Where does Malcom fit in at Barcelona?
Barcelona have brought in Malcom as their third signing of the summer.
The Brazilian winger was signed from Bordeaux for €41 million ahead of Roma who were close to finalising the deal prior to Barcelona’s late interest. He excelled in Ligue 1 last season with 12 goals and seven assists. The 21-year-old’s contributions reduced after an excellent start, but he was certainly one of the top players in France over the entire season.
He mainly played on the right-wing as part of a front three in a 4-3-3 formation last season. However, he liked to move inside into central attacking areas due to his stronger left foot. This allowed him to drive at the opposition to make an opening or thread through a pass into a teammate. He also liked to shoot from distance which he did have some success with, but it will be something that he will have to reduce significantly at Barca.
The addition of Malcom to the Barcelona squad gives Ernesto Valverde another attacking option ahead of the new season. This provides him with more tactical flexibility, which is important because of how it gives him the ability to adapt to opponents pre-match and in-game.
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He gives Ousmane Dembele direct competition because they play in the same position. However, they play slightly different roles because the French winger is just as comfortable staying out wide as cutting inside while Malcom prefers to do the latter. Dembele’s ability with both feet means he can also play on the left-wing. Therefore, Valverde could play them either side of Lionel Messi or Luis Suarez in a 4-3-3 formation.
They are most likely going to be competing for the same position, though. The 4-4-2 formation utilised last season is probably going to be used again because it ensures the two wingers aren’t competing with Messi for a starting place. Messi as a false 9 is an option, but it means that Suarez either plays out of position or doesn’t start at all. This could be an option for some matches, but it’s unlikely to be a permanent solution.
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His role is likely to be a rotation option or impact substitute as he adjusts to the club this season. In a 4-4-2 formation, Malcom will basically be playing as the right-winger in a front three during the attacking phase while Philippe Coutinho can move into central areas, so it fluidly changes to a 4-3-3. The young Brazilian will have to adjust to having less space to work in due to most teams setting up in a deep block as well as ensuring he doesn’t drift into the same areas as Messi.