"Mr. Assist." In what form Batrakov approached the Champions League match with Barcelona

Galatasaray will host Barcelona on October 13 in the second round match of the Champions League. One of the main intrigues before the match will be the possible participation of Alexei Batrakov, who this summer moved to the Turkish club for €25 million.

The match “Galatasaray” – “Barcelona” will be held on October 13 at 22:00 GMT at the stadium “Rams Park” in Istanbul.

Bookmakers consider Barcelona the favorite of the meeting. The victory of the Catalans is estimated at a coefficient of 1.28-1.30, a draw - 6.90-7.06, and the success of the Turkish team - 8.00-9.55. On the goal of Alexei Batrakov offer quotes of 4.30-4.70.

The Russian has already twice left in the main composition of Galatasaray. However, the head coach of the team Okan Buruk has not yet decided whether to release Batrakova for the next match against Barcelona.

How Batrakov stands for Galatasaray

In total, for the Turkish team, Batrakov played six matches, in which he scored two assists. In the match of the seventh round of the Turkish Super League on October 9, Galatasaray defeated Kasimpasha (3: 1). Batrakov left in the starting lineup and in the 45th minute he served from the penalty, which was closed by defender Abdülkerim Bardakji. The Russian was replaced in the 67th minute, after the removal of midfielder Lucas Torreira.

Before the meeting with Kasimpasha, the Russian only once went out in the starting lineup in the Turkish championship. Therefore, its return to the foundation and its impact have taken on added importance.

Batrakov was especially useful in drawing standards and creating moments for partners. According to the statistical portal FotMob, the midfielder received a score of 8.4 points, created four chances and performed 91% of accurate assists.

The Turkish press drew attention to the game of Batrakov in the match with “Kasimpasha”. Fotomaç published an article entitled “Mr. Assist Batrakov”, noting the role of the Russian in organizing the Galatasaray attacks.

How to evaluate the game of Batrakov

Head coach of Galatasaray Okan Buruk noted that Batrakov adapts well in the team, and in attack “acts perfectly”. The coach added that Batrakov needs to improve the game in defense and in pressing.

Here at Galatasaray, he began to tighten up his defensive actions. He needs to add to that. Besides, his previous club did not play such aggressive pressure as we play, the coach said.

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick said before the meeting with Galatasar that Batrakov was an excellent acquisition for the Turkish club. Flick admitted he didn't see a lot of Batrakov's games, "saw the last match where he played well.".

“If you are young and talented, you always dream big. For example, the game at Barcelona, how does Batrakov dream about it, if you said everything correctly, Flick told reporters.

The striker of the Turkish “Galatasaray” Viktor Osimkhen admired the level of Batrakov’s game. “He’s an amazing guy who can help us. Personally, I like him very much as a person, and only then as a footballer. As a player, he's amazing. He has great talent. He reads the game even before he has the ball, Osimchen said on Match TV's "Everyone for the Match!" program.

According to Osimchen, at the first training session, the Russian “just ripped everyone apart,” and “everyone looked at him and was surprised.”.

Galatasaray midfielder Lucas Torreira positively assessed the football qualities of the Russian. As for his playing skills, we need players like that. Batrakov is able to decide the outcome of matches. In attack, he acts well, and in defense he adds, Torreira said.

The former coach of the Russian national team and Lokomotiv Yuri Semin said that the match against Kasimpasha was for Batrakov the best for Galatasaray.

In my opinion, Lesha played his best match for Galatasaray. He played the pass brilliantly, there were almost no losses, made a wonderful serve from the penalty box and created another very dangerous moment. I don't know why they changed it. A good match for him, said Semin Sport-Express.