Idman.biz
Barcelona footballer Runi Bardji is starting to fall out of favor with the Catalan giants.
Idman.Biz reports that despite the team's busy schedule, the Swedish player, considered one of Europe's most promising young forwards, no longer sees himself as a first-choice option in head coach Hansi Flick's tactical setup. The numbers confirm this. The 20-year-old has appeared in only five of the 12 games Barcelona has played since the beginning of the year. He has only been given 160 minutes of the total 500 minutes of playing time.
This isn't the first time this has happened this season. From November 9 to December 2, Bardji didn't get a chance at all in the matches against Celta Vigo, Athletic, Chelsea, Alaves and Atletico Madrid. Although he briefly returned to the rotation, this dynamic disappeared again.
Even when he did appear, he mainly played an episodic role. In the recent matches against Real Oviedo and Mallorca, he played just over ten minutes in each match and gave the impression of being used as a variant to fill the time. The fact that the team is approaching each game like a final at this stage further complicates the young footballer's situation.
The main obstacle in front of Bardji is Lamin Yamal's rapid rise. The Spaniard, who has become a permanent fixture on the right flank, hardly rests and even starts in cup matches. As Yamal continues at this pace, the Swedish footballer's chances of getting into the main squad are minimized.
In addition to internal competition, the club's plans in the transfer market also complicate the situation. There are constant reports about Barcelona's desire to strengthen the attack with star players. For example, Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo responded to rumors about Julian Alvarez by saying that the player is happy at his club and that they have not received an official offer.
Against this background, Bardji's job is clear: he must make himself indispensable in the few minutes he is given. Otherwise, being sidelined may become a permanent part of his Catalan career.
Flick is being criticized for the lack of rotation. After a heavy defeat in the cup semi-final, the German expert defended his choices, emphasizing that the team should play better. However, the fact that he does not turn to Bardji even in difficult moments shows that the head coach does not fully trust the footballer's current situation.
Thus, the task for the young talent is simple, but difficult: to maximize the short chances and return to the center of the plans.
