La Liga, where he has played since summer 2018 at Sevilla FC first, then in Granada, has no secrets for Maxime Gonalons.
And FC Barcelona, opposed to the Andalusian club twice in 2021 (0-4, 3-5), little more.
The 31-year-old international tricolor details the strengths and weaknesses, line by line, of the opponent of PSG, this Tuesday, in the round of 16 of the Champions League.
"Ter Stegen, the 11th outfield player"
“Although I am not a real specialist in this position, I rank Ter Stegen among the best goalkeepers in the world.
It has maintained a high level of performance for a few years now.
He relies on excellent kicking play and can turn, sometimes, into the 11th fielder by his quality of recovery.
It also shines, especially, on its line.
"
"Behind, Koeman is forced to tinker"
“This season, the Catalans face defensive concerns and lack strength in the defensive sector.
Behind, Ronald Koeman is forced to innovate, even to tinker because of the many defections.
He has already been confronted for a long time with the weight of the absence of Piqué, the stabilizing element of the block.
Sergi Roberto (right thigh) is not there, the same for Araujo (ankle).
Samuel Umtiti is back after knee problems.
He's still chasing his best feelings.
It's not obvious when you've been arrested for a long time.
He needs time.
More generally, the aligned players are not in the best possible condition.
The real problem is this instability and the frequent changes dictated by circumstances.
Very young players were sometimes called upon.
De Jong was able to retreat or even Busquets to support Lenglet.
The Catalans are constantly adapting.
It is no coincidence that Barça conceded two goals against Sevilla, two against Betis or three against us.
"
"Busquet the barometer"
“In the middle I really like young Pedri.
It is a relay environment.
He walks around everywhere.
At 18, he is very skilled with his feet and seems to have a great future.
Busquets, we all know him.
He's a bit of a barometer.
I wonder, on the other hand, about Pjanic's poor playing time.
I find it a shame to deprive yourself of such a player
(Editor's note: 5 tenures in 22 days)
.
In all the clubs where he has been before, he has nevertheless proven his great value.
He could do them a lot of good.
He loves to play in front of his defense, but the place is already taken by Busquets.
After that are the choices of the coach.
Since the return to 4-3-3, De Jong has become decisive again.
He scores and makes score.
Before, he was stuck between his desire to participate in the game and his defensive duties.
Now he throws himself more, ball to the foot or not, to lend a hand to his attackers.
"
"Messi has the key to this round of 16 in his feet"
“It all depends on Messi.
He is the main danger for Paris.
We can talk about the hours of Barça, but with or without Messi it has nothing to do.
We will measure him better the day he goes away.
We could still verify it against Betis on February 7.
By entering, just before the hour of play, he completely changed the meeting.
He has an incredible impact on his teammates, on the game and on his opponents.
Frankly, I haven't seen that in any other player.
Last summer he was criticized when he expressed his desire to leave.
It was said to be on the decline.
What a mistake!
We faced Barcelona twice in 2021, Everything he still does at his age is incredible.
When he wants, he makes Barça win.
He always has this ability to attract 3 or 4 players for himself and to free up space for his partners.
He has the key to this round of 16 in his feet.
At his side, Griezmann and Dembélé are in tune at the moment.
Offensively, Barcelona are very well armed.
With the departure of Suarez, there is no longer a fixed point.
If Dembélé remains a little more on his right lane, Griezmann and Messi are two free electrons.
They are constantly moving.
Griezmann has been more effective since the start of the year.
He has more influence over the game and heals his stats.
Dembélé left behind his physical glitches.
It is difficult to score for a defender.
He goes fast, is explosive and strikes with both feet.
We must not give it space.
"