Barcelona v Real Sociedad : Tactical thoughts
Formations
Sociedad : 4-3-3 /4-2-3-1 hybrid
Barcelona : 4-3-3/4-2-4 hybrid

Real Sociedad in the first half was set up to execute a conservative pressing system of 4-1-4-1,which helped Barcelona's cause.

Barca attack according to position of the ball :
Left - Griezmann[AG7] tucked in centrally along with FDJ, while Messi & Brathwaite paired with Dest & Alba on the flanks. Pedri acted as the hub for offense while Busquets dropped in between CBs.

Right - AG7 acted wide with Dest while Frenkie[FDJ] & Brathwaite remained centrally upfront and Alba providing width on left. Messi acted as the hub with pedri occupying the left and right half spaces according to spaces in Sociedad defense.

This one here is a perfect example of the type of plays developed on the right. Since AG7 is more of an inside forward there was emphasis on intricate plays on this side. Pedri was the motion generator while Messi acted as the creative pivot.

Couple of one touch passes gets Pedri into left half space and he plays in Brathwaite who gets in behind the space between CB and LB. But misses the shot 1v1 with the keeper.

Reinventing roles :

Given the lack of wide options following the injuries to Fati & Dembele and Trincao finding it tough to compete for a first team spot, Koeman had to reinvent certain aspects of his system with more emphasis on interplay than directness.

First we shall discuss the roles of Messi and AG7 they seemed to have found the right partnership in terms of positioning with both switching roles accordingly.
1. AG7 central & Messi on the Left half space
2. Messi central & AG7 on LW
(Messi deep while AG7 is further forward)

Now the innovative advanced role of FDJ seems to have somewhat covered the shortcomings of a stretch forward by sharing the burden with Brathwaite & AG7.
1.AG7 & FDJ occupies centre-Brathwaite on wings
2.Brathwaite & FDJ occupies centre-AG7 on wings

The second goal was an example of how this system intends to function. A role "False 8"-one which was previously handled by the likes of Iniesta but to a much toned down extend than this very instance. Pedri's & AG7's positioning confused the defensive line which freed up FDJ.

Soceidad's Narrow defensive block :
Real Sociedad was too narrow in their defensive block and allowed acres of space for Alba & Brathwaite to operate.

Here Messi takes it alone and gives a far post cross which ends up with AG7(again too narrow).

A loose pass into centrally placed Pedri is turned into a chance for Alba by the deftest of touches. And he curves it into the top corner.

Again the same narrow defense causes problems for Sociedad. Messi plays the Diagonal to Brathwaite which is a direct trigger for Alba to overlap with the defense to narrow. The weight on the pass is too much for Alba to put in an effective cross but still ends up with AG7.

As AG7 drops deep the additional defensive coverage also follows, triggering Dest for an overlap. As the ball is played AG7 continues his run into the box taking the whole attention of dropping midfield, while Pedri arrives late to latch onto the cross.

Compacting space & Releasing wide :

There was a recurring problem with the team trying too much centrally in other games, the trend continued vs Soceidad but the tempo of possesion was high and the switches were faster.

Compacting space through intricate central plays & Releasing width thereafter but Alba with ignorance & Messi cross parried away. Pedri showcases huge composure to release Alba who dishes out a perfect low cross & AG7 fluffs his lines with a stinker off a shot.

The part of Alba's game that gets fans frustrated even on his good days are these narrow minded plays just like the initial phase above where hd misses the outright 2 best options available & gives a cross field ball to Messi.

We will focus on some defensive aspects that was noticeable after the substitutions in second half.

Pedri's versatility :
The positional versatility of this 17yr old kid is exceptional from the magical perfomance at the left wing in Turin to a masterpiece in CAM & CDM in a single match vs Soceidad.

Positional awareness
Game reading & Rotations
1.Initially in his double pivot position(Alena came on as CAM) & Araujo pushes forward marking Jose
2. Reads that play has advanced beyond Araujo's recovery time, slots in as CB.
3.Bursts his lungs off & puts in a tackle.

Oscar's first rusty touch of the match & it sends Isak 1v1 with GK but Pedri lung busting recovery and lunging tackle to save 2 points and the face of the defense was truly remarkable.
A young little kid with a truly 'GIGANTIC HEART'.

A Proactive CB pairing :
Introduction of Oscar to the lineup bestowed some much needed proactive nature to the backline.
They stood tall in most of the challenges posed by Real Soceidad even when we ceased possesion and sat back after 2nd half subs.
1.Mingueza
2.Araujo

The goal conceded via the set piece was more of a great execution than a defensive lapse. But the team has to work on holding the offside line better in these set plays.

Finally, encouraging to see Araujo being vocal and calling out defensive assignments and reminding people of their duties we lack these kind of players really on the field.

The fact seeing Messi was involved more in setting the teams morale than in the offense was encouraging from a overall viewpoint.
Hope these are just the signs of what to come.

End of thread.
RTs & likes much appreciated
And please share your thoughts in the comments.