The Turkish attacker’s dream move to the blaugrana hasn’t exactly gone according to plan.
When Arda Turan made his dream move from Atlético Madrid to Barcelona, it was a signal that he was looking for a change in his career. He wasn’t just looking to increase his odds of winning the Champions League. No, he was also looking to change his style of play.
Under Diego Simeone, Arda Turan often played as a left winger in either a 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1. Most of the creative burden fell upon him between 2013 and 2015. But because of the way the aforementioned formations have such a heavy demand on their midfielders, Turan was left with no choice but to track back and defend. So every game he had to create goal scoring opportunities for his teammates as well as defend against the opposition.
And when you play for a coach like Diego Simeone, who’s well-known for his brutal training sessions, your body will only be able to take so much between practice and the games.
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This is something that Arda may have been hinting at when he made the move to Barça. All the years a part of a physical formation under a demanding manager, and even the best start to complain.
So it’s no wonder the style of football Barça play was intriguing to Turan. Their attackers mostly stay close toward the half way line when the opposing team has possession in their former’s half. So the exceptional MSN trio don’t contribute too much defensively (though Suárez loves to harass defenders.) And with Barça’s 4-3-3 formation, there’s so much freedom for attackers to roam. And like Arda, Barça’s wingers love to cut in on their favorite foot. So with less defensive duties required and beautiful attacking football, there’s no wonder why Arda Turan wanted to come to Barcelona.
It looked like a match made in heaven. A technical, creative midfielder with a knack for creating scoring chances, combined with a physical presence and toughness that was sorely lacking at Barcelona.
So why hasn’t it clicked?
Because Turan didn’t fully understand what his role would be. The only players that have “liberated” defensive duties and free roam in the attacking third are Messi, Suárez, and Neymar. And there was no chance that Turan would oust any of those three. If he can’t play his desired role, then where can he play?
Barça had hoped that that position would be CM. Perhaps as an understudy to Iniesta. Or maybe a super sub to give Rakitic some rest. And when Barcelona’s transfer embargo ended, that’s exactly where he was placed. He made his debut in the Copa del Rey Round of 16 vs Barça’s city rival Espanyol playing on the right side of the midfield, and looked at home throughout the entire match. He showed defensive discipline and tremendous effort. Everything seemed like it was going to run perfectly. But something happened, something that completely derailed Arda and any momentum that he was carrying with him.
That obstacle? Having to be a Barça midfielder. It may sound like I’m bashing Arda, saying that he isn’t good enough to play for Barcelona. That’s a sleight to Arda because he is very talented. Nah, I’m not saying that. I’m saying that he isn’t good enough for Barcelona’s midfield.
In order to play in the middle of the park for the blaugrana, there are 3 requirements:
- You must be able to recycle the ball quickly up to the front three on the counter attack. Messi, Suarez, and Neymar are lightning quick on the ball and are exceptional playmakers. If you get the ball to them on the break, there’s a 99.9% chance Barça either score or force the goalkeeper to make a save. So you wanna be quick on your feet and be aware of the front three’s locations when the opposing team loses the ball.
- You MUST be a willing defender. Barcelona always defend with 7, because MSN stay so high up the pitch. If you don’t show discipline and effort, the midfield balance will not be in your favor and you will be utterly decimated and dominated in your own half.
- Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, you have to be able to retain possession. Because of the way Barça play and the skillset their players have, they’re always going to have at least 65-75% of the ball during the match. Possession based teams are highly susceptible to the counter attack. Barcelona are the best in the world at retaining the ball, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that when they do concede, it’s off the counter. And with a backline that plays as high as Barça’s does, keeping hold of the ball is crucial. THIS, ladies and gentlemen, is where Arda suffers.
He seems so careless and lackluster on the ball. Whenever in possession, Arda loses focus. He takes poor first touches, which starts a counter attack. He lets defenders tackle him easily, which starts a counter attack. This leads to him getting closed down too easily, which again starts a counter attack. Do you sense a trend? I sense a trend.
Putting Arda in CM is a poison for Barça. And they know this. It’s evident by bringing back Denis Suárez and signing André Gomes. With those two, along with Rafinha, Sergi Roberto, Iniesta, and Rakitic, there’s no reason for Turan to play in midfield. So once again, it brings around the question I raised earlier. Where can Turan play?
The best place is on the wing. Specifically the left. While he won’t usurp Neymar or Messi, he’s more than adequate enough to provide cover. Here’s why.
Barça’s wingers are basically attacking midfielders. They, along with Suárez, are responsible for creating most of Barcelona’s scoring opportunities. Messi and Neymar love to cut inside the pitch on their preferred foot. With a lesser defensive burden than their teammates, they have free roam in the attacking third to try to find the best way to get the ball in the back of the net. Huh. Creative players. Little defensive responsibility. Free roam. Cutting inside. Sounds like the perfect role for Arda.
However, Arda would have to surrender to the bench. He needs to dwell on whether or not that’s the kind of player he wants to be. You’ll win trophies, but you won’t play as much. It’s a bit of a conundrum for Arda.
(Side note here. As I am writing this, the Brazil-Columbia Olympic soccer match is on. I’ll give you one word describe my emotions during it; horrified. Neymar is getting pummeled. I’m getting so nervous every time he touches the ball cause two seconds after touching it he’s sprawling on the ground. If you wanna another piece of evidence as to why Arda should play on the wing, look no further. Neymar is gonna get injured sometime soon if he keeps getting going to ground like this.)
Barcelona need to smart here. Arda has wonderful talent when deployed in the right position. After signing for an initial €34 million, it’ll be like burning money to waste his skills in midfield. Arda played on the LW during the Joan Gamper Trophy, and he looked more comfortable there then I ever saw him in midfield. Hopefully, that will be the catalyst to bigger and better thing for the Turk.