FC Barcelona: Malaga Players for La Blaugrana to Fear

Barcelona is set to travel to face off with La Liga rival Malaga on Sunday and things may prove to be more difficult than expected. The match at the Rosaleda will test the Catalan club and fans should expect an open encounter.

With La Blaugrana hosting Atletico Madrid in midweek, Tata Martino could opt to rest several starters, which would make things even more difficult. However, the key to the match will be just how well Malaga can test the reigning champions.

In this article, we will take a look at the Malaga players that Barcelona should fear most and what they will bring to the encounter.

Shall we begin?  

Duda

If anyone can lead Malaga to a positive result against Barcelona, it is midfielder Duda. The 33-year-old is very experienced and knows what it takes to stand toe-to-toe with the Catalans.

Duda brings to the table the very qualities that cause Barcelona problems.

He can cross the ball with accuracy, is a tremendous set-piece taker and is able to test the keeper from long range. With La Blaugrana’s defense still proving to be a weakness, Duda may just have the opportunity to capitalize.

Duda is also known for his tremendous work rate and will play a big role defensively that will hinder Barcelona’s attacking ability.

With Duda doing it all, Malaga just might have a chance. 

Fernando Tissone

In Malaga’s 1-0 loss to Valencia to start the new season, there was one bright shimmering light.

Argentina international Fernando Tissone dazzled viewers and was easily the most influential player on the pitch.

Against Barcelona, Tissone could again play a key role and will need to be at his absolute best if Malaga is to get a good result.

The 27-year-old is a phenomenal passer and will help Malaga keep possession when they are able to win the ball back. He is also a very smart footballer who will not waste the few chances that Malaga is able to create.

Tissone should prove a tough force in front of the defense and will make things hard for Cesc Fabregas and Andres Iniesta. If Malaga does take points off the Catalans, expect Tissone to be the man of the match. 

Willy Caballero

If you regularly watch Malaga play, you are likely familiar with the unbelievable performances put in by goalkeeper Willy Caballero.

The 31-year-old is one of the best in the world at leading a defense and Malaga is always organized because of that. Caballero may be even more known for his shot-stopping ability.

Caballero can be the most aggravating person in the world for an attacker as he normally saves at least one sure goal per match. His willingness to leave his line to stop chances from being created has disrupted Barcelona’s play in the past.

With Goal.com reporting that Lionel Messi will likely miss out on the match against Malaga, La Blaugrana will be even more pressured to find the back of the net.

Expect Caballero to be a force behind the sticks who will make the Barcelona forwards work extremely hard to just test him. 

Bartlomiej Pawlowski

You may not be familiar with the name, but you will be by the end of the season.

The 20-year-old arrived at Malaga this summer on loan and could finally make his debut for the club against Barcelona. He has already featured for Poland’s youth levels and is one of the most promising young players from his country.

With Malaga being a side that regularly struggles offensively, Bartlomiej Pawlowski could be the answer that manager Bernd Schuster is looking for.

Known as a pure forward, Pawlowski can do it all. He has a tremendous shot as well as the ability to head the ball and beat defenders. Where he really excels is with his keen awareness to link up play to create chances for himself and others.

With Barcelona’s defensive struggles still evident, Pawlowski could be the perfect man to take advantage. If he does debut against Barcelona, pay close attention, as he could be the future of Malaga.

Who should Barcelona be watching out for? Can Malaga take points off the Catalans? Leave your thoughts and comments below!

Tre’ Atkinson. Follow me on Twitter for more discussions on all Spanish football.

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