Lewandowski, changes in midfield and other key points in Rayo-Barça

After two consecutive victories in the first two league games, Barça visits Vallecas with the intention of continuing the good run and giving continuity to the good sensations. In front, Rayo who have also started the season well. Here are my tactical keys for this match:

1) The eleven with Dani Olmo

After Dani Olmo’s signing last night, the main question about the starting eleven is how this will affect the rest of the team. Because there is almost no doubt that the new signing will start. It also seems clear that, according to the clues given by both Flick and the player himself with his statements, he will occupy the position of attacking midfielder. Or failing that, the left wing. Given this, two possible players are the ones affected. The first possibility and the most likely one is that Dani Olmo starts in the centre and Raphinha goes to the left. The second, that Olmo plays on the left and Raphinha stays in the centre with Lamine on the right. And the last, less likely, that he goes straight into the starting eleven for Raphinha without touching anything else. Whatever the case, what is certain is that tomorrow will be Dani Olmo’s debut as a Barça player and we will begin to see Hansi Flick’s preferences in this regard.

2) One of support, one of rupture

Tonight’s opponent is a very active team, very energetic and very pressing in all lines of the field. Also in defense. This means that it is a very pushable team and this is a fact that Barça has to take advantage of by first creating the space it wants to occupy. In other words, the favorable break will be the second and not the first. If the team as a whole (both players who break and pass) understand and coordinate to combine a supporting break before a break, they will generate goal opportunities. It will be one of the best ways to hurt the Vallecas team.

3) Be temporizing in their movements

Rayo de Íñigo Pérez plays in a marked 4-2-3-1 (or 4-4-2) in which the line of attacking midfielders is very vertical. Both in the game with and without the ball. So much so that, when the ball is at the feet of the defenders or one of the two central midfielders, two of the three attacking midfielders or even all three break into space to offer options. It is an unusual action and one that, for many teams, ends up disorganizing them. The main problem is not this movement but not being well positioned for the second ball. In these cases, it is best not to pursue simultaneous movements but to temporize by gaining a few meters back and seeing the game face to face. An aspect to control.

4) Seize Lewandowski’s moment

One of the best pieces of news at the start of the season is the form and form of Robert Lewandowski. Not only because of his numbers in front of the opponent’s goal (three of the four that the Blaugrana have scored have been his signature) but because of his general feel in the game. Hansi Flick is creating a context in which the number nine is not wearing himself out as a first-choice player in high pressure and that is helping him to be fresher in offensive tasks. He looks more dynamic, more involved, more agile and more precise. He has started excellently (top scorer in the championship) and the challenge both personally and collectively is to maintain it. Against Athletic he scored one goal and hit the post twice in the six shots he attempted. The most logical thing is that he will not be like this for the whole season but both he and Barça have to take advantage of this sweet moment of the player who has scored the most goals in the squad.

5) Isi, Sergio Camello and Jorge de Frutos

When talking about the dangers of Rayo, we must always start with Isi Palazón. A footballer who, regardless of his form, always creates things with his electricity and skill. One of his recurring plays in Vallecas is the diagonal runs inside with the ball to end with long shots with great intention. He is the Rayo player who shoots the most and, pay attention, because a high percentage of his shots find the goal. Another important player is Jorge de Frutos. A regular on the right wing who combines movement, quality and an eye for goal. Precisely one of his incursions against Real Sociedad ended in a goal. And finally, we must highlight Sergio Camello, a forward who, in recent months, has acquired the point of total maturity. A dynamic footballer, who moves well, who presses with discipline and who does not stop creating spaces for the second line. He has very good diagonal runs into space and has won in goals. He scored two decisive goals in the Olympics and has already scored in the League and has played only 45 minutes. Barça will have to keep an eye on them.