Barcelona's form remniscent of their second treble



With the 3-1 defeat at the Etihad Stadium, Barcelona succumbed to their third loss of the season, though the start of this campaign has resembled the 2014 campaign, Luis Enrique's first in charge.
Despite some wanting to panic, others realise that this is a long season and, sometimes, the best lessons are learnt from defeats.
At that time, it was very similar: after 10 games in La Liga, the Catalans had 22 points and sat fourth in the table.
In that same season, PSG were the main contenders in the group and Barcelona only went through as group leaders on the final matchday- it should be a lot simpler this time around as the club seeks to make history again in similar fashion.
What appeared to be unique - securing the triple - in 2009 was replicated just five years later.
Against the odds and the constant worrying, things are not looking that different from 2014.Barcelona's style of play is easier said than done, but for centre-back Samuel Umtiti that has hardly been a problem, making a pretty strong case for the starting role.
Filling in for Gerard Pique and Javier Mascherano when necessary, the calm and assured French defender has hardly missed a beat.
Confident in possession, elegant in his passing out from the back, and solid in the air and with his positioning, Barcelona have cruised to nine wins in nine matches with Umtiti on the pitch.
The club's search for a centre-back may finally be over, if these initial signs are anything to go by.

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