When Barca was at their best they would dominate possession. It was about passing the ball with a purpose, knowing when to pass the ball, where to pass the ball in order to create open spaces. Eventually the opponent would be tired and slip up.
It’s the Barca way, making the opponent chase shadows.
The issue today is first and foremost signing players that doesn’t fit the system, as Messi said: “the truth is that there has been no clear project here for a long time, they juggle and plug holes with no real plan.”
You can say that football has evolved which is true, but that doesn’t mean that you throw your whole identity away. I can’t recognize Barca today. It’s all about moments of brilliance, depending on Messi when it gets tough.