Gordon's Pace Shines in Barca's Pre-Season

Barcelona continued their pre-season preparations with a match against Basel, a key opportunity for manager Hansi Flick to assess his squad. Anthony Gordon emerged as a standout performer, demonstrating impressive energy, direct running, and clarity of purpose whenever he received the ball. His pace and ability to beat markers out wide suggest he could be a significant asset.

The club's potential pursuit of Rodri from Manchester City has also been a talking point. However, the performance of midfielders like Eric Garcia and Marc Bernal against Basel raises questions about whether Barcelona could better utilize funds elsewhere. Both players showed adeptness in defensive midfield roles, proving the club has internal options.

In contrast, Alejandro Balde's position at left-back remains uncertain. Despite ample opportunity, his game still lacks consistency, with misplaced passes and positional issues noted. His performance during Basel's equalizer has drawn particular attention, and there's a growing argument for considering offers for Balde while his market value is still high.