Xavi continues to search for Barcelona's new Messi
Posted Friday, May 06, 2022 by Marca.com
The Blaugrana have scored no goals from direct free-kicks this season
Xavi Hernandez and Oscar Hernandez during a Barcelona training session.EFE
Following Lionel Messi's departure last summer, Barcelona have scored no goals from direct free-kicks so far in the 2021/22 campaign.
In fact, it was the current Paris Saint-Germain forward who scored their last free-kick back on May 2, 2021, while up to seven Barcelona players have tried their luck so far this season.
Memphis Depay has stepped up more times than any other player, but in the last few months he has not been viewed as a guaranteed starter.
Barcelona's players have taken 17 direct free-kicks across all competitions, but they haven't been able to convert any of them.
Seven different players
Xavi Hernandez is now in search of his new free-kick taker. Memphis has taken six and Ferran Torres three, with Philippe Coutinho, Jordi Alba and Ousmane Dembele taking two each, while Gerard Pique and Ansu Fati both tried their luck on one occasion.
The first two direct free-kicks of the season against Athletic Club and Granada were taken by the Dutch forward. Coutinho stepped up against Cadiz, while Ansu tried his luck against Atletico Madrid.
Memphis had another two opportunities against Real Madrid and Valencia, and Coutinho stepped up against Alaves.
The first three free-kicks of the Xavi era were taken by Alba (twice) and Pique. Ferran was the next to try against Napoli and Athletic, with Dembele and Memphis stepping up in the last few games.
Photos
More»
De Bruyne's glamorous Wag stuns in low-cut dress
Tuesday April 23 2024
[PICTURE SPECIAL] Coventry 3-3 Man Utd (2-4 pens)
Monday April 22 2024
Your Say