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What we learned from Barcelona’s draw against Napoli

By Ernesto Hernandez

Ferran Torres celebrates after scoring their team's first goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Europa League Knockout Round Play-Off Leg One match between FC Barcelona and SSC Napoli at Camp Nou on February 17, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
Ferran Torres celebrates after scoring their team's first goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Europa League Knockout Round Play-Off Leg One match between FC Barcelona and SSC Napoli at Camp Nou on February 17, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images) /
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Dani Alves celebrates after scoring Barcelona’s fourth goal against Atletico de Madrid. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /

Dani Alves’ absence was felt

Xavi was given the unenvious situation of needing to leave one of his new additions out of the Europa League tournament. Prioritizing the attack, he opted for Ferran Torres, Aubameyang and Traore. This meant leaving Dani Alves out — a decision he may now be regretting.

Without the Brazilian, Oscar Mingueza was given the start at right-back before making way for Sergiño Dest late in the second half.

Mingueza had a decent game but was unable to help going forward. There were plenty of instances where Traore was double-teamed on the right and had little help. In theory, this is where Mingueza could have stepped in or done something to try to draw away defenders.

Because the right side is for Traore, there was also little to no overlap from Mingueza.

Dest offered a little more going forward but doesn’t seem to be to Xavi’s liking. That he opted for the La Masia graduate instead of the American is proof of that.

Even at his age, Alves’ vision on the pitch is unmatched by any of the other options Barcelona have at their disposal. It’s one of the main reasons he was signed despite being 38.

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