Thailand XI vs. Barcelona: 6 Things We Learned

Barcelona opened up their tour of Asia with a 7-1 victory over a Thailand XI in Bangkok.

Pedro Rodriguez helped himself to a hat-trick, Lionel Messi a brace whilst Neymar and Alexis Sanchez also got their names on the scoresheet as Gerardo Martino's side dominated proceedings from start to finish.

But what of the new man at the helm and his charges? What could a comfortable win against limited opposition tell us about the 2013-14 Blaugrana?

Here's a look at six things we may have learned:

Martino's Direct Approach

As Gerardo Martino's Newell's Old Boys were on their way to success in the Torneo Final and the Copa Libertadores semifinals earlier this year, it was, apart from forward Ignacio Scocco, their style which rightly garnered most plaudits.

Based around possession and pressing, they played some of South America's best football in 2013 so far, but what was notable was their verticality. Passes were quick and incisive; this wasn't merely keeping possession for the sake of it. They were looking to create openings and inflict their will on opponents with each forward pass.

Now, it appears he is looking to do likewise with Los Cules, whose passing carousel became stifled on a more regular basis by Europe's big hitters last season—and was downright blown to pieces by Bayern Munich.

An added sense of directness saw Barcelona kill off limited opposition early here, just as they did in their last game against Santos. No longer is it death by a thousand cuts, but more sharp, powerful strikes at every possible opportunity.

Such rapid advances should encourage the best out of the quick widemen, Neymar and Pedro, both of whom netted from quick, direct attacks in the opening 20 minutes, as well as Cesc Fabregas and his ability to ghost into the final third.

The opening goal, teed up by Lionel Messi, assisted by Fabregas and scored by Neymar, after quickly transitioning from their own defensive third, perfectly encapsulated what Martino is looking to achieve.

The Suit of Neymar Starting to Fit

Since trading Brazil for Barca earlier this summer, Neymar and his ability to fit into this side and their style have been questioned. Is he too individualistic, ask the doubters. Certainly, the fleet-footed Brazilian polarises opinion.

Another 45-minute outing will only further cement his understanding with his teammates, particularly his relationship with Lionel Messi, and the signs were there that the uber-talented 21-year-old will only become a greater asset to the Blaugrana.

The audacity to beat a man and create something out of nothing remains, whilst the movement is frighteningly explosive and fits with Gerardo Martino's want.

However, it's his underappreciated pass appreciation and vision, qualities which shone at the Confederations Cup, which his teammates will enjoy. Seemingly always perfectly weighted and incisive, he's intelligent and as he grows into his role, he'll create more and more opportunities both for himself and his colleagues.

Additionally, he showed signs of doing the necessary defensive work, pressing opponents high up the field and not letting defenders settle.

Cesc Fabregas Has a Big Part to Play

The former Arsenal skipper has been linked with a move away from Camp Nou throughout the summer transfer window. However, this was another outing which showed that the 26-year-old has a big role to play in 2013-14.

Technically gifted, Cesc Fabregas has long been painted as the heir to Xavi's midfield throne. However, far from being a clone of the midfield dictator, it's Fabregas' attacking instincts which could see him become a key player for Gerardo Martino this season.

His first half performance saw him play as a part of the midfield trio, and his off-the-ball movement was a joy to behold: breaking forward, creating overloads and causing general mayhem amongst the Thailand defence as he ran unabated.

He was key whenever Barcelona transitioned and his more direct passing style (in comparison to some of his tiki-taka colleagues—Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Sergi Roberto) appears a good fit for the stylistic changes Martino is looking to employ. 

The 21 minutes of second half action he saw showed his versatility, as he pushed forward into Lionel Messi's false-nine position. His ability to find space and create from that role further showcased his talents, particularly the lofted pass to set up Pedro for his hat-trick.

Certainly Fabregas has a role to play in the new season, and his versatility, as much as his quality, makes him a vital resource for Martino, in what will be an arduous season. With his suitability to the playing style Martino wants, it could be his best yet in Catalunya.

Pedro in Pole for Third Forward Spot

A hat-trick from the hard-working Pedro Rodriguez should be enough to keep him ahead of Chilean Alexis Sanchez in their individual battle for the third attacking spot in Barcelona's 4-3-3 formation.

Pedro, much-maligned among non-Barcelona supporters, netted three coolly taken goals and whilst Sanchez showed glimpses of his quality in the second period, he still appears a player somewhat short on confidence. At times he seems as though he is trying too hard to make things happen. On the other hand, Pedro's relationship with his teammates appears more autonomous, more natural.

With Neymar's arrival and Lionel Messi being Lionel Messi, the talented duo are likely to be rotated depending on form, circumstance and opposition during the coming campaign. Thus, there is competition for a starting place against Levante between the two.

At present, it would very much appear to be advantage Pedro.

Defensive Question Marks Remain

For all their attacking quality and ability to overpower their opponents, Barcelona displayed their old frailties, most notably dealing with opposing transitions.

As players committed forward, even an attack as limited as this Thailand XI caused problems and were able to outnumber the Barcelona defence on occasions.

The penalty award—though Bagnak's challenge was probably outside the penalty area—perfectly summed this up, as Barcelona's midfield and full-back pairing were all caught too far upfield.

For all the added attacking dynamism that Gerardo Martino is looking to instill, more defensive stoutness remains necessary also. According to the BBC, a bid for Chelsea's David Luiz has been made and he would add pace and physicality to a back line which continues to look in need.

New Spanish Season Can't Come Quickly Enough

This game was a workout for Barcelona, nothing more, nothing less. In terms of it being competitive, certainly the Thai XI gave it their all, but it was over as a contest within 14 minutes.

Thus, the beginning of the 2013-14 La Liga season can't get here soon enough. Barcelona start with a home game against Levante (Aug. 18), a match that you'd expect them to win, yet they follow that with a trip to Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup.

Diego Simeone's resolute outfit, with ex-Barcelona striker David Villa now amongst their ranks, will offer Gerardo Martino's side a far greater test than they experienced here. That game on Aug. 21, will make for interesting viewing.