Copa del Rey 2018-19: 5 factors that could decide the El Clasico

#4 Arthur injured: Can Barcelona cope in the midfield?

Carles Alena might have a big task coming up against Modric and Kroos. He would have Rakitic with him though.

What was the story of the last two Clasicos in the middle of the park? It was a young boy from Brazil who had never played European football till 2018, dancing in the middle and almost schooling the likes of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. Arthur was the king of the midfield in the 5-1 win at Camp Nou. In the 1-1 draw, he was equally amazing but he also picked up a knock and is now out of this second leg.

To put things into perspective, Barcelona have never looked a good side in the midfield without Arthur. There is a sense of something missing. The hold-up play and press resistance that he offers is not offered by Vidal, Rakitic, or Sergi Roberto. When playing against Modric and Kroos in the middle, both these characteristics are important. Busquets is there but what about the others?

Rakitic was great in the game against Sevilla but the midfield as a collective unit was poor. Arturo Vidal can run without exhaustion but offers no creativity. Busquets is a great player but was poor in the last game. The bright spot for Barcelona in the midfield comes with Alena. The former Barca-B captain was amazing when he came on late against Sevilla. The third goal came due to his deflected shot, the fourth one came after he won the header in the middle and got the ball to Leo Messi.

We don't know what Barcelona's midfield would be? Rakitic-Busquets-Vidal is suicidal, slow, no threat and no creativity. Coutinho and Alena are both strong contenders for the spot but who? Alena, who is less experienced but is still oozing with confidence and offers big creativity in the middle? Or Coutinho, a man down on confidence but in every right, a match-winner? Who is it gonna be EV? If you ask me, take Alena.