Ronald Koeman impressed with Fati-Depay partnership

Barcelona picked up much needed three points against Valencia courtesy of goals from Ansu Fati, Memphis Depay and Philippe Coutinho.

Ansu Fati and Memphis Depay netted for Barcelona in their 3-1 La Liga win over Valencia; Credit: Twitter/@BarcaAurora
By Sreejith C R | Oct 18, 2021 | 2 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Ronald Koeman may have found a new strike partnership after Barcelona’s 3-1 La Liga win over Valencia on Sunday. The Catalan club picked up a much needed three points courtesy of goals from Ansu Fati, Memphis Depay and Philippe Coutinho. Valencia took an early lead through Jose Gaya within five minutes of kick-off before Fati equalized and Depay made it 2-1 from the penalty spot. Coutinho sealed the victory with a late goal. It was a much needed win for Koeman’s side as they had previously won only one in their last six games in all competitions.

The win helped Barcelona to within two points of Real Madrid whom they will face on Sunday at Camp Nou. Meanwhile before that, they have a must win Champions League game against Dynamo Kyiv on Wednesday.

The Dutch tactician seems to be impressed with the performance of Fati and Depay up front. Fati, who made his first start since his injury woes for a year, leveled the score with a brilliant strike against Valencia. The 18-year-old cut inside from the left and played a one-two with Depay before curling the ball into the far corner from the edge of the box.

Few minutes later, the Spanish international was involved again as he won the penalty which Depay converted. The pair seems to be linking up pretty well and the first goal was a testament to their understanding on the pitch.

“They are complimentary,” Koeman said after the game. “Both have shown that they have a good connection.

“The team has been very concentrated and we have played well.”

Koeman would be hoping that the offensive partnership between the pair improves going ahead and it will certainly inspire him and the team.

Coutinho impresses off the bench

Meanwhile, another positive for Barcelona from Sunday’s game was the performance of Coutinho. The Brazilian who came in on the hour-mark for Fati, gave a good account of himself and put the icing on the cake with Barcelona’s third goal of the night.

It was the playmaker’s first top flight goal since late-2020, having been sidelined for much of the last term.

“It was good,” Koeman told reporters at his post-match press conference when asked about Coutinho’s performance and impact following his introduction into the match.

“When he entered the game he was good. With his freedom we were able to control the game better. He knows how to score goals.

“He has taken an important step because I have always believed in Coutinho. Physically, he is getting better and better.





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