Barca’s togetherness is the difference against Osasuna

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The Blaugrana find a way to come out on top to matter what you throw at them

We’re at a point now where fans and pundits alike are preemptively making excuses for Barcelona that they don’t need. Surely this is the moment when reality comes crashing down on them?

A crowded schedule, injured players, not enough rest or time coming out of the international break to field a competitive and complete team.

Relax, Hansi Flick seems to be saying. We’ve got this.

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As time goes by, Barcelona keep getting better. And it’s not because they’ve found a plan A formula that works. It’s because they have a system and a culture that doesn’t break, no matter who’s on the field.

The victory against Osasuna felt like a walk in the park, which is crazy when you consider all of noise around the limited options that Flick would have to turn to.

To start the game, there was no Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, or Pau Cubarsí. Three keys players that have made Barcelona the dominant team that they’ve been.

Iñigo Martínez was just back from injury. Pedri, Lamine Yamal, and Frenkie de Jong were coming off of very busy international breaks that included extra time.

And still, Barcelona had so much life to them. No excuses, just a determination to keep the high of this season going.

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In the end, it was Barcelona’s 12th man of the year, Ferran Torres, who once again became the protagonist of the game, doing what he does best. The shark knows how to navigate the waters, and go in for the kill at just the right time.

Will he get more starts, especially with Dani Olmo going down injured?

Most likely, the beneficiaries of that unfortunate situation will be Gavi and Fermín López, both of whom had very strong games. Gavi’s work rate continues to be the picture of intensity that Flick demands. Fermín, however, has such good instinct in the in front of goal.

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There wont be easy choices for the manager going forward, but that’s ok, because no matter who he calls on, he seems to be getting the best version of his players.

Gavi’s promise to never complain if he doesn’t start is, in a lot of ways, the mantra of this Barcelona team.

No individualism to be found anywhere.

That’s why no problem has been too big for them to solve. They are united, and together they are so much greater than the sum of what you see on paper.

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Now, as the calendar turns to April, it’s fair to dream big.

Hansi Flick’s Barcelona is no accident. The mountain of evidence is right there in front of your eyes, and it continues to grow higher.

A team like this is simply inevitable. You’d be a fool to bet against them.

Source: barcablaugranes.com