Xavi’s 3-4-3 | New tactics of FC Barcelona?

I think Xavi may have a surprise prepared for this season with a 3-4-3 that would improve many FC Barcelona players, in a formation that he has already been testing since his arrival and that was important during his time at Al-Sadd, although there he did it in a wider shape and in Barcelona it would be with a diamond.

If we start by analyzing the defensive line, it’s clear that playing without fullbacks is a perfect plan for Xavi’s squad. Alejandro Balde with a lot of freedom playing high up, being the false winger of the team, being a fullback out of possession.And as right center back, Araújo or Koundé can make that role work perfectly without having to join the attack but with the same jobs as Balde when it comes to defending.

In the middle of the field is where Xavi’s puzzle has to fit. The signing of Oriol Romeu is an indication that the position of defensive midfielder may be reserved for him, with Frenkie de Jong and Pedri playing more advanced and Gündoğan being the tip of the diamond. Gavi, who has played during the second part of the season as a 4th midfielder placed on the left, could also adapt to this system without any problem, in the position that Pedri occupies or even as an attacking midfielder. And if Barcelona signed another player in the middle of the pitch, like Bernardo Silva or Lo Celso, this system with an accumulation of players in the central channel would favor them, placing this player in the position of Frenkie, with the Dutchman as a defensive midfielder, being an aggressive shape but if Barcelona is capable of dominating with the ball, it can be interesting against opponents defending in a low block, adding very talented players to open up the defence.

In the forwards, Barcelona would be left with only 2 positions, having problems playing footballers like Raphinha, Ansu Fati or Ferrán Torres, in a line in which makes sense to have only 2 players in the starting 11 due to the lack of performance of several of these players last season.

In the defensive phase, the team would become a 4-4-2 that with the absence of Busquets, will have to find the defensive balance to continue being one of the teams that receives the fewest goals, in what has been Barcelona’s main strength.

It will be interesting to watch the first games of the pre-season to see how Xavi builds the team and what are the specific roles in the different phases of the game, on his way to create a team that can compete again in the Champions League.