Three talking points from Barcelona’s win over Elche

Up and down day for Barcelona defense

While all eyes may be focused on the Barcelona comeback, it is important to not lose sight of some of the defensive issues the Blaugrana displayed.

Elche were able to get in behind the defense on a couple of occasions. One instance led to the opening goal while another forced a save from Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Dani Alves has brought leadership to a team that needed it but, at times, his age is showing when having to defend. For a 38-year-old right back in a Barcelona side under Xavi Hernandez, it was bound to happen.

He got beaten for pace and Elche seemed to be targeting his side of the pitch. In his defense, he needs someone supporting him and Ousmane Dembele does not tend to track back as often as he should.

Given his age, he isn’t going to be able to go the full game as much as he used to. It’s why Xavi subbed him off late with Sergiño Dest taking his place. It wasn’t a terrible performance, rather one that shows his deficiencies and Xavi is going to need to manage that and know when he might be on tired legs in any given match.

On the other side of the coin, it was another solid performance from Ronald Araujo. The Uruguayan put in a professional display and was on the spot when needed. His defending is something that’s never been in question. What Barcelona have wanted him to improve on is being part of the attack.

"“Maybe Araujo is the player who has improved the most since I took over, above all with the ball because he is taking risks,” Xavi said. “He is driving (forward) with the ball. Today he was the free man. There were times he was the advanced midfielder. He’s changed how he plays, which is what we demand, and is gaining weight within the team. Without the ball, he’s one of the best in the world, with the ball he had to improve. It’s fundamental for him and the team.” Source: Sport"

Araujo has long been the club’s best defender. With his contract set to expire next season, talks are under way on an extension. The two sides are apart when it comes to wages. With his performances, Barcelona would do well to increase the offer.

A new belief

The comeback against Elche was significant for a number of reasons. The win saw Barcelona climb to third place in LaLiga, further cementing themselves in the top four race.

But it was a win that earlier in the season might not have happened.

Under Ronald Koeman, how many times did we see Barcelona fluff a couple of chances only for the opponent to then go ahead?

How many times did we see the players then hang their heads and the team go on to lose?

With Xavi, Barcelona are now a resilient side. It helps that he also has options on the bench when they’re chasing a game. He was able to bring on the likes of Torres, Memphis and Adama Traore.

Xavi deserves credit in that he’s been able to re-instill a sense of confidence that if they go down, they have the players necessary to overturn a deficit.  Such belief rarely showed during Koeman’s tenure.

"“There’s been a big change under Xavi,” said Ferran, who came on at half-time to net the equaliser, to Barça TV. “We’re playing with the style we want and that the coach has instilled in us. And we’re getting good results.” Source: Sport"

Having an identity has helped Barcelona to not lose their heads in these types of situations. They are a calmer side where they’re not just simply chucking in crosses and hoping something good comes from it.

The club is building towards something and the results are reflecting that. Barcelona deserved to win and had it not been for being wasteful throughout the game, they would have won in a rout.

Their run of form is coming at a very opportune time as they are set to face Galatasaray in the Europa League this Thursday. Then they have the Clasico against Real Madrid in a few weeks’ time.