FCBARCELONA.CAT

07.02.2008 12:29

The Márquez factor

Sandra Sarmiento

The versatile Mexican international is a big influence on the team. Barça have picked up points in almost every match he’s played.

Rafa Márquez has once again become a key element in the team. His excellent work in defence has been achieved with an astonishing low foul rate. In 16 league matches he’s committed just 18 fouls (receiving 17) and has picked up 3 yellow cards.

Contribution in attack

Márquez has also made a significant contribution in Barça’s attacking play, choosing the best option without taking unnecessary risks. His ability to pass the ball 40 metres led to Henry’s goal in the Sánchez Pizjuan in the first leg of the Cup quarterfinal against Sevilla. Although it’s not his job to score, he’s already chalked up two goals this season, both of them from headers. The last one in the Ono Stadium gave Barça the victory against Mallorca. His other goal was against Zaragoza in the Camp Nou.

Márquez means points

With Márquez on the pitch, Barça have won 81% of the points in the league. He’s played a total of 1,086 minutes, placing him in tenth position in the ranking of players most used by Frank Rijkaard. Only his injury problems have prevented him from playing more often.

Of the 16 matches he’s played (5 as a substitute), Barça have won 12, drawn 3 and lost just one (against Real Madrid in the Camp Nou). Due to injury, he missed the defeats against Villarreal and Getafe, and was also absent in the draws against Osasuna and Bilbao. Bearing mind his total time on the pitch, he has the best points statistics in the entire squad.