Hansi Flick’s job keeps getting easier in La Liga, even as problems continue to mount.
He’s currently playing without his two best forwards in Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, and yet, Barcelona keeps winning, while Real Madrid, week after week, continue to drop points.
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Against Getafe, the victory wasn’t an accident. The right players were on the field at the right time. Kudos to the coach for the selection, and the players for taking advantage of their chances.
It’s not for nothing. Even though the domestic trophy is all but assured, there are many questions heading into the summer. Many Barcelona players are playing for their future at the club, as well as a spot on their national team rosters for the World Cup.
Fermín López wants it. He wants his coach to have no doubts in his mind when it comes time to decide who’s on the field. Not only does Fermín want to be a Barca player, he wants to be a regular starter. He also has Luis de la Fuente to convince on a Spanish team that doesn’t lack midfield options.
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Players around the world should learn from Fermín’s example. He really shouldn’t even be a Barca player. He’s the kind of guy that’s supposed to be overlooked, and for a while, he was. Once he got his foot in the door, however, he has fought tooth and nail to stay at the Camp Nou. Coaches love these types of players because, unfortunately, that type of determination is a rarity.
Gavi is another player who’s back, and frankly, he looks better than ever. After so many injuries in recent years, he has to deal with the perception that he will never be back to his best, at least from a physical point of view. Not the case. At the moment, he’s the same old bulldog, except he also looks like a player whose technical abilities have improved.
That puts pressure on Frenkie de Jong. Flick may be thinking, maybe I have something here with Gavi and Marc Bernal? Could Frenkie be allowed to leave the club for the right price? I’m a big believer in Dutchman, and would think twice, but the possibility is now on the table.
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The list goes on.
João Cancelo’s stellar performances puts pressure on Alejandro Balde. For that matter, it also puts pressure on Jules Kounde, who like Frenkie de Jong, is a Barcelona regular, but perhaps not an untouchable.
The back and forth between Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres will also be a storyline to follow with the futures of both not yet figured out.
You’d think that the most obvious player to pay attention to would be Marcus Rashford. His continued absences from the starting eleven suggests that Flick has given up on him. The goal against Getafe, however, is a reminder of the unique skillset that he possesses. Not to mention, he continues to be, by far and away, the best set-piece taker on the team.
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Is this the time we start to see new faces from La Masia? I certainly hope so.
The future starts now.
Flick will go on to win back to back La Liga titles, and he will have done it with very little backing from the club. There are no guarantees that will change significantly over the summer.
The manager will have to continue to rely on his football acumen, and his ability to assess talent.
There will be no free rides. The best will play, regardless of where they come from, or how big their names are.
My recommendation, follow the example of Fermín López.
If you want something, take it. With the World Cup and a new season at Barcelona on the horizon, there is everything to play for in the remaining games this season.
