Barca Losing Style?

                This Friday, Suarez had his big chance at a home debut for Barcelona, and many hoped it would provide a bounce back from the disappointing loss to Real Madrid previously. With Messi posed to set a La Liga goal record with one more goal and Suarez yet to show his true attacking linkup with the team, the home game against Celta Vigo was hoped to provide some reassurance. Throughout the first half, Barcelona held the majority of possession and had no shortage of opportunities; however, their defense still looked shaky. This pattern continued until the 55^th minute when Celta finally put one away and themselves ahead away against Barcelona. After some substitutions for Barcelona, the attack grew again, but nothing came of it and the game ended as another disappointing defeat for Barcelona.

                This loss creates further trouble for Luis Enrique and his plan for the team, as bringing in Suarez hoped to make more opportunities and, in turn, goals. So far, in his first two games, Suarez has yet to score and begin what is hoped to be a successful career with Barcelona. However, Suarez has created opportunities and has one assist, but he is still lacking a goal. Also, talk of Messi breaking the La Liga career goal record started before the Real Madrid game, but he has yet to score the record-breaking goal. Thus, Barcelona has not been the most effective attacking-wise in the last few games, and despite such big name strikers, a real attacking force is yet to be seen.

                However, offense is not the only part of the game that Barcelona is struggling with, and their defense is not as strong as it needs to be in order to do well in the league. Like Celta, Barcelona was able to create chances offensively, and, with a sound defensive side, could have held on to at least sustain a draw. Unluckily, this was not the case, and working backwards Barcelona looked shaky as ever, and lacked any real defensive presence from any one player. In the buildup to the goal by Celta, Barcelona’s defense was outmuscled multiple times and, in the end, were scored on due to a lack of strong defensive presence. In order for Barcelona to compete with very attacking teams such as Real Madrid, they need to connect going forward and grow as an offensive force. Also, the defensive side needs to get stronger and someone needs to step up as a leader in the back.