Barcelona fans worldwide have been witnessing a resurgence in their beloved club’s performance on the pitch.
After a period of turbulence and uncertainty during the first half of the season, the Blaugrana seem to have found their rhythm again. The team is now in contention to reach the semifinal of the UEFA Champions League and possibly even further.
Several factors have contributed to this turnaround, each playing a pivotal role in Barcelona’s recent success.
Lewandowski’s return to form
Robert Lewandowski’s form was an enigma of sorts in the first half of the campaign. The striker was unable to replicate last season’s performance and had a difficult time overall.
But since the turn of the year, Lewandowski has been firing on all cylinders, notably racking up eight goal involvements in the last league matches.
The Polish striker’s clinical finishing and prolific goal-scoring ability have injected a newfound confidence into the team’s attacking play.
Ter Stegen’s return from Injury:
Marc-André ter Stegen’s return between the goalposts has provided Barcelona with much-needed stability at the back.
The German goalkeeper’s shot-stopping abilities and commanding presence instiled a sense of security in the defence, allowing the team to build from the back with confidence.
More importantly, it is ter Stegen’s leadership that has rejuvenated the Barcelona team, as they look to put up a strong challenge in the Champions League.
Kounde back in form
Jules Koundé’s resurgence in form has bolstered Barcelona’s defensive line significantly. He has done an extremely good job in the right-back position, often keeping tabs on the opposition defenders.
The French defender’s athleticism, composure on the ball, and ability to read the game have made him a vital cog in the team’s defensive setup. His partnership with other defenders has helped shore up Barcelona’s backline, making them more resilient and difficult to break down.
The guilt of Xavi leaving
Xavi Hernandez’s sudden announcement of his departure at the end of the season has left a profound impact on both the players and the club as a whole.
The guilt of underperforming and letting down a club legend has served as a powerful motivator for the players to step up their game.
The result? Barcelona have performed superbly since, showcasing greater unity, commitment and determination. So much so, that the board is now even open to keeping hold of Xavi beyond the coming summer.
Christensen in defensive midfield
Andreas Christensen’s adaptation to a new role in midfield has provided Barcelona with added versatility and tactical flexibility.
The Danish international’s ability to break up opposition play and overall defensive acumen has given more freedom to players like Frenkie de Jong, Pedri and Ilkay Gundogan.
His seamless transition into this role has provided Xavi with another valuable option in midfield, and it appears Barcelona have not completely ruled out the possibility of continuing with Christensen at defensive midfield next season.
The rise of Yamal and Cubarsi
Last but certainly not least, the emergence of Pau Cubarsi, coupled with the form of Lamine Yamal has acted as a catalyst for Barcelona in recent months.
These promising youngsters have shown immense potential and fearlessness on the pitch, earning the trust of their teammates and the coaching staff alike.
In fact, both players even managed to secure a berth in the Spanish team during the ongoing international break and could participate in the upcoming European Championship.
