Inaki Pena reflects on Hansi Flick’s high-hine game plan at Barcelona | OneFootball

Two months ago, little would Iñaki Peña have imagined that in just a few weeks he would have to step in for injured Barcelona captain Marc-André ter Stegen and be trusted to occupy the goalkeeping role in big games like Bayern Munich and El Clásico.

Even after Ter Stegen’s injury, Barcelona proceeded to sign former Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny and everyone expected the Pole to usurp Pena to the starting role once he felt match-fit. While this still might be the case, Pena has shown that he is no push-over with his Clasico display.

It will not be a stretch to call Pena Barcelona’s MVP at the Santiago Bernabeu. He commanded his goalpost with assurance, stepped out and swept balls whenever needed and his distribution was almost always on point.

Post-game, Pena was quizzed about playing and adapting to the high line that Hansi Flick wants his team to play, and as quoted by Mundo Deportivo, here is what the 25-year-old had to say:

“The manager asked us from day one to play very high. It is dangerous to play with so many meters behind you, yes, but we did it perfectly against the most dangerous attackers in the world in the games against Bayern and Real Madrid.”

“The line cannot be pushed back and this shows us that the idea fits with our game. The good work is reflected in the offsides we caused.“

It takes immense concentration and an understanding of each other’s positioning to be able to play the ridiculous high line that Barcelona does. To do it with a 17-year-old and a 33-year-old as your center-backs makes it even more special.

Many central defenders who are 28 and in their prime don’t have the understanding and awareness that Pau Cubarsi does. Against Real Madrid, the teenager put on a clinic against Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe and his distribution was world class.

The current backline at Barcelona has mastered the art of the high line and the offside trap and Hansi Flick’s team is set to only get better the more they use it. The likes of Ronald Araujo are tailor-made to play in this setup once they return.

This has been a great week for every Barcelona fan out there. Exciting times lie ahead for the club and let’s wait and see how it plays out.