Barcelona have a problem at fullback

Barcelona came back to beat Villarreal 4-3 on Sunday to pick up their second LaLiga win. However, the Catalan side needed to come back after blowing a two-goal lead in the first half.

While soccer is a team effort, in Barcelona’s case, the deficiencies were plain to see.

With Sergiño Dest loaned to PSV Eindhoven and the arrival of Joao Cancelo delayed because of Financial Fair Play, Sergi Roberto was given the nod at right-back. Alejandro Balde was a doubt leading up to the game and not wanting to risk it, Barcelona opted to play Marcos Alonso.

Everyone knew they were going to be Barcelona’s weak points in defense. Villarreal knew it as well and exploited time and time again. Sergi Roberto in particular had a hand to play in all three goals.

In the first, Juan Foyth completely slipped from his mark and Sergi Roberto was unable to recover in time. In the second, Villarreal got in behind the Barcelona captain — something they were consistently doing in the first half. Alonso was also late in tracking back and someone with better pace may have been able to catch up and mark Alexander Sørloth.

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In the third, and final goal, Antonio Pedraza easily fakes out Sergi Roberto. Caught out of position, Roberto isn’t quick enough to track back and mark Alex Baena before he placed his shot past Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

The fact of the matter is neither Sergi Roberto or Marcos Alonso have the necessary level to start for Barcelona against an opponent who isn’t going to sit back and defend. They were always going to be targeted and Villarreal did so time and time again. Had it not been for heroics from Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres, both would be under the microscope and singled out for the defeat.

At the same time, however, they are not entirely to blame.

Sergi Roberto hasn’t been up to task for a number of years now. But Xavi Hernandez wanted to keep him around one more year and so the club offered him an extension. Alonso arrived on a free last season and while more serviceable than Roberto, his lack of pace is problematic.

To be fair to them, they are not starters and will not start over Balde and Cancelo, if and when he arrives. But particularly in Sergi Roberto’s case, it’s gotten to the point where playing someone from Barça Atletic is a better alternative.

Barcelona can live with playing one but not with both.

Injuries to Ronald Araújo and Iñigo Martinez haven’t helped either. If either of them were healthy, then Xavi could use Jules Koundé at right-back. Martinez should be recovered in time for their next match against Osasuna.

Barcelona were bailed out this time against Villarreal. The Yellow Submarine ceased the initiative after going up a goal and it cost them.

But the alternatives when one, or both, of the usual fullbacks aren’t available need to be much better. The season is long and players are going to be injured. If there aren’t at least capable back-ups, it’s highly unlikely Barcelona will achieve any, if any, of their objectives. Especially if one of them includes making a deep run in the Champions League.