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| CRISTINA QUICLER |
If there was one way to silence the critics
and the whistlers, this was it. A truly scintillating first half, probably the
best under Berizzo and the most complete that I can remember seeing from team
in all of my time of following Celta. Goals from Nolito (15 mins) and Daniel
Wass (25 mins) before Llorente pulled one back early on in the second half
ensured another 3 points, our 6th win in the last 10 games at the Ramon Sanchez
Pizjuan.
This game was always going to be won in the
midfield. Sevilla tend to suffer against teams who dominate possession so it
was vital that Augusto, Wass and Tucu stamped their authority early on,
something that was executed perfectly. I personally think that Pablo Hernandez
played a key part in this with a very intelligent performance. Although not
spectacular, he drifted around the midfield, picking up good positions to
receive the ball and provide an option. Krychowiak and N’Zonzi were made to
look ordinary, not knowing whether to mark Tucu or hold their position allowing
Augusto and Wass to have as much time on the ball as they wanted. He has
received quite a lot of criticism recently and although I know some people will
disagree, I think he was to be praised for his impact on the game. It’s not
always about beating 4 players and scoring from 25 yards, intelligence is
underrated.
I would also like to praise Berizzo for
learning from his mistakes last week. Radoja was brought on at the perfect time
to provide more stability to the midfield, even though Hernandez had picked up
a knock. I also think that the balance between defence and attack by Jonny and
Mallo was perfect. They provided width when in attack without losing their
defensive effectiveness unlike last week, where it seemed they were attacking
for attacking sake. Toto got the better of Emery tactically and it is no
coincidence that we always seem to perform in the big games.
Once again Orellana was excellent and
arguably our best player. He caused makeshift left back Coke problems
throughout the game and it only makes his exclusion from the Chile national
team under Sampaoli all the more stranger. Sergi Gomez also never fails to
impress me. Many players struggle when they haven’t played a lot of football
but he seems to relish it. Ever since his excellent display at the Camp Nou
last season, he has been solid when called upon and I think that he is
definitely pushing for a starting role in the team. Daniel Wass capped of a
great performance with a well taken goal. He has many different qualities to
Krohn Dehli and one of them is his ability to score goals, providing the same
amount in 4 games as MKD did in 3 seasons. He also looked much more assured in
midfield and provided defensive solidity alongside Augusto, the only thing that
has been lacking in his previous games. There is nothing that I could say in
words that would do justice to Nolito, we are truly lucky to have him.
Next Wednesday we take on the might of
Barcelona and although it will undoubtedly be a difficult game I see no reason
to fear them. We have proved that we can match them in the past and they will
be going into this game with no complacency judging by their rotations against
Levante. Jonny will be a huge miss after his undeserved red card and we can
only hope that other players step up. If Cabral is fit to play with early signs
saying he will, I would like to see Gomez at right back with Mallo moving over
to the left. Messi could have a field day against Planas and that’s something
that I’d rather avoid.
¡Saludos y Hala Celta!
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