Sergino Dest credits the new Barcelona system for bringing out the best in him, after becoming the first American to score two goals in La Liga in Sunday’s 6-1 victory over Real Sociedad.
Dest, 20, scored the second and third goals in Barça’s victory over 18 league unbeaten streak, four points behind leaders Atlético de Madrid.
The United States international, along with left-back Jordi Alba, has benefited from a more offensive role in recent weeks after coach Ronald Koeman’s decision to switch to a three-goal defense and use full-backs.
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“This system is very good for me and it is going well for the team,” Dest told Barça TV. “I have more space and I’m more involved. I am very comfortable, playing almost as a sideline, and it is very easy for me to play in this team.
“I am very happy. It is incredible to win 6-1 against a great opponent. I am also happy to score two goals and help the team. It was the first time I scored in La Liga and the feeling is very good. “
Jozy Altidore and Yunus Musah are the only other Americans who have scored in the Spanish top flight.
Dest joined Barça from Ajax for an initial fee of € 20 million at the start of the campaign and started well, impressing in the Classic defeat to Real Madrid and scoring in the Champions League against Dynamo Kiev.
However, an injury problem earlier in the year put him off for several games and subsequently shook his confidence. However, he has returned to the team in recent weeks, responding to Koeman’s call for him to focus more.
In total, he has made 35 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring three goals.
Lionel Messi also scored twice against La Real breaking Xavi Hernandez’s record for appearances for Barça, playing his 768th game for the club. There were also goals for Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele.
“[The performance was] without a doubt the best birthday present I could have received, “said Koeman, who was one of three members of Barça’s traveling party that celebrated birthdays on Sunday.
“I am also very happy for Griezmann and [Jordi] Alba, who also has a birthday today and both played very well. Scoring six goals against Real Sociedad is incredible. “
With 10 games to go, Barça are four points behind Atlético, although the difference could have fallen to two if Jan Oblak had not saved a late penalty in Diego Simeone’s team’s 1-0 win over Alavés on Sunday.
“There is a long way to go in the [title race]”Koeman added.” Nothing will be decided yet, but we show that we will fight until the end.
“Atlético are strong, but against Alavés we saw how difficult each game is – not only for Atlético, but also for us. And for Real Madrid, who are also fighting there. It will be an exciting end to the season. “