Five things we learnt from Napoli 2-4 Barcelona

A spirited Barcelona enchanted and silenced the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on Thursday vs Napoli in a game that will be remembered for a long time to come. In the clash between the two homes of the Argentine maestro, it was the Spanish outfit who emerged victorious and in grandstand fashion.

From the selection of the team, disposal of tactics to collective effort, and individual brilliance, it was a game that signified Barcelona’s slow but sure return to the elite. The game ended 2-4 in favour of the Blaugranes, but it could have been far more dominating given the chances Barcelona created.

1. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts

Barcelona made their name known throughout Europe because of the eye-catching brand of football they played. The incessant series of passes, the well-timed through balls, high pressure when off the ball, and incredible combinations made them the elite force they were last decade.

However, the last five years have witnessed the club carried by individual brilliance. Be it Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba,, or Sergio Busquets — they have all had nights when they could have been credited with a carryjob, some more than other, of course.

That is what makes Thursday’s game incredibly special. Noy one individual looked to putting in more effort than others. Yet, the collective push was so far superior to the Italians that it felt like only one team was on the pitch for long parts.

Even Napoli coach, Luciano Spalletti, could not hold back the praise for those in Senyera, saying, “We’re so sorry, at first we made a lot of mistakes, but we have to be honest, they are really good.”

2. Traore continues to silence critics

When Traore moved to Barcelona in the winter, multiple questions were raised over his competence to play for such a prestigious club. Given his poor output at Wolverhampton Wanderers, one expected him to just serve as a backup option for Xavi.

Now, the tables have turned. The winger has been highly decisive in the final third, providing four assists in his last four games. Moreover, his dribbling prowess, physical presence and agility make him an unstoppable force on the right-wing.

Traore got two assists against Napoli. His first goal involvement came as he broke on the counter and found Alba’s overlap with a perfect pass. His second assist came for the final goal when he crossed the ball into Aubameyang’s feet in the Napoli box.

That now makes it four assists in four games for the Spaniard, who has been a menace to every opposition.

3. Frenkie de Jong finds his stride

When de Jong was at his lowest, Xavi stood by his side and told the world what he saw in the Dutchman. He repeatedly spoke about the midfielder, saying that he was one of the players who would define Barcelona’s future. Yesterday, fans saw what he was capable of in an absolute masterclass of a performance.

De Jong was his vintage self as he ran midfield in Naples. His passing was astute without any compromise on decision making or positioning. Moreover, his ability to carry the ball into the final third and threaten on goal was well utilised too.

He finished with a ridiculous 94% pass accuracy on the night with three key passes. He capped off his performance with a sensational goal from outside the box which he dispatched into the top right corner.

4. Aubameyang: Opening up new avenues for Barça

After his hattrick at Mestalla, all eyes were on Aubameyang to see if he could keep up with his form. It is safe to say that his performance against Valencia was not luck but the result of his perseverance and skill.

From the get-go yesterday, the Gabonese striker posed a constant threat in front of the goal. A goal to his name only seemed a matter of time as he had two big chances in the first half to put the ball past Meret but miscued them.

His moment came in the second half when he got on the end of a cutback from Traore. Picking up the ball, he turned and fired a first-time shot that soared past a helpless Meret. It was a striker’s goal, one that oozed confidence.

AubameWHO?

AubameWHA?

Aubame… pic.twitter.com/PN6GSuYryO

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) February 25, 2022

Barcelona have lacked such a profile since the departure of Luis Suarez. Having a world class striker in front of goal, even that is past his prime, to put away the numerous chances that the young midfield create has helped Xavi’s side. Needless to say, he will have a significant role to play in the coming games.

5. An upward momentum

When Barcelona wrecked Atletico Madrid, it was said to be the rebirth of the Catalan club. However, they went on to draw the very next game against Espanyol.

Barcelona may have hit a high, but it is their ability to ride on the wave for as long as possible that will determine the final outcome.

After two confident wins on the trot, the team spirits are undoubtedly high. It is the perfect way to enter a decisive month. However, one must not forget that every game is a final for Xavi’s side now.

A brutal clash against Athletic Club awaits the team, with Real Madrid and Sevilla too scheduled for the coming month. One hopes that Xavi can keep the team in high spirits and make such high level displays a routine.