Three takeaways from Barcelona’s win over Napoli

Redemption for the veterans

During Barcelona’s past humiliations in European competitions, the likes of Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Gerard Pique were given the brunt of the blame.

These aging players were seen as old, past their prime and problems the club needed to get rid of. For one night, at least, they turned back the clock and showed their importance to the team.

Alba scored the opener for Barcelona, culminating a rare counter-attack for the Blaugrana. He also had the assist in the third goal, scored by Gerard Pique.

In addition to scoring, Pique held firm in Barcelona’s backline and stifled Napoli’s Victor Osimhen.

Barcelona’s pressing and the overall performance of the team allowed Busquets to stay hidden in a way. The veteran midfielder rarely placed a foot wrong however and demonstrated that in the right system, he’s still a very effective player.

While not a veteran, so to speak, Frenkie de Jong has come under criticism for not taking the next step forward since arriving from Ajax. But the Dutch midfielder was one of the standouts even without his amazing goal. Under Xavi, he looks reinvigorated  as the manager has seemingly found the right place for him on the pitch.

The Dutchman is scoring goals, tracking back and dropping deep at times to ask for the ball and get something going. He’s starting to look like the player Barcelona thought they had signed a couple of seasons ago.