Barça wants to chain its second consecutive victory in the League. In front they will have Valladolid de Pacheta that has not started well and that starts with the sole objective of salvation for this season. Today's match is one of those games for the azulgrana that can be very favorable but can also be complicated if certain concepts are not executed well. Here my 5 tactical keys for this match.
After Xavi surprised everyone by touching the system against Real Sociedad, Barça have shown that they can be much more versatile this season. The team has so much individual and collective diversity in the squad that surprising the rival should be a common weapon in the approaches. Due to the specific circumstances of today's match (Valladolid plays 4-3-3 and defends in 4-5-1), it is most likely that Xavi will return to 4-3-3 to look for situations of offensive reinforcement with sporadic appearances of the sides.
It will be Jules Koundé's debut in official competition. Interesting to see with which footballer he will complete the axis of the defense and what profile he occupies. On the other hand, it is a game to take advantage of Alejandro Balde's good form. The winger is showing his most mature face, selecting his surprise appearances better and playing comfortably in his own field. Against Real Sociedad, 21 of his 23 passes were good and he assisted Lewandowski in the play for the first goal. In the facet in which he has more problems, defense, he is also positioning himself better. Due to the way Valladolid plays, it can be productive for the team.
Valladolid has played with two different game systems in the two games played so far. Against Villareal it was structured in a 4-1-4-1 and against Sevilla it drew a 4-3-3. But regardless of the tactical organization that Pacheta decides to apply, there is a point where the Valladolid team is clearly vulnerable: the left sector. A band that normally manages Escudero, a side much better attacking than defending. He is very passable in one on one and loses his back frequently. It should be added that the central defenders are not used to helping him too much, so it is a highly recommended area to deepen the attack. In addition, El Yamiq, the starting left central defender, will not be on suspension. Something that gives Valladolid options to come out today in defense of five.
Another of the points that penalized Barça in the match against Rayo was the little weight that the midfield had. Pedri only registered 42 interventions in 72 minutes and Gavi 28 in 60 minutes. Something that, at a conceptual level, the team would have to correct to have much more fluidity in the game. And that happens for several things. In the first place, because the centrals find them more in intermediate zones. Secondly, because Xavi offers a little more flexibility to the support movements of the two. And finally so that the extremes also apply moments of not going for their pair and circulate more freely.
Monchu, the former Barça midfielder, was not a starter against Sevilla but everything indicates that he will be today. And it seems that he will be an important man in Pacheta's plans. He always has a presence in games and is in charge of managing set pieces when he is on the pitch. On the other hand, also highlight Sergi Guardiola. A fast striker and a specialist in creating danger in quick transitions. Against Barça he has always played notable games so the Barça defense will have to be very attentive.
