FC Barcelona is gradually losing control over their identity and ability to control games. The Catalan giants are known for their offensively efficient displays and defensively dependable backlines. However, neither of those two traditionally important qualities have been seen in the Barcelona of this season.
Arguably, the more concerning of the two missing qualities is the offensive one. A lack of goals has been seen this season, with Barcelona managing even less than two goals on average per game.
This combination of two fragilities on either end of the field has really let down Barça this season. This is an extremely worrying sign for any Barcelona team, especially one as gifted with attacking talents as Xavi’s squad.
As such, the Barcelona coach has decided to change up his strategy a bit, according to SPORT. Xavi has called upon the services of 17-year-old Marc Guiu once again for Barça’s visit to the Mestalla. While the Spanish forward has been called on before, he has never been included in a fully replenished squad.
Previously, his call-ups mainly depended on certain first-team forwards either being injured or suspended. His debut appearance against Athletic Bilbao, for instance, had both Raphinha and Lewandowski absent. Similarly, the subsequent match against Shakhtar Donetsk also saw his inclusion due to the same reason.
However, this marks the first proper occasion where Xavi has decided to include Guiu in the squad despite not having any absentees in attack. Even the last game against Royal Antwerp saw every forward included due to last-minute inclusions.
This time against Valencia, however, it seems that the 17-year-old is being treated like a proper senior striker. Given his goal-scoring exploits this season, it seems only fair for Xavi to trust Guiu with bigger responsibilities.
He has already managed to score two great goals for the Barcelona first team despite the lack of chances he has received. It now seems that Xavi and Barcelona hope to put their faith in the new blood to turn the ship around.
