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Performed: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Barcelona signed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as a free agent in the January transfer window. He made his full debut at the Camp Nou last night, and there were plenty of encouraging signs.
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Spearheading Barca’s attack against Napoli, Aubameyang regularly drifted into dangerous areas and always tried to find the best-positioned player.
He also dropped deep when needed to help the midfielders out, which must have pleased Xavi greatly. Aubameyang created one big chance and won three of his five duels
The Gabon international’s only weak point last night was his shooting. He often took too much time to position himself, which allowed Luciano Spalletti’s side to reorganize themselves.
If the former Arsenal man sorts out this little discrepancy, he could turn out to be an invaluable asset for Xavi in the coming months.
Underperformed: Ferran Torres
Signed for €55million from Manchester City in January, Ferran Torres has easily been Barcelona’s most high-profile transfer this season.
The Spaniard, who has been hailed as one of the most promising young forwards around, has all the qualities to help his new employers this season.
Unfortunately, his traits did not shine through in the Blaugrana’s disappointing draw with Napoli on Thursday night.
Torres’s first big chance came in the 28th minute when Aubameyang sent him through on Napoli’s goal. The winger fluffed his shot and failed to hit the target.
Four minutes later, the former City man once again found himself in a favorable position. Sadly, he was no match for Kalidou Koulibaly’s inch-perfect tackle.
The Spain international scuffed another attempt in the 45th minute, misplacing his header from close range.
Just before the hour-mark, he pulled Barcelona level by converting a penalty, but it was not going to make amends for his lackluster showing.
He missed another glit-edged chance to win the match for the hosts in the 88th minute, courtesy of a sweet backheel by Pedri. The 21-year-old once again failed to hit the target, skying his effort over the bar. A miserable night for the young forward.
Torres registered only one shot on target from an overall whopping nine attempts on goal.
Performed: Pedri
While his compatriot wasted one opportunity after another, Barca midfielder Pedri calmly pulled the strings from the middle of the park.
Still only 19 years of age, Pedri commands the midfield like no other. He is never hurried, never dumbfounded, and never runs himself into trouble. The Spain international personifies every quality La Masia holds so very dearly.
On a night marred by the Blaugrana’s lackluster end product, Pedri showed that there is hope for them after all. With him in charge, the Catalan giants moved the ball with authority, carving open one opportunity after another.
Over the course of the 90, he made five key passes, provided six accurate long balls, and attempted three dribbles.
He did fail to keep one of his efforts on target, but that shouldn’t take anything away from the shift he put in.
