3 Things We Learned: FC Barcelona vs Real Betis 2017/18 La Liga
Barcelona eased to a 2-0 win over Real Betis in a performance which was full of promise.
Return of Messi as a false nine
Ernesto Valverde decided to play Lionel Messi in the central striker role in the absence of Luis Suárez. However, this was similar to how Pep Guardiola used him rather than anything conventional. The idea behind this was to use Messi to link up play between the midfield and the other forwards.
His ability to pick up the ball inbetween the lines provides the opposition with a major problem. Either the midfield drops deeper to compress the space or the defence advances to do the same. Otherwise, Messi can use the space to unlock the opposition with a key pass or take on a shot himself.
Betis opted to fill up the central area of the final third with a three-man midfield in front of the backline in order to deprive Messi space on the edge of the opposition box where he thrives. They were relatively successful at this because every Barcelona player was crowded when entering this area. Although, the Argentinian was able to unleash multiple shots from this area.
Both goals came from wide areas, though, because the crowding of the centre opened up space on the wings. Gerard Deulofeu was found by Messi on the right side of the box, and he fired a ball back across which was deflected in by a defender. A few minutes later, Deulofeu dispossessed a defender and found Sergi Roberto with a cut back who promptly scored.
This was an interesting use of Messi by Valverde, and it got the best out of the team for this match. It will be interesting to see whether he continues to do this in the games which Suárez is injured for.