Messi marvels in playmaker role for five-star Barca - 7M sport

Messi marvels in playmaker role for five-star Barca



Posted Monday, September 22, 2014 by Goal.com

Messi marvels in playmaker role for five-star Barca

COMMENT: The Argentine shone in a deeper role as Luis Enrique's side thrashed Levante to extend their impressive winning streak in 2014-15

By Ben Hayward | Spanish Football Writer

It was Lionel Messi, but not as we know him. The Argentine forward has got everybody used to expecting the unexpected with his fantasy football in recent years, yet his newest version is still somewhat surprising. Against Levante on Sunday, the world's best player took on the role of playmaker once again - and it worked wonderfully.

The system seemed to stifle Messi early on at a ground that has proved problematic for the Blaugrana in seasons gone by. With no centre-forward in the starting line-up for the first time this season, with Munir El Haddadi left on the bench, the 27-year-old struggled to find forward runners as he dropped deep in the opening exchanges. But, as usual, he found a way.

A delightful through-ball pìcked out Neymar for the all-important opening goal and meant Messi had set up three in a row for the Brazil forward, having also assisted his two strikes in the recent 2-0 win at home to Athletic Club. It also saw Neymar reach three goals for the season, one more than the Argentine himself. Early days, of course, but it had been years since anyone at Barcelona led Leo in the scoring charts.

Messi missed a golden chance to draw level with his team-mate as he missed the target from the penalty spot later in the first half, but was always involved in Barca's best football and later assisted another goal for Sandro before scoring the fifth himself with a delicate chip with his "weaker" right foot to round off a highly satisfactory evening.

Messi marvels in playmaker role for five-star Barca

It was further proof that Messi's role is more about assisting than it is scoring this term, as Luis Enrique looks to make Barca the best team at home and in Europe after the Catalan club endured a difficult season in 2013-14.

The link-up with Neymar is a huge plus for the Asturian coach, who must also be licking his lips at the prospect of those two combining with summer signing Luis Suarez when the Uruguayan returns from his biting ban at the end of next month.

"Messi is unique, he's special," the 44-year-old said afterwards. "I love that the other players are connecting with him. He had a complete match."

And aside from the Argentine's fine form in his new role, Luis Enrique has plenty more reasons to be cheerful after his side racked up their fifth win out of five this term to stay top of La Liga, six points clear of title rivals Real Madrid and four ahead of champions Atletico.

"This has just started," the coach added with a note of caution. "There will be many 'dances' in the standings yet."

That may be so, but five games in, he has seen his side score 12 goals, concede none and win them all (four in La Liga and one in the Champions League) so far - inspired from deep by playmaker Messi. The future looks bright.



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