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| quote: | An extensive and well-managed squad is proving to one of the main reasons for Barcelona's strong start to the season. No fewer than 20 players have appeared in the first 11 matches.
After five wins in two weeks, Frank Rijkaard's Barça is enjoying its best run of form of the season. Not only are the results positive, but the football is spectacular and there is an amazing sense of unity both on and off the pitch - something that is always very important in top level sport.
Bigger squad this season
Last season, a series of unfortunate losses to injury depleted the squad for many weeks, and the coach was forced to call upon the services of several 'B' team players. This season has gone much smoother in that respect, and the arrivals of Van Bommel and Ezquerro, plus the rise of Leo Messi, have left the first team with an embarrassment of riches. The Dutch coach has opted for a rotation system and his decisions have proven effective. He has used 20 players this season (only Jorquera, Rubén, Damià and Maxi have yet to play), and in combination, they have produced some sensational football.
Goalscorers aplenty
For proof, we need look no further than the fact that in the last three games (5-0 v Real Sociedad, 5-0 v Panathinaikos and 1-3 in Getafe) no fewer than eight different players scored (Van Bommel, Ronaldinho, Puyol, Larsson, Eto'o, Messi, Giuly and Motta). And the goals have been coming from all angles, through teamwork, through individual flair, from corners and other set pieces. Free kicks are Ronaldinho's speciality, but Deco and Thiago Motta have also scored that way this year.
Tactical variation
Rijkaard has played several players (Oleguer, Edmílson and Márquez) in different positions, and the gamble seems to have paid off nicely. Xavi, Márquez and Edmílson have all played just behind the midfield, Belletti and Oleguer have switched roles at right back, while 'Gio' Van Bronckhorst and Sylvinho have done likewise on the left. The latter has also played at centre back alongside Puyol. The midfield has recently incorporated Mark Van Bommel and Andrés Iniesta, who have both created plenty of goalscoring opportunities.
There can be no doubting the quality of Frank Rijkaard's side, but we all know that that does not guarantee success. The Barcelona dressing room is more united than ever and the man at the helm has shown his expertise in getting the very best out of his players. And the ones who are benefiting the most from all this are the Camp Nou fans, who are witnessing some of the greatest football the stadium has seen for years. |
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