Is 3-5-2 the solution to Barcelona’s issues?

Leganes exposed some major defensive issues for Barcelona in their 2-1 win at the Butarque.

Ernesto Valverde has a major headache to solve ahead of a tough run of games for Barcelona. Against Leganes, they were flat offensively and leaky defensively, which is a dangerous combination. In other matches, they haven’t had these offensive issues, but teams have been able to cause problems such as Girona and Real Sociedad. Seven goals conceded in six games isn’t sustainable form for a team aiming to win the league.

The switch to 4-3-3 was supposed to bring balance to the team after they had been in a slightly more rigid 4-4-2 structure last season. It was an effective system, but some sections of the fanbase believed it was boring to watch and went against Barcelona principles even though it brought results. However, the structural problems haven’t gone away with the 4-3-3. If anything, they have been compounded by it. Personnel issues such as individual mistakes also have to be taken into account.

Making tactical tweaks is the best way to solve these issue, with a formation change most likely. A 3-5-2 is a potential solution because of the width it provides defensively due to the additional centre-back. Space in wide areas has been the main problem for Barcelona as teams have been able to use this to successfully transition.

Jordi Alba and Nelson Semedo/Sergi Roberto would have less defensive responsibilities as wing-backs, so they could play high up the pitch. This would suit Alba due to his runs from deep, which are a key attacking tool.

It would also mean the three-man midfield stays the same or Philippe Coutinho could have a more advanced role with a double pivot behind. Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez would have little defensive responsibility similar to a 4-4-2. Ousmane Dembele and Malcom would be the big losers in this set-up because there is no clear place for them. They could replace Alba if he is fatigued or unavailable, but it would be far from ideal due to the amount of defensive work required.

Samuel Umtiti would be best used as the central centre-back due to how good he is at winning the ball back with intelligent interceptions as well as slowing down counters and his confidence on the ball. It would also mean that Gerard Pique’s lack of pace wouldn’t be exposed as much because there would be Clement Lenglet or Thomas Vermaelen acting as cover as well as Umtiti. The lack of another right-footed centre-back means Pique, unfortunately, can’t be used in the centre, otherwise, it would be perfect because it utilises his passing ability and aerial prowess with less reliance on his pace.

In possession, Umtiti could essentially come forward into the centre of midfield with Coutinho fluidly moving into an advanced position. This would also have the benefit of Busquets moving closer to Messi on the right which is a pivotal passing combination. Clement Lenglet is back for the Athletic Bilbao clash after his one-game suspension, so Valverde can play this formation while also giving Pique a break.

The main issue is the reliance on the wing-backs for width and whether the attackers can avoid becoming crowded in central areas. Coutinho could potentially shift to the left when he moves into the central attacking areas in order to accommodate for Messi. It’s also key that the Brazilian transitions effectively with the team when they move into their defensive shape because they need that third midfielder to close off the central areas. It would certainly be an interesting tactical shift.

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4-2-3-1 is another option due to how it accommodates the four forwards in the same system, although that comes at the expense of balance. This is a high risk, high reward system because the firepower on display can blow away teams, but it is dependent on their individual quality to make up for the lack of defensive solidity. It’s unrealistic for big games, but it could be an option for matches against smaller teams, although Alba and Semedo have to start, to ensure the centre-backs aren’t exposed too much, due to their powers of recovery.

The simplistic option is to keep the 4-3-3 and make minor changes mostly related to personnel. Semedo has to be used as the full-back because Roberto still seems unsure of his responsibilities such as runners for crosses as well which areas to cover in relation to the centre-backs. The 26-year-old is best used in his old position as a midfielder such as providing cover for Ivan Rakitic.

Coutinho can no longer be reliably used as a midfielder due to the risks he takes with the ball while also unbalancing the team. Therefore, he has to be part of the front three and slot into the left midfield role defensively. It’s key that eight players are actively part of a 4-4-2 defensive shape to deny clear weaknesses for the opposition to exploit. The counter-press has to be enacted effectively in order to cut off the long ball and ensure possession is regained or the opposition are forced backwards.

Arturo Vidal and Arthur Melo are the main options to take Coutinho’s spot in midfield. They offer varying skillsets that come in handy against different opponents. The Chilean is more of an enforcer such as Paulinho was last season so he is more direct offensively and excels at breaking up opposition play. He would also be useful against teams that attempt to be physical and play direct by utilising high balls. Arthur takes care of the ball so Barcelona could defend with possession while also having greater control of games.

Messi, Malcom, Dembele, Coutinho, Suarez would all have to be rotated as well as Munir to a lesser extent in the forward positions if the 4-3-3 is to be balanced. This would provide healthy competition for places as well as excellent options on the bench, although it wouldn’t be good value for money. The 3-5-2 presents an innovative change, but time constraints in terms of training may force Valverde to opt for minor tweaks to the 4-3-3.