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Thread analysing Barca's current tactical system.
A humble attempt to understand the game plans employed in the 4-2-3-1(also insights from Pep's 4-2-3-1) by analyzing the past games and maybe predict what the coaches will do considering the current situation.
A humble attempt to understand the game plans employed in the 4-2-3-1(also insights from Pep's 4-2-3-1) by analyzing the past games and maybe predict what the coaches will do considering the current situation.
The recent City vs Liverpool game was an amazing display of tactical battle where Pep exploited Klopp's 4-4-2 structure (even though the match was tight). Pep started the game with 4-3-3 but found it difficult to build from the back with Salah and Firmino pressing the CBs.
Then he switched to Juanma Lillo's(his assistant and mentor) favourite 4-2-3-1 formation and could easily bypass the frontline pressure as it opened multiple outlets. City ended up creating more chances but a failure to convert it especially the penalty cost them 2 points.
Similarly, the 4-2-3-1 gives Barca a lot of options in the build-up depending on opponents' shape:
1. The CBs move sideways and use the pivots
2. One of the pivots moves among the CBs to make a 3 atb
3. A fullback drops deep to make 3 atb
1. The CBs move sideways and use the pivots
2. One of the pivots moves among the CBs to make a 3 atb
3. A fullback drops deep to make 3 atb
4. Use Griezmann's ability to play with his back to goal
5. Stegen finds one of the fullbacks free and lobs over the pressers to him.
GK's distribution and ability to hold the ball under pressure is key to make this work. This why MATS' return from injury is very important.
5. Stegen finds one of the fullbacks free and lobs over the pressers to him.
GK's distribution and ability to hold the ball under pressure is key to make this work. This why MATS' return from injury is very important.
The 3rd point is why Roberto is often getting playing time. His positional play and ability to play in midfield mean he can play as an inverted fullback and also drop as 3rb CB to make buildup easier.
OTOH, Alba's skills and connection with Messi makes him suitable for playing the role of auxiliary winger to provide width and overload the left side. This explains the consistent pattern of attacks through the left side. Stats says 40% of Barca's attack is through the left.
The credit also goes to Pedri for his incredible positioning, versatility and work-rate to make this possible. He has shown maturity for his age to convince Koeman that he should be the first choice for this role. Still wowed that he was not born when I was watching my first WC.
In this setup, only one fullback overlaps usually and this makes it a little more predictable. After forcing the opposition to that side. Then Barca can easily progress with Pedri or switch the play to other side using Dembele/Roberto.
A combination of 2 of Alba/Dest/Konrad on the wings can make this more unpredictable. Firpo would have been a good option if he improves playing under pressure or defensively good in a back four.
Almost like every team who play high backline(eg Man City, Bayern) Barca too faces the problem of the highline getting exploited by pace. hat's where the goalkeepers sweeping skills coming to play. Though Stegen's competent in this area, this is an area he has to improve further.
All in all the 4-2-3-1 has its merits and demerits:
Merits include the attackers getting to play in their best positions possible ie Messi gets to play behind a striker without sacrificing width and the faster transition from defence to attack.
Merits include the attackers getting to play in their best positions possible ie Messi gets to play behind a striker without sacrificing width and the faster transition from defence to attack.
Demerits include collective problems in defensive transition and less control in midfield owing to playing with just 2. This setup would work better with a box-box pressing machine MF with reliable passing. This is one reason why Koeman wanted Wijnaldum besides familiarity.
Although I think there might be other alternatives. I fancy Torreira, Ndidi and host of Ligue 1/Serie A players like Toussart which could make for another post on its own. IMO Selling Vidal didn't make sense sporting wise (maybe his passing skills under pressure?)
One of the other reasons why the current 4-2-3-1 is not as successful as expected so far could be because of the team has to play together in this setup for a long time for the movements to sync and then for it becomes instinct.
Sometimes the 4-2-4 in attack with Messi-Griezzou in the middle is reminiscent of Laudrup-Bakero duo under Cruijff. Not the first time. He played De Jong in defence similar to his own Libero role under Cruijff, although it was forced by circumstances.
Some players are not stepping up to the expectations too. Lenglet's out of form. Also, Araujo returning from injury will help a lot. Koeman might even test out Arnau Comas. The lack of depth is a problem. Fati's knee injury and long layoff present Koeman with challenges.
..which means Koeman has to test out somethings. As every disadvantage has advantages this gives opportunities. This brings opportunities to the #Americans- #Konrad and #Dest!
Koeman is trying different things, But it remains to be seen how successful it'd be as the season goes. There is also a considerable possibility that Koeman will switch to a complete 3 atb setup(most likely a 3-1-4-2).
