Focus Time : Martin Braithwaite vs Real Sociedad (4-2)
The 2021/22 season is officially started for the Catalans as well. The first match in the league was against Real Sociedad. For the first time in many years, the team had to start the season without Leo Messi being part of the squad. With that being said, the new signing Memphis Depay, Griezmann, and Braithwaite started at the front vs Real Sociedad. This time, I’m going to focus on the Danish player. Let’s see how he did!
First half
With Leo Messi’s departure, every player has to step up more. Braithwaite seemed to have understood the assignment. He and Depay had a very promising connection on the pitch. Both of them played like as we would expect them to do.
In the first half, he had a few chances and caused problems for the defenders with his “explosive” and fast movements. Frenkie De Jong found him more than once and tried to get the ball to the Danish player. Before the end of the first half, Braithwaite scored a header from De Jong’s perfect cross. The dutchman put the ball on a plate, so it wasn’t difficult for him to finish it.
Second half
In the second half, he didn’t stop and once again showed that he can be in the right place at the right time. In the 59th minute, the goalkeeper saved Jordi Alba’s cross ball, however, the ball came out, and Braithwaite took the chance and shot it into the net. His hard work in the whole match paid off, and after his second goal, he also gave an excellent assist from a cross to Antoine Griezzman in the last minutes of the game.
He had an amazing match and hopefully convinced Ronald Koeman that he has a place in this squad.
Statistics (Sofascore)
- 2 goals
- 1 assist
- 3 shots on target
- 2 successful dribbles
- Accurate passes – 74%
- 2 key passes
- 2 big chances created
- 8 duels won
- 15 possession lost
Rating: 9.5/10
