As shown in a previous post, the high positioning of the central midfielders was the main tactical change in this start of the season.
Due to its novelty, it was clear that Valverde was going to tweak the system until finding the correct balance.
Midfield adjustments :
As soon as Busquets, Arthur and De Jong (expected to be the main midfield trio) started together (a 5-2 win at Camp Nou against Valencia), we already noticed some changes.
Mainly, a higher degree of freedom was given to Arthur and De Jong. Both were allowed to drop deep next to Busquets when necessary, and also to switch their positions (see images below).
More precisely, they alternated a high (between the opponent’s lines) and deep (next to Busquets) positioning.
Yellow : dropping deep to start the build-up.
Green : their main position on the pitch.
Purple : ball touches after switching their positions.
Ball circulation was more fluid and Barça was able to maintain ball possession in the opponent’s half.
The more they play together, the more their understanding and complementarity will improve.
The next adjustment in midfield :
Based on what we’ve seen so far, it seems that Valverde plans to use Messi as (fake) right winger and Frenkie as right central midfielder.
In this case, the right CM has a very specific work to do : adapting to and complementing Messi’s moves. Aka “the Rakitic job“.
Frenkie as right CM would make more sense if Dembélé or Griezmann are on the right wing. So unless Messi is played as false 9, Frenkie’s role and positioning might soon have to change.
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