Óscar Mingueza has been labeled Ronald Koeman’s “sacrifice” after being hauled off at halftime in FC Barcelona’s two big meetings lately. Against both Dynamo Kiev in the UEFA Champions League and against Real Madrid in La Liga, Mingueza was subbed off at halftime as Koeman looked to reconfigure.
The defender broke into the first team last season and was a key piece for Koeman, at one point playing in 22 consecutive matches. However, he has had trouble completing 90 minutes this season, despite starting in big matches. He has only played the full ninenty once thus far.