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Little help from basic visuals... 1st pic: 3v2 in build-up with FDJ joining the CBs and Busi staying central. 2nd pic: Attacking shape seconds before the 1st goal... Messi, Coutinho, Griezmann, Fati narrow to make the back-four compact, allowing space for Alba
@barca_natics
@barca_natics
Preference to attack down the left-flank with 47% of attacks from that side (Highest in the league). A huge contrast from previous season, wherein Barca had used just 34% of attacks for left-flank (Lowest in the league)
A major reason for the same is the overload they had on the left-side with FDJ, Coutinho, Alba and Fati creating a rhombus. Although Coutinho on paper was a 10, he played a major part of the game on the left half-space
Coutinho's heatmap: Nothing like a proper 10 and more like a left-attacking midfielder. Apart from this, Fati providing width, Alba's runs in-behind and FDJ at the bottom of the diamond to recycle possession in times of pressure, made it challenging for Villareal's right wing
https://twitter.com/theonenil/status/1310332093163995136?s=20
Combined touchmap of Messi, Coutinho & Griezmann: A key feature of Koeman's Barca. Directness & verticality to enter the final-third from the middle. The 3 players were central, narrow & often received passes between Villareal's defense & midfield
Combined touchmap of Messi, Coutinho & Griezmann: A key feature of Koeman's Barca. Directness & verticality to enter the final-third from the middle. The 3 players were central, narrow & often received passes between Villareal's defense & midfield
There was also focus on direct vertical play in the final-third with short one-touch passes used to link-up the attackers' narrow positioning. Barca were able to create a good no. of chances via these quick combination plays.
Example 1:
Example 1:
There was also focus on direct vertical play in the final-third with short one-touch passes used to link-up the attackers' narrow positioning. Barca were able to create a good no. of chances via these quick combination plays.
Example 2:
Example 2:
This is another example of quick combination play through the middle with the attackers positioned close to each other at the edge of the area.. This led to the penalty, the 3rd goal of Barca.
Pressing was controlled and only aggressive for a few seconds after losing possession. Passes per Defensive Action (PPDA) of Barca was 14.95 (2nd highest in the league). Again a huge contrast compared to last season wherein Barca had a PPDA of 7.97 (3rd lowest in the league).
Koeman's Barca focused more on retaining their 4-4-2/ 4-4-1-1 shape off the ball. Fati Griezmann helping the full-backs with Coutinho Messi being the first line of pressure. Villareal's defense & GK were almost under no pressure for much of the game, with focus being organization
Pressing on losing possession aimed more at delaying Villareal's counter-attack by cutting off nearby passing options. While Setien's Barca focused on winning the ball back as quickly as possible, Koeman's approach was more passive with defensive shape being the priority
