Barcelona (A) - Charity Friendly | Wed 24th Aug 20:30 | Pre-Match Thread

[Alan Harper's Tash]

Walker, Foden and Bernardo starting

Looks like Pep is trying Walker at centre half. Shame for Mbete as it means he’s not getting minutes this season.

 

[andyhinch]

Why play Bernie?

Come and look at what you could have won :-)

 

[BlueMoonRisin’]

What channel os this on please?

 

[MaskedAguero10]

it really is.

He looked like he could have been England's answer to Modric and Verratti in the midfield area controlling games and running the pitch. He had this incredible half turn and always heads up. All he needed to do is improve on specific things that Pep was asking him to do especially slowing down his tempo. I clearly remember Pep stressing this as far back as 2 years ago but I can't see improvement and I'm sensing some stagnation in his development. Now he's just running at people at 100 MPH getting chalk on his boots.

Oh well perhaps maybe players like Bellingham can step up to the mantle but it's really sad because personally, I'm not feeling that special feeling that I had sensed from him before.

 

[Trickyblues]

A Bernardo goal would be nice

 

[WallyA]

Walker as a CB instead of Stones who needs minutes?

 

[Josh_D]

Either need the match fitness or Pep punishing them for Sunday.

Probably fitness. Not sure Pep is a punishing type.

 

[Josh_D]

Walker as a CB instead of Stones who needs minutes?

He does but he also has injury issues. He’s out then City start sweating bullets. So they’d probably rather anyone else than Stones at the moment just in case

 

[argyle]

Walker as a CB instead of Stones who needs minutes?

Maybe Pep knows he's made of glass so doesn't want to play him too much?

 

[mat]

Probably fitness. Not sure Pep is a punishing type.

I'm not sure if I'd be pissed or happy if Phil squares a pass for a Alvarez tap in.