Barcelona to use Wembley formula at Mestalla
Valverde set to continue with side that vanquished Tottenham in the Champions League
Barcelona enjoyed their visit to Wembley in the week thanks to a new exhibition from Lionel Messi, a stadium they have had great success at since 1992.
They beat Tottenham 4-2 there in their best performance of the season, in which the Argentine No 10 shone.
Barcelona were at a great level with the exception of a couple of defensive mistakes. They may be fixed when Sergi Roberto and Samuel Umtiti get over their respective injuries.
Perhaps the most remarkable of Valverde’s adjustments was the incorporation of Arthur Melo into the midfield.
It’s evident that he needs time to adapt to European football but he changed the tactical set-up of Barca and their image. They were a more compact team, better ready to attack and defend.
His capacity to link up with team-mates and keep the ball at his feet helps Barcelona to execute their attacking play.
Rakitic and Busquets were the first beneficiaries of the pure midfielder, who knows when to run with the ball and when to circulate it. Coutinho also benefitted.
Barcelona are likely to take this formula forward to use at Mestalla on Sunday against Valencia.
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