Barcelona: Maurizio Sarri-Gonzalo Higuaín = Ernesto Valverde-Ivan Rakitić?

Coach-player dynamics are very interesting, and Barcelona are not exempt

The basic tactical setup of every Barcelona head coach has been a team game. Despite revolving around Lionel Messi, the side has always depended on the understanding between the first-team players to produce results. But the manager-player dynamic has also been very influential.

For example, Leo Messi is the player he is today because of his relationship with Pep Guardiola. Although it isn’t hard to get the best out of the best player in the world, Guardiola moulded him into an unstoppable force capable of finishing as well as creating chances.

While the same cannot be said for the dynamic between Ivan Rakitić and Ernesto Valverde, it can come close. The relationship between Rakitić and Valverde bears striking resemblance to that between Maurizio Sarri and Gonzalo Higuaín, with the duo now reunited at Chelsea.

Before Sarri had taken over as Napoli manager, Higuaín had scored 53 goals and provided 23 assists in 103 appearances in all competitions for the Partenopei. But in the sole season he spent under Rafa Benítez’s successor, he scored 38 goals and provided 3 assists in 42 appearances.

To say the least, Maurizio Sarri made him the best centre-forward in the world. Higuaín’s approach to the game changed, and he became infinitely more effective in the final third. His link-up play with Napoli wingers Lorenzo Insigne and Dries Mertens was a feast for the eyes.

Higuaín left Napoli to join Juventus, but has now signed for Chelsea on loan from the Old Lady after a failed loan spell at AC Milan after being pushed out due to the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo. The change in his game is clear, from hesitant striker to a confident one.

At Stamford Bridge, he has already set the ground running. In his debut, the 31-year old Argentina international scored a brace, and followed it up with a brilliant performance against Manchester City. One of the most successful manager-player duos in recent history is officially back.

But the working relationship between Ivan Rakitić and Ernesto Valverde might be even better. The Croatian World Cup finalist became one of the best midfielders in the world in his very first season under Valverde after struggling to perform in Luis Enrique’s last season in charge.

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Last season, Rakitić was the second-best player for Barça, only next to Lionel Messi. His composure on the ball was unmatched, and his ability to retain possession at all cost developed further. Rakitić did everything, from stopping counter-attacks to initiating counter-attacks.

He overshadowed even club legend Sergio Busquets with his performances. This season, Rakitić has maintained his form. The 30-year old playmaker has been one of the most regular starters, and has filled in for Busquets on several occasions, always excelling.

Somehow, Valverde knows how to get the best out of Rakitić. While Luis Enrique failed to use the workhorse properly in his last season, Valverde turned him into a well-oiled machine ready to take on any challenge at any time. His understanding of the game showed his brilliance.

While parallels can be drawn between the relationships of Sarri and Higuaín, and Valverde and Rakitić. But both partnerships could be broken up in the upcoming summer, with Rakitić set to depart and Higuaín returning to his Juventus after his loan ends.

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Hopefully, nothing of that sort happens and these two delightful coach-player combinations can survive for as long as possible.