JAKARTA - When Miralem Pjanic joined Barcelona last summer, he could not have imagined that his role would be so insignificant. Now, for the first time, he had even had two matches without setting his foot on the grass.
The idea when signing the Bosnian from Juventus was that he would play a big role, perhaps taking turns with Sergio Busquets, who is aging and showing signs of exhaustion.
The reality is somewhat different. However, Pjanic played the part of the bench and Busquets was not as swaying as ever.
Ronald Koeman has spent half the season in charge at the Camp Nou. The fact is clear, Pjanic is not the coach's first choice.
Koeman prefers the midfield trio of Busquets, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri. If they continue to perform as the Dutchman hoped for, Pjanic will have to wait even longer to get on the pitch.
This situation certainly does not make a 30 year old player satisfied. He is a very important player wherever he has played, before.
Pjanic certainly hopes he is given the chance to play, at least in the Copa del Rey. However, after his performance was deemed disappointing in the match against Cornella, he was left on the bench.
As a result, Barcelona came from behind to beat Segunda Rayo Vallecano's side on Wednesday night by a score of 2-1. Barca goals scored by Lionel Messi and Frenkie de Jong.
Launching MARCA, Thursday, of the 29 Las Blaugrana matches this season, Pjanic has appeared in 21 matches. But in seven of them he played 15 minutes or less.
Overall, of the minutes available this season, Pjanic has played only 39 percent. And in that time, he failed to score goals or provide assists.
A lack of consistency could also affect Pjanic, as he appears to be getting further, no closer, from where Barcelona need to be.
It remains to be seen what role he will play in the second half of the season, starting on Sunday against Athletic Bilbao, where he can play in the absence of Busquets.
The match against the Supercopa de Espana champions could be a great opportunity to prove his worth. However, if he is not played by Koeman, Pjanic must sound the alarm.
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