Cálmate Culers

The female football league has been under the radar for sometime now but this last few years has seen a drastic increase in publicity and Exposure. The English league and French league might be more popular and competitive than the Spanish league but no one can deny the fact that the league has contributed to the growth of women's football worldwide.

Barcelona femeni has been dominant in the league for some years now. Recording  30 wins out of 30 games played. In Europe, they also trampled on everyone they met till the second leg of the semi-finals in Germany against Wolfsburg. An early goal in the final destabilized them despite a first-half goal from the amazing Alexia Putellas.

The season ended with rumours of Lieke Martens leaving and the rumours were confirmed true a few weeks ago when she penned a new contract with PSG. As if that was not enough, the experience Jenifer Hermoso also leave the club in search of new challenges in another league. Things seem to be crumbling and the Media were quick to start labelling what just started as “the end of an era”.

However, what most people fail to realize is that what these ladies achieved last season is mind-blowing, especially with the injuries they had. Their forward players Asisat Oshoala and Lieke Martens were out throughout the major part of the season. Of course, the current best female footballer on planet earth stepped up her game and produced so many great performances, providing assists, starting attacks and even scoring. Imagine the team with an in-form striker!

With the announcement of the signing of Lucy Bronze, one aspect that needs reinforcement has been addressed. Saying the defence wasn’t solid last season will be a great injustice. Paredes and Mapi Leon spearheaded the most selfish defence in the league. Leon, in particular, had a wonderful season with her beautiful goal against Madrid one of the highlights of the season. Paredes goal-line clearance and punching the air in celebration.

After the departure of Martens, Barcelona went for a striker tested and trusted in the league. Geyse Ferreira was the joint highest goal scorer with Oshoala last season, having her join the champions is a big plus. Nuria Rabano also signed for Barca and finally Salma Paralluelo whose goal for Villarreal against Barcelona last season is still fresh in my mind. The best part of these transfers is that they are young players.

A day before the commencement of Euros news of Alexia Putellas sustaining an injury came out and as if that wasn’t enough Asisat Oshoala also got injured on international duties with her country Nigeria. These are important players and the ever-hungry media are quick to pounce on that. On paper, things are blurry for Barcelona since Alexia is like the epicentre of every attack. What then is the way out? . It was declared that Alexia will be out for 6-8 months (Which might affect her bid for a second balon d’or) but luckily Oshoala is out for 6 weeks. Hopefully, they will get back quickly and add their quality back to the team but in the main time what can Barcelona do?

Going back into the transfer market to get a player doesn’t sound appealing when the solution is already at the club. It’s no other person than Aitana Bonmati. Though Alexia was fundamental to the club’s great outing last season, the value of the other players shouldn’t be underestimated. Leon, CGH, Rolfo, Crnogorcevic, Aitana and others played important roles too. Claudia Pina is another player that performs whenever she’s called upon. To have a stronghold in the middle of the field, then we need to believe in Aitana Bonmati.

Aitana Bonmati has the Barcelona DNA in her and her passion and dedication to the Blaugrana cannot be doubted. Watching this girl play is pure joy. She’s smart, quick and versatile. A perfect example of her passion for the club is a last-minute tackle in the final game of the season. She kept Barcelona’s perfect season perfect. I can remember Valverde doing it for Madrid's men's team and receiving applause from all corners. Aitana loves this club and gives her all on the field at all times. At such a tender age she made the Top 5 women's best players last year. She can dictate the tempo of the game and if you think it’s too much pressure for her, kindly watch her performance in the Ongoing Women Euros.

Conclusion

I believe Barcelona Femeni has done the needful with the additions they made. They only need to hope none of their players gets injured on international duty and those injured get back quickly. I see them retaining their league title and Copa. If Jonathan can work his magic again, I still them competing for the Champions league too. Who says they aren’t favourites? This is Barcelona, they are always one of the Favorites. So culers, stay calm!.

Thanks for Reading! 💙💚❤