Valverde surprised Barça with his initial bid to cover Sancet’s absence due to suspension. Everything indicated that Muniain would be the pick, but no. The rojiblanco coach chose to give possession to Raúl García and placed him almost close to Iñaki Williams.
This is not the only tactical difference of the Athletic coach in the last clash in San Mamés. In addition to the fact that his usual 1-4-3-3 system is more like the traditional 1-4-4-2 this time, the coach of the Bilbao team chose to switch to his wingers. Berenguer, who normally operates on the left side, started on the right this time. Logically, the opposite happened to Nico Williams.
Both players exchange their positions as the minutes pass. Both Sergi Roberto and Balde, full-backs chosen by Xavi for the occasion, gradually lost their offensive prominence as the minutes ticked by. Something similar happened to the rest of his teammates, as Barça barely appeared on the attack in the second half.
Beyond the specific proposal for the final league event, it remains to be seen what Valverde’s intentions are for this Friday’s meeting with Zorrilla. In the absence of knowing the physical state of various parts of the squad, all indications are that there will be some changes regarding the eleven last Sunday.
Unai Simón has still not appeared with his teammates for training camps since he was substituted at half-time in the San Mamés league against Girona. The clash was played on February 26.
On a defensive level, Valverde bet against Barça on the Vivian-Iñigo Martínez tandem at the expense of Yeray, another one who since the aforementioned match against the Girona team has not been part of the starting eleven again. Eleven where last Sunday, against Barça, Balenziaga made his debut so far this season as a left-back. Yuri, who ended up going on the pitch late in the game, could not be part of the game due to the physical problems he has been experiencing since the visit to Vallecas.
In the middle, the question of who will be chosen to form in the middle of the field is again raised. Dani García has gained strength in recent appointments at the expense of Vesga. Zarraga is also presented as another valid alternative for the double pivot. With Ander Herrera still out, the question arises whether Sancet will be the midfielder or whether Valverde will bet on Muniain, at the same time, or Raúl García as against Barça.
The presence at the top of Williams and Berenguer seemed more pronounced in the four days before the visit to Zorrilla.
Source: La Verdad
I am Shawn Partain, a journalist and content creator working for the Today Times Live. I specialize in sports journalism, writing articles that cover major sporting events and news stories. With a passion for storytelling and an eye for detail, I strive to be accurate and insightful in my work.
