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Report: Maxwell entered his second season with FC Barcelona as a back up at left-back. The player of choice was Eric Abidal who had a spectacular season and didn't allow anyone to take playing time away from him. So, Maxwell had to make due with Copa del Rey appearances and spot starts when Abidal took a rare night off.
The Brazilian's playing time skyrocketed when Carles Puyol injured his knee and was forced to the sidelines as Abidal made a move to the center of defense. Even more playing time became available when Abidal was diagnosed with tumor. At first, Maxwell was somewhat lucky as Adriano Correia was having a tough time adjusting to Barcelona's fast flowing game, because that meant the former would get more playing time. As the season went on Adriano improved and Maxwell started losing minutes.
Then Adriano was forced to the recovery room with a thigh injury and his compatriot tried to seize the opportunity to lock the position down. It didn't go as Maxwell planed as in the game following the one in which Adriano injured himself Maxwell picked up a groin strain. The strain shelved him for three weeks and when he returned he was he good, streaky self.
All in all it was a typical season for Maxwell. Around forty games played with good and bad games mixed in, which confirmed his biggest flaw: inconsistency. Maxwell has plenty of talent, but he only brings it on the pitch around every other game.
Moment of the season: Despite making 41 appearances in the season Maxwell didn't have many moments to remember. He did, however, score his first goal for Barcelona. It came in the first leg in the Round of 32 stage of the Copa del Rey against AD Ceuta. Maxwell played a one-two with Bojan Krkić and beat Nauzet González from a bad angle. Barcelona went on to win the game by the score of 0-2.
AD Ceuta 0-1 FC Barcelona (26.10.2010) Goal Maxwell HD 720p (via adix2503)
Stats:
| Appearances | 41 |
| Games started | 31 |
| Started on the bench | 19 |
| Substitute in | 10 |
| Substitute out | 6 |
| Minutes played | 3001 |
| Goals scored | 1 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Shots | 13 |
| Shots on goal | 4 |
| Fouls committed | 13 |
| Fouls suffered | 13 |
| Yellow cards | 2 |
| Red cards | 0 |
Record with Maxwell in the starting lineup: 23-4-4
2011/12 Outlook: Where Maxwell will play next season is still somewhat of an enigma. He has a contract with Barcelona for three more seasons, but Barca are willing to sell the full-back if the price is right. If Maxwell does return he will be left with little playing time as he is third on the depth chart at left back. He will have to become more consistent to succeed at Barcelona.
Next up: Gabriel Milito
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