Three talking points from Barcelona 4-1 Girona | OneFootball

Barcelona secured a resounding victory against Girona on Sunday to make it six points in less than four days.

Still recovering from the game against Osasuna less than 72 hours before kickoff on Sunday, the Blaugrana did not have much trouble winning the Catalan derby, but the result was not engraved in stone until the hour mark.

In terms of the chances created, Barcelona should have won the game with six or seven goals. To say that the 4-1 scoreline is flattering on Girona is indicative of the dominance Hansi Flick’s side showed last night.

Barça Universal brings you three talking points from Barcelona 4-1 Girona.

Flick’s excellent rotations

Pau Cubarsi was rested against Girona. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Hansi Flick has been phenomenal with his rotations and decision-making since the day he took over at Barcelona, and his proficiency on that front has only improved as months rolled by.

The starting lineup he fielded last night raised many question marks over the dynamics and extent of risk he was taking. However, all his choices were well-weighed in hindsight, and he could not have managed the game against Girona any better.

For starters, Flick’s decision to start Raphinha on the bench and not give him any minutes for the second straight game shows that he has his priorities right and that he believes in his team to operate even without the standout stars.

He also used the chance to provide Pau Cubarsi more rest before the game against Atletico Madrid, kept Alejandro Balde on the bench with the same cause in mind and did not start Frenkie de Jong keeping in mind the Dutchman’s minor niggle.

At this point, it is clear that Flick has an exquisite understanding of which players require rotation to what extent, and his boldness to keep big names out and trust the bench has brought out the best even from fringe stars.

Frenkie de Jong proves his importance

Frenkie de Jong made a strong impact. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Barcelona dominated the first half and should have been four goals up before the half-time whistle. While they did keep the ball, the team still struggled against Girona’s low block and could not put away chances.

The substitutions Flick introduced past the hour mark significantly improved Barcelona’s comfort on the ball and the fluidity in the transitions and Frenkie de Jong’s arrival was the key factor.

De Jong started on the bench owing to slight discomfort in recent days but was deemed fit to play the final half-hour against Girona. In just 30 minutes, he proved why he is the perfect partner for Pedri in midfield.

Despite starting the season with an injury and being overshadowed by the likes of Marc Casado, De Jong is once again one of Barcelona’s most important players and he proved it with a spectacular showing last night.

The Dutchman dropped back to aid the defence on need, maintained possession under pressure and complemented Pedri’s game to ensure Barcelona kept the possession.

His true colours pop out in chaos on the transition and it was he who completely created Barcelona’s third goal with a vicious counterattack, waiting till the final second to find Robert Lewandowski.

As the season progresses, the fitness of Pedri and De Jong may well be the key to Barcelona’s success and Flick must ensure both players are safeguarded.

The Robert Lewandowski paradox

Robert Lewandowski scored a brace against Girona. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

It is simply impossible to understand Robert Lewandowski at this point in time. Just when it appears decided that his game cannot get any worse, he pops up with a crucial goal and the past few months have been filled by his bipolarity.

The Polish striker enjoyed a stunning start to the season but the second half of the campaign has not been as promising from him given his understandably lower mobility, energy levels and lower finesse in front of goal.

Last night’s first half was more of the same and the veteran cut out a frustrated figure who struggled to put away chances that he had on a platter. He even missed a simple 1v1 against the goalkeeper and should have had a brace in the first half.

In the second half, however, Lewandowski was a completely different beast scoring twice in 20 minutes to seal the game for Barcelona.

The first goal was an unconventional but special finish and he acrobatically got on the end of Fermin Lopez’s assist to give the team the lead. He then pulled off a great strike to complete Frenkie de Jong’s counterattack and make it 3-1.

As the months pass, it is clear that Lewandowski is becoming a moments player. He may not have it in him to threaten through the ninety minutes, but he has it in him to produce the moment that can make the difference when it matters.