Really surprised that I'm hate-watching Barcelona. Until they put in Dest, which they probably won't.
In to start extra time in the Copa: 🔄 Substitution↑🟢 @sergino_dest ↓🔴 @ANSUFATI #AthleticBarça— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 20, 2022 Now down 3-2.
Jordi Alba handling in the box and Barca go down in flames. Dest came in for Fati - who had been a realtively late sub - so I think Fati may have been injured but I did not this one so not sure.
Dest was a complete non-factor up front. He had one golden chance to put them up in extra time... perfect set up pass inside 15 yards w/ minimal traffic in front of him and put a poor/weak shot directly at the keeper.... and that was on his right foot. Kid needs a change of scenery IMO. I don't want to be too harsh on this performance today because he has been out for a while and he is not typically a winger... but all the noise surrounding him WRT Barca is that he is a disappointment. Not all warranted IMO... but it exists nonetheless.
Starts: 𝘽𝘼𝙍𝘾̧𝘼 𝙓𝙄#AlavésBarça 💪🟦🟥 pic.twitter.com/CO6nn1SgfE— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 23, 2022
Please discuss game here: https://www.bigsoccer.com/threads/dest-all-games-pbp-thread.2112838/page-45
Barcelona won 0-1, and Dest went the full distance. Not sure what that tells us, but undoubtedly Dest would rather play than watch, so I’ll take this game as a positive.
And Barca would rather win than... other things... so you can take that as a positive, too. Barca have been slowly inching up the table. At 5th, with just a point between them an Athletico. 2nd seems too far gone, but 4 or even 3rd not impossible with a good sustained run. But the table is tight and a couple of bad games they could easily be back to "mid table."
twitter rumor of the day has Borussia Dortmund and Barca discussing a swap of Dest for Meunier Don't see how that makes any sense for Barca to dump one of their most sellable players for a replacement who will demand a similar salary. Also, as noted, Sergino doesn't seem to want to go anywhere, and it would be hard enough to complete a switch while he's on international duty. BUT, if he goes anywhere, BVB would be a great location, they'll be happy to let him play his game, and if he excels they will let him leave when the price is right.
can someone explain to me why a handful of world class reputed coaches love Dest, but Xavi hates his game? Dest <--> Xavi is perhaps the strangest thing I've seen in the last few months in soccer.
You know, I keep thinking it is probably just some kind of narrative with no basis in fact that has taken off and become self perpetuating. But normally once a rumor like this gets legs, a coach will make a comment to kill it (even if it is true). Maybe Barca just want to force Dest to accept a transfer so they'll let it go for another week.
To be fair Dest has always seemed timid when playing for Barca. Him and Ziyech looked electric at Ajax
The athletic difference between La Liga and Eriedivisie is quite different. Dest is facing faster, more explosive defenders.
I'm a bit sus that Xavi really "hates" his game. But Dest is young, brash, and continues to be defensively unpolished (tho he is for sure more polished.) Xavi gave him 90 mins v. Alaves (a real must-win for Barca at this stage) despite leaving it to 87 mins to get the winner. That's not something you do with a player you "hate." I'm going to make the crazy suggestion that much of the Dest noise is coming from outside the house. Would Barca love to cash in on Dest if they could get someone as good cheaper? Probably. Is Xavi unwilling to play Dest or does he clearly think he's not Barca/La Liga quality? Doesn't really seem so.
Yea I had made that comment without even realizing Dest had finally played a match. I've been pretty checked due to various life stuff I guess.
No worries - somebody has been pushing that narrative out there for some reason. I'm not sure if Barca is trying to chum up offers with the hope of selling and getting a less pricey but good-enough replacement (which they could do in the short term) or if it's just click-bait. But overall I haven't seen any real quote or other indication Xavi is particularly down on Dest, but more that he's more realistic about what Dest can do to help them get points against the top 5, which is what Barca need right now: Beat everyone else, at least hold serve vs. your direct comp, and try to sneak an extra 2 or 3 at some point.
A few weeks ago there was a la Liga (or maybe Barcelona) pundit in counter attack. He said there was the categories of players - unsellable, we need to sell, and we don't want to sell, but we will listen to good offers. Dest was said to be in the latter group. That tells me Xavi doesn't hate him, but he's someone that could be let go to help their financial situation.
This would be my guess. I'd bet that Xavi and management, if they had a full bank account, would be happy to let Dest mature and sell for a bit more down the road (or have him become a lock regular) but I think they all know that he's a relatively hot commodity that can be leveled out in terms of "what can you do for me today" with a smart buy, for less money if the right offer comes. But it seems Dest doesn't really want to play that game... so... stasis for now.
Araujo is still green, Pique and Busquets are old. At this point Barcelona needs fullbacks who can defend, and Dest is not it. After proper renewal, he could be a prime asset.
This is Barca. They think of titles, not sale price. They are down a bit now, but for sure they will be back.