La Liga 2016/17: Barcelona 2-1 Leganes, 5 talking points

BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 20: Lionel Messi (R) of FC Barcelona celebrates with his teammate Sergi Roberto (L) after scoring his team's second goal during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Betis Balompie at Camp Nou on August 20, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) — Only Lionel Messi, Roberto and Rafinha started their careers at La Masia from today’s line-up

#5 Barcelona’s midfield woes continue

BARCELONA, SPAIN - DECEMBER 21: Ivan Rakitic of FC Barcelona scores from the penalty spot his team's second goal during the Copa del Rey round of 32 second leg match between FC Barcelona and Hercules at Camp Nou on December 21, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) — Rakitic had a good game last week but seems to be struggling yet again

Andre Gomes, Ivan Rakitic and Rafinha started the game in midfield for Barcelona and it looked like the Catalans had a non-existent midfield yet again. Thanks to the defensive nature of most visiting teams at Camp Nou, it seemed like the Catalans were dictating play as the game started, but as Leganes opened up, Andre Gomes and Ivan Rakitic looked hapless.

Rafinha was the only positive in midfield for Barcelona as the Brazillian youngster dazzled the Camp Nou crowd on quite a few occasions with his quick feet and sharp thinking. Andre Gomes was deployed in Sergio Busquets’ holding midfielder role and yet against disappointed. It seems like Luis Enrique is adamant on playing Gomes there despite his inability.

It is yet another case of a player losing out due to poor tactics and the Portuguese was unfairly booed by the Camp Nou crowd who also cheered his substitution. Ivan Rakitic misplaced at least a dozen of easy passes and his final balls were nothing close to Barcelona standards. A lot needs to be done in the midfield if Barcelona wants to stay alive in the League.

Edited by Staff Editor