It’s certainly one of those seasons Barcelona would like to forget. The Catalans have failed to win a single silverware this season although they are yet to face Alaves in the Copa Del Rey in the final and it is the only opportunity for them in this season to pose with a silverware. They crashed out of the Champions League after a pretty ordinary display against Juventus across the two legs. The likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez failed to break the deadlock of Juventus’ defence as the Catalans got the taste of their own medicine.
They also fell short in the La Liga race as Real Madrid sealed the title on the last day of the season. Barcelona did have the chance to be at the top of the table for a brief period but Los Blancos got away with the title as they maintained their supremacy throughout the season. Luis Enrique already announced that he won’t continue after this season and his departure will leave a legacy at the Camp Nou.
Let us take a look at 3 players who underperformed and might face a nervous summer.
Andre Gomes
The big money signing from Valencia failed to make an impact for the Catalans. Barcelona signed him in a move with the hope that he could be the replacement of Andres Iniesta but he has failed to fulfil the expectations. Although he had the technical ability and right kind of attributes to thrive in this game but his playing style seemed unfit for the quick passing game of the Catalans. He is basically very slow on the ball and his habit of holding on to the ball slowed down the pace of the game. Also, his inability to stitch a quick counter attack has been one of the problems.
Aleix Vidal
The Sevilla right back was touted to be the successor of Dani Alves but circumstances made him a victim of his own fault. He never looked like a Barcelona player and Barcelona’s transfer policy is to blame for this. Vidal is currently sidelined with an injury and there are very high chances that he might have to find a different club for him.
Jeremy Mathieu
The defender’s expertise in the absence of Gerard Pique and Javier Mascherano cannot be denied but time has come to bid goodbye to him. He is very slow at times and was so awful against Juventus in the first leg that he had to be subbed off.
