Barcelona analysis: Frenkie de Jong settles instantly as Lionel Messi places his faith in Ernesto Valverde

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Ben Hayward5 August 2019

Barcelona left it late, but ultimately overcame Arsenal in a 2-1 in the Gamper Trophy at Camp Nou on Sunday night.

Luis Suarez struck in the final minute to hand Ernesto Valverde’s side the win after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had given the Gunners the lead with a fine strike after 36 minutes and a bizarre own goal from Ainsley Maitland-Niles levelled the match in the second-half.

Lionel Messi spoke to the fans before kick-off as the players were presented at Camp Nou in the traditional curtain-raiser, but the Argentine played no part in front of a crowd of 98,812 as he builds up his fitness following the Copa America.

After this win, Barca will head off to the United States on Monday for back-to-back games against Napoli in Michigan and Miami.

But before that, Standard Sport look back on the talking points from Sunday’s clash at Camp Nou…

Suarez back with a bang as Griezmann starts

If one player has a point to prove at Barcelona following the arrival of Antoine Griezmann this summer, it is Luis Suarez.

AFP/Getty Images

The Uruguayan came in for criticism last season for some poor performances in Europe and his place in the team appeared under threat when the Catalan club paid €120 million to sign the French forward.

Griezmann started against Arsenal and worked hard, playing centrally and drifting out to the left. He saw a strike ruled out for offside and was well received by the fans, but never quite got going.

Suarez did. Back to training ahead of schedule, the former Liverpool striker had his name sung by the crowd when he warmed up, came off the bench to hit the side netting and then netted the winner with a super volley in the last minute.

Clearly, he has no plans to give up his place in the team.

Man of the Match De Jong makes his mark

Frenkie de Jong made his Camp Nou debut and ended as Man of the Match. “I don’t deserve it,” he said.

But his was an excellent performance as he linked up play from a deep position and always sought to be positive with his superb range of passing. “He’s very curious and pays attention to detail,” Valverde said. “He always wants to improve.”

Getty Images

Whether it is ahead of Sergio Busquets or Ivan Rakitic, it seems clear De Jong has to start in this Barca team.

“He has everything,” club spokesman Guillermo Amor said. “He attacks well, he defends well. He has an impressive future and so many years ahead of him. The way he plays, it seems like he came through here. He will have no problem adapting.”

Fans will no doubt agree and the 22-year-old's energy, work-rate and vision should add an extra dimension to Barcelona’s midfield this season.

Messi puts his faith in Valverde

Barcelona’s stadium announcer did not read out Ernesto Valverde’s name over the loudspeaker ahead of the Catalans’ last Liga game of the season, a 2-0 win over Getafe – presumably amid fear of a backlash after the team’s humiliating 4-0 defeat at Anfield just days earlier.

AFP/Getty Images

But Valverde was well received here as he addressed fans before kick-off, telling them he hoped to win all four titles this season. And after he had spoken, Messi transmitted a similar message. “I believe in this squad,” he said.

“And I believe in the coaching staff.” While fans may still be divided and every social media post is met with numerous #ValverdeOut replies, the dressing room appears to be unified and the coach has the support of Messi, the club's captain, star player and leader on the pitch.

Sergi Roberto is better off in midfield

The late winner was something special from Suarez, but so too was the pass to set it up, a ball chipped forward by Sergi Roberto from deep with perfect precision to find the Uruguayan in space.

It was a glimpse of what the Catalan can do when he is playing in his natural position.

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Now that Moussa Wague has been promoted to the first team, Barca have two specialist right-backs (Nelson Semedo is the other) and that could see Roberto used mainly in midfield this term.

“He’s a midfielder,” Valverde said. “He has adapted well to playing at full-back, but midfielder is his recognised position. He can play as a central midfielder or as an ‘interior’. He brings energy to the midfield.”

Perhaps, this season, Barcelona fans will see a different Sergi Roberto.

One of Vidal or Rakitic likely to leave

The signing of De Jong, the recovery of Rafinha following a long-term injury, the emergence of Riqui Puig and the possible reinvention of Sergi Roberto mean there is overbooking in midfield at Barcelona this season and one or more players could be sold before the end of the transfer window.

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“There are a lot of players in the midfield and we’ll see if something happens,” Valverde said. “There could still be player leaving or another one coming in…”

Philippe Coutinho still looks set to leave and could yet be used as part of a deal to bring back Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain.

Rafinha is another player who may depart, while Barca are also likely to sell one of Rakitic and Arturo Vidal in August, depending on the offers the club receives this month.

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