Xavi finds a way
The changes made after the Clásico defeat have worked and Barça have played the two most promising games of the season.
Barça has recovered from the blow of Inter and the defeat of the Clásico with two domestic routs: against Villarreal they scored three goals in eight minutes; against Athletic they got three in ten minutes, goals which have put him back on the right track. And the reaction has gone beyond the results. Barça have signed off two of the most convincing games of the season, restoring them back to what they were and, above all, giving credit to Xavi, who has hit the right buttons and has found a way.
Xavi’s reinvention of the eleven
Against Villarreal, Xavi finally forgot about having two pure wingers, Raphinha and Dembélé - two of the same playing card - and switched to playing with wingers much more suited to link-up play. Barça avoided the kamikaze that had condemned them against Inter at the Camp Nou. Ansu and Ferran, in addition to making it 3-0, were much happier to participate in the link-up play, which also allowed for the full-backs to bomb forward.
Alba set up Lewandowski’s 1-0 goal. Against Athletic, Xavi continued with the transformation of the team with a line-up in which he finally brought together four midfielders, making room for all of Busquets, De Jong, Gavi and Pedri.
Basically, Barça went with a 4-2-3-1 (with Busquets and De Jong as a double-pivot) on the pitch with the midfielders dominating the match; the full-backs (Balde and Sergi Roberto) getting up and down the pitch and a single pure winger. It was an asymmetrical system that recalled the famous days when Guardiola played with Busquets, Keita, Xavi and Iniesta in midfield; this also rewarded Dembélé more, who forgot about his usual craziness and the absurd mistakes to become once and for all a player who was ruthless when called upon.
Individuals making their mark
In addition to the tactical adjustments and Xavi’s marksman Lewandowski, Koundé and De Jong have been fundamental. The Frenchman, who was badly missed in the two games against Inter, has since led the defence. His game is impressive in every aspect: he is very quick to correct any mistakes, he is good in the air and brilliant in build up, he has upped the level of the entire defense.
The Dutchman, who played two brilliant games against Villarreal and Athletic, has filled the midfield with energy, and given Pedri a much needed partner. Finally, with De Jong, Barça has gone back to being the owner of the ball and not only in the possession sense: physically, De Jong is a standout player when he is fit. His carries with the ball are spectacular. Sergi Roberto, Balde, Eric and Pedri have all improved around Koundé and De Jong. Lewandowski, with three goals in the last two games, eats at his own table at the Camp Nou, where he has become an idol.
The Champions League will no longer return as Barcelona are practically eliminated. But many would consider it time well spent if the team and its coach finally find a way. The Barça we have seen over the last two games has finally found an identity in which it recognises itself. They have 28 points in La Liga, the team’s highest total at this point in the last five seasons (11 more than last year) allows the club to regain some hope. Nobody is going to go into party mode just now, but there is beginning to be something growing in the team whose coach has now shown promise in optimising the resources he has.