Barcelona’s transformation since the departure to Lionel Messi 2021 has been nothing but remarkable. What seemed like a club once On the verge of collapse DUE into financial misconduct has now been transformed into a disciplined and improved institution. Wage cuts, smarter investments and a new generation of talents coming from Masia Has all contributed to the club’s resuscitation.
Under former manager Xavi HernandezBarcelona regained its dominance in The leaguelift the league title in 2022-23 By relying on a coherent team of young people rather than aging superstars. The defensive line has been strengthened, the midfield is more dynamic and attack options are more balanced than they have been for several years.
Now, under Hansi -girlThe Catalan giants continue to impress with their attacking numbers – and sores 120 goals in 39 matches This season. Despite all these improvements, however, there is a critical area where Barcelona has not yet found a response since Messi’s exit, Spanish journalist Xavier Bosch suggests.
For all their tactical progress, Barcelona still lacks a True Direct Free-Kick Specialist– something that was never a problem when Messi Be on the pitch. Over the years, the Argentine Maestro pieces converted to goals with astonishing regularity, which made each foul outside the penalty box a potential point opportunity.
Since his departure, Blaugrana has struggled to replace that magic. While their overall The Set Piece Efficiency has been improvedwith 21 goals from dead ball situations this season – including Seven from corner park, five from indirect free kick and eight penalties—The record from direct free kick has been gloomy. Blaugrana has tried 23 Direct free kick this season but have done right a—A fluke effort from Pablo Torre Against Seville, it went in because no one got a contact on it.
Dazzling weakness on the pitch
This weakness was shown on full view Copa del Rey collide against Athletic Madrid. With Barcelona leading 4-2 and a chance to put the game over doubt, they were assigned a free kick from just 17 meters out– The perfect position for a specialist to rise.
Instead, By Piile and Robert Lewindsaki Chose a repeated routine that amounted to nothing. Just minutes later, Atletico withdrew a goalshifts speed and eventually secures one 4-4 draw. Such missed opportunities have cost the Catalans dearly in crucial matches and emphasize how much they lack a player who can turn deadball situations into the goal.
Candidates who were unable to deliver
Several players have tried to go into Messi’s shoes as a free -kick specialist, but no one has succeeded. RaphinhaFor example, have taken 42 free kick Since he joined Barcelona –18 This season alone under Girl—Yet has failed to make one. PedriWho has shown their ability in training, has never trusted to take one in a real match.
It is not just about technology but also confidence. Messi’s presence alone Made opposition defenders careful to unite foul near the box and know that he could punish them directly. Barcelona no longer has the psychological edge, but it may change if the Spaniards somehow succeed attract their only true modern freeparts Back to the new Camp Nou.
