The Dutch international made his much awaited return to first team duties for La Blaugrana in the final match of the 2011/12 La Liga season against Real Betis.
The recently concluded 2011/12 Spanish Primera Division has been rough on http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604. Injury problems have marred the Catalan outfit throughout the course of the season which culminated in their inability to defend their domestic crown.
With Pep Guardiola leaving at the end of the season and Tito Vilanova taking his place from the next term, the Camp Nou-based outfit have signs of good things to come in the future.
The final match of the season saw http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Carles-Puyol-c8331 continue to fight against injuries.
Pep Guardiola was in awe of the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Netherlands-c753 international who has not had taste of first team minutes since suffering from a knee injury in September.
The 41-year-old head coach stated that he was content with Afellay’s performance and revealed that his 58th minute substation was a tactical change he had to do with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Dani-Alves-c9869 earning his marching orders earlier in the match.
Continuing on the subject at hand, Guardiola added that the return of the former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ukraine-c3032.
"He played very well. He participated, he had a chance to score and he didn’t lose any balls. With [http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Dani-c9867] Alves’ red card, I preferred to sub him out to avoid fatigue," Guardiola noted.
"Anyway, it’s good news for the Dutch national team and for the future."
Guardiola was also pleased with the output by http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Seydou-Keita-c33177 and admitted that he has had lesser time on the pitch than he would have liked. He praised the versatility of the Malian international and revealed that he holds him as an important first team member.
"He probably deserves more. He’s a very important player. He gives us things that other midfielders don’t have. I’m pleased with his game."
The match at the Benito Villamarin ended in a 2-2 stalemate, with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ricardo-Costa-c30980 Marin scoring the two goals for the home side.
Tags: