club. The Catalan giants boast a decent record of Bilbao-based opponents, having won three of their last four meetings in 2021 alone.
Koeman will be encouraged by the positive signs shown in last weekend’s 4-2 victory, as many of his stars (especially in the last third) impressed. But which players should the Dutchman choose for this important clash?
Fresh and ready to go / Quality sports images / Getty Images
Net (GK) – Marc-Andre ter Stegen is still out for injury so Neto will pull the gloves again to face Bilbao. He may not get away with letting in two this time, though.
Sergino Dest (RB) – Dest is an exciting future on the right back and shows that he more than possesses what it takes to replace Nelson Semedo.
Gerard Pique (CB) – The man took a pay cut and scored the first goal of the season in the same week. Build him a statue – of course when you have the money to do it.
Eric Garcia (CB) – By learning the trade next to the timeless Pique, Garcia will be fast and outsmart opponents in no time. There’s a reason Pep Guardiola loved him so much.
Jordi Alba (LB) – Another legend on the backline, Alba will probably hurt Lionel Messi’s absence, but he will find another superstar to join Seamless this weekend.
Flexible Operator / Socrates Images / Getty Images
Pedri (CM) – Game number 827 for Pedri in his short career. The boy loves to play, and we love to see him play. It is remarkable how important he has become for this Barça team.
Sergio Busquets (CM) – Some better in the world in this position, and Barça will use these skills against Bilbao. It could be a tough night against a strong opponent, so hold on, Sergio.
Frenkie de Jong (CM) – Another shiny operator on the side, De Jong complements the midfield. He fits this team’s style down to the ground and is a strong favorite with Koeman.
A new hero at Camp Nou / Eric Alonso / Getty Images
Antoine Griezmann (RW) – Never really fit into Barcelona’s plans while Messi’s shadow loomed over the Camp Nou, but Griezmann has now had his chance to prove himself. Take it, Antoine.
Memphis Depay (ST) – He may not get the opportunity to play with Messi, but Depay loves life in Barcelona. He will probably get on the points track in La Liga soon enough.
Martin Braithwaite (LW) – It’s time for the remodel. Braithwaite has been the butt of too many jokes at Barça, but his stay against Sociedad showed that he has returned hungry from Euro 2020 and is ready to explode.
