[THREAD] Koeman's 4-2-3-1 at Barca.
Koeman prefers a 4-2-3-1 formation which have a famous double pivot system. Its one of the most used formations of all time because its very useful in every dept.
So, here's how Koeman sets his team up.
Koeman prefers a 4-2-3-1 formation which have a famous double pivot system. Its one of the most used formations of all time because its very useful in every dept.
So, here's how Koeman sets his team up.
The above picture shows how Koeman starts a game.
With Messi as a false 9 and Coutinho playing a No 10 role, but as the game progress the positions change.
Messi likes to drop deep and Barca end up playing 2 No 10s.
So, here is what it looks like when this happens.
With Messi as a false 9 and Coutinho playing a No 10 role, but as the game progress the positions change.
Messi likes to drop deep and Barca end up playing 2 No 10s.
So, here is what it looks like when this happens.


Now, without a Natural No 9, Barca somewhat lowers their attacking potential as the Zone 14 and 17 lacks a constant threat who players can find. The Dotted Area below have very low presence of any Barca player and it is an area having the most attacking potential.
Now, what can Koeman do?
Having players like Coutinho and Messi draws the opposition centre backs towards them, which opens up space up top for the wingers to make runs into.
It is exactly the area where Fati have scored from. Making runs and finishing off with conviction.
Having players like Coutinho and Messi draws the opposition centre backs towards them, which opens up space up top for the wingers to make runs into.
It is exactly the area where Fati have scored from. Making runs and finishing off with conviction.
Another great idea is to overload the flanks. But, it needs full backs who are fast and active. Alba is, but Barca lacks it on the right side, where Roberto isn't that creative.
Maybe, Dest can that role better.
Also, in attack 4-2-3-1 changes to 2-4-1-3 or 2-4-4.
Maybe, Dest can that role better.
Also, in attack 4-2-3-1 changes to 2-4-1-3 or 2-4-4.
Coutinho shift to the left side acting as a false left winger. With Alba, Couti and Fati on the left, it forces the opposition right back to go for a tackle which in turns open up spaces.
The same can easily happen with Messi shifting to right wing to open up spaces.
The same can easily happen with Messi shifting to right wing to open up spaces.
With that happening, that forces the opposition defense to change their shape and it can be the best time to hurt them.
What about the defence?
Having 2 CDMs gives the freedom to the attackers and the full backs to attack with full potential.
De Jong sits back and Busquets takes a leading role. With an extra guy sitting behind him, this can help Busquets to play more freely and spread passes.
Having 2 CDMs gives the freedom to the attackers and the full backs to attack with full potential.
De Jong sits back and Busquets takes a leading role. With an extra guy sitting behind him, this can help Busquets to play more freely and spread passes.
Transition to defence can be done in a 4-4-1-1 or 4-4-2 formation.
Here is the 4-4-1-1 shape which Barca have to take when they take on a dominant side. The work of the wingers is very important in it and that's the only reason Griezmann can be useful for this team.
Here is the 4-4-1-1 shape which Barca have to take when they take on a dominant side. The work of the wingers is very important in it and that's the only reason Griezmann can be useful for this team.
Here is the 4-4-2 defensive formation where the 2 No 10s make the first defensive line.
Griezmann as a Right Winger isn't working. When he plays, the right wing is almost dead.
TrincĂŁo and Dembele in the last match, brought out the best on the right which will certainly improve with a more attack minded RB like Dest.
TrincĂŁo and Dembele in the last match, brought out the best on the right which will certainly improve with a more attack minded RB like Dest.
Do give your thoughts about the system Koeman is using.
Thanks for Reading.
Also, your feedback whether it's positive or negative will be a great learning step for me.
Thanks for Reading.
Also, your feedback whether it's positive or negative will be a great learning step for me.