Barcelona: Some takeaways from preseason after Soccer Champions Tour ends with win against Milan

765 days ago

Barcelona ended their tour of the United States with a controlled 1-0 win over Italian giants AC Milan at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. So let’s take a look at some of the lessons the team can take from the pre-season tournament.

Barcelona need a (natural) right-back

Ronald Araujo, one of the best defenders in the world, has been a regular at right-back and although he has done a good job, it is clear to everyone that this is not his natural position. Also, one thing that has become clear is that Sergino Dest is not the solution. He came on in the second half and a USMNT mistake almost led to Milan’s equalizer.

Xavi confirmed after the game that Barça need to bring in a natural right-back and I’m sure he hopes to have him as soon as possible so he can incorporate him into the team ahead of the La Liga opener against Getafe.

The coach’s preference is for Joao Cancelo of Manchester City but, from a financial point of view, this will require a lot of negotiations. An easier solution is Valladolid defender Ivan Fresneda and Barca have already made an offer for the 18-year-old.

Ansu Fati is one of the biggests hopes in the season

If we are talking about players who impressed on the pre-season tour to the USA, Fati’s name must be at the top. He capped off the tour with an excellent finish in the 1-0 win over AC Milan, but it was his overall game that impressed me. He had the confidence to run at people and his ability to link midfield with attack was exceptional. He kept finding spaces between the lines and when he does that, he is very difficult to deal with.

Fati is more comfortable on the left but he can certainly do a good job on the right and while Raphinha is the first choice, Fati’s talent could see him through.

Fati has had a long road to recovery after some serious injuries and was never in his best form last year. So far during preseason, he looks like the Fati of old and if Barça can get him to play his best and use the Dembele money to solidify the RB position, this could be the best thing that happened to Barça.

Frenkie de Jong is one of the Barcelona’s best players

It’s crazy to think that Frenkie de Jong was almost forced to leave the club last year amid interest from Manchester United. 12 months later, he was named captain of the La Liga-winning side. Now, with Busquets moving to Miami to play out his final years, De Jong will be the key cog in midfield – and early signs indicate he is doing a good job.

He has only played sporadically with Oriol Romeu, but the early results have been impressive. De Jong is a complete midfielder who possesses almost all the desired skills.

He is dogged in defense and recovers the ball well, as well as keeping possession, but he also breaks through lines with his dribbling and passing. His positioning is exceptional and he has the versatility to play in multiple positions.