Viewers of the clash between Barcelona and Valencia this evening have taken to social media in their droves, to respond to the display of Sergino Dest.
Depay amongst the goals
Ronald Koeman’s men made their post-international break return to action a short time ago.
On the back of a frankly abysmal opening to the campaign, the Blaugrana welcomed the aforementioned Valencia to the Camp Nou, eyeing a move away from the depths of mid-table in La Liga.
And, when all was said and done on Sunday, bag a much-needed 3-point haul is precisely what Barca managed.
Despite being far from their best once again, the quality of the likes of Ansu Fati and Memphis Depay ultimately proved enough to guide the Catalan heavyweights to the right side of a 3-1 scoreline.
The former was first on target, lashing home a stunning equaliser from the edge of the area inside fifteen minutes:
Ansu Fati is special! 🤩
A beautiful curling finish and a strong response from Barca to going behind 🔥 pic.twitter.com/MVaxIRySwT
— Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) October 17, 2021
Next up was Depay, who turned the game on its head from the penalty spot shortly before the interval.
And there was even time for forgotten man Philippe Coutinho to get in on the action, emerging from the bench to slot home from close range late on, sealing all three points for Barcelona in the process:
Philippe Coutinho guarantees the points for Barca! 🔵🔴
He enjoyed that goal 🔥 pic.twitter.com/dTaFvrTOdF
— Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) October 17, 2021
Dest’s new role?
As outlined above, though, amid the post-match chatter on Sunday evening, it is not the goalscorers, but instead the name of another member of Ronald Koeman’s squad, which has since taken centre stage online.
The player in question? Sergino Dest.
United States international Dest, on the back of an altogether hit-and-miss start to the campaign on an individual level, was fielded in a new, more advanced role on the right flank versus Valencia.
And to say that he went on to take advantage of the opportunity would be something of an understatement.
The former Ajax man shone throughout the 90 minutes on Sunday, showcasing an impressive attacking arsenal, and even chipping in with an assist for Coutinho’s late 3rd.
🇳🇱 Sergiño Dest playing right wing for Barcelona against Valencia:
🅰️ 1 Assist
🔑 2 Key Passes
💯 94% Pass Accuracy
🔐 1 Big Chance Created
🕺🏻 4/5 Dribbles Complete
💪 7 Ground DuelsNew right winger? 🤩 pic.twitter.com/hzWkAvSRfY
— Mozo Football (@MozoFootball) October 17, 2021
In fact, so impressive was Dest at the Camp Nou, that viewers of the clash, both of a Barcelona persuasion and not, have since taken to social media in their numbers to suggest that the 20-year-old may have found his best position:
Dest as a winger > Dest as a wing back
— PABLOVXRY (@pablodvnger_) October 17, 2021
Dest on the wing was one of the smartest move by koeman this season
— 💀 (@callmidemmy) October 17, 2021
Dest is just too smooth on that wing 👌🏽
— Benzo (@bennycrvy) October 17, 2021
Sergino dest has been wonderful on the wing, and since coming on Coutinho has impressed me , really trying to get involved , glad he got a goal, now out aguero on for some mins
— Master.Bruce.#DJ14⛳️🏌🏽🇹🇹🇨🇦➗ (@DUNWRY) October 17, 2021
Let Dembele’s contract run out and keep Dest at the wing. Great, GREAT seeing Frenkie push the ball forward like he did today. Sorely been missing that aspect
— BcoolmanBcool (@the1theycallB84) October 17, 2021
Dest has been unplayable as a wing back 🔥
— 🦁🇨🇩 (@Nsibula_E) October 17, 2021
My take today.
Barcelona’s squad should work on its fitness
Dest should stay as a winger
Thank God we have Fati❤️
Busquet still thinks he is 22
We need to sort out our Midfield
Depay should pls pass the ball quickly
Gavi ❤️
Koeman, well what can I say.
💙❤️— Yogiberra (@ademolababaD) October 17, 2021
Dest on the wing is brazy
— J (@_Joxhan_) October 17, 2021
He’s better right wing than right back
— CFC|Blue is the Color🇭🇺/🇩🇪 (@HuvelyesM) October 17, 2021
How good was Sergino Dest playing out of position today? 😮
Attacking MONSTER 💪 pic.twitter.com/PwuNTskXqX
— International Champions Cup (@IntChampionsCup) October 17, 2021
Barcelona’s priority striker target for summer window revealed
Why Barcelona are unlikely to sanction a return for Dani Alves
