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3 things we learned: FC Barcelona vs Sevilla 2017/18 La Liga

By Benjamin Barkworth

BARCELONA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 04: Paco Alcacer of FC Barcelona scores their opening goal during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC at Camp Nou stadium on November 4, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 04: Paco Alcacer of FC Barcelona scores their opening goal during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC at Camp Nou stadium on November 4, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Pedro Salado/Action Plus via Getty Images.
Photo by Pedro Salado/Action Plus via Getty Images. /

Formation tweak

Valverde opted for a 4-3-3/4-4-2 hybrid formation in this match. This has been a common setup for Barcelona this season, but his use of personnel is where it differed. He used Alcácer as the right midfielder for the 4-4-2 defensive formation rather than a midfielder. Previously, he has used André Gomes in that role. The game against Athletic Bilbao was an example of this because Barça played with four central midfielders.

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The idea behind the defensive shape is that a 4-4-2 is hard to break down due to the two banks of four. It allows them to limit space between the lines so that they can effectively press the ball by pushing the play towards the wings. This formation isn’t reliant on excessive defensive work from Lionel Messi and Suárez which suits them both. Although, they can counter-press as well as press high up the pitch when needed.

In attack, they switch to the usual 4-3-3 formation. This demands a high work-rate from the third member of the front three with Alcácer being chosen in that role for this match. The injuries to Sergi Roberto and Gomes mean that the amount of players suited to this role is limited. If Valverde does decide to drop Suárez, Alcácer will move across to be the main striker, and Gerard Deulofeu or Denis Suárez are the favourites to fill his role.

They offer something different to having two strikers alongside Messi. Deulofeu is a natural winger which means he excels at stretching the opposition defence through the width he provides. Denis offers a hybrid role between a winger and a central midfielder due to his ability to pass through the lines as well as his crossing ability.