Could Valverde be tempted to return Barcelona to 4-4-2?
The team have suffered in defence since switching to a front three
"We cannot concede in every game." Lionel Messi's word. The Barcelona captain was firmed than ever after the latest setback, this time against Athletic. Barça have leaked five goals in their last three games, which has reopened the debate over the formation: will Ernesto Valverde bring back the 4-4-2 which was so consistent in his first season? Who would come off worst if there was a change of system?
At this stage of the season last year, Barça has seven more points. They had 21 from a possible 21, having conceded just two goals, six less than the current campaign. They had also scored more: 23 in comparison to 18 now. The problem is, as Messi said, it's taking very little for teams to score against them. "We are aware of that," he said. "We have to improve."
A lot has been said about Valverde's tactical preferences since he signed for Barça. There wasn't much time for debate, given Dembele's injury forced him into a 4-4-2 with Messi and Suarez in attack. Paulinho earned his place in the side and the results came from there. Without going further, Juventus, who hammered Luis Enrique's side in Turin, were unable to beat Ter Stegen in 180 minutes.
A lot of the changes happened over the summer this year. The exit of Paulinho and Dembele's return to form led Valverde to restore the 4-3-3. The French winger's performances and the winning start looked to signal the end of the 4-4-2. But a tough week has led to debate. Are Barça to fragile with 4-3-3?
Messi feels better in a trident. Neymar previously and Dembele now have the ability to unbalance defences and that leaves more space for the Argentine. In contrast, the midfield suffers. Busquets has to cover more ground and Rakitic has more demanding work to do in defence, where he has to cover Messi's flank. And you can add in to all of that a clearly attacking player: Philippe Coutinho.
With three forwards, the team can be broken more. That could be seen in the second half at Anoeta, when Ter Stegen kept Barça in the game. Although moving to 4-4-2 would see the depth reduced. It could cut the space for Jordi Alba on the left. His connection with Messi is important.
A return to 4-4-2 has another handicap: Arturo Vidal is not Paulinho. The Brazilian was never the 'stopper' some thought but he came in good form and provided performances immediately. The Chilean, meanwhile, still seems to be adapting. Using Sergi Roberto in the middle and Nelson Semedo at right-back is an alternative, although the Portuguese has not convinced. As for Arthur, there's no news yet...
In any case, the game against Tottenham arrives with an asterix. Pochettino's side press at Wembley, they're a physical team and they need three points after losing to Inter. Therefore, the chances of Valverde strengthening the midfield are big.
