Ronald Koeman improvising with 19 defences in 33 games

Ronald Koeman improvising with 19 defences in 33 games

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The Barca coach has to keep chopping and changing depending on injuries

Ronald Koeman has spoken about Barcelona’s difficulties in defence recently. The multiple injuries suffered means it’s hard for him to pick a regular back four. Even Frenkie de Jong has had to play there, while reserve left back Junior Firpo has also started at right back.

The numbers show that. In 33 games, Koeman has lined up with 19 different defences. That means the mechanisms at the back aren’t as developed as they might be by this stage, while individual errors still plague the team.

There are two defences that have been used the most this season. Roberto-Pique-Lenglet-Alba and Dest-Araujo-Lenglet-Alba.

If Pique is fit to start against PSG it could mean Koeman goes for his 20th defence. Mingueza, Pique, Lenglet and Alba. If it’s Dest who’s at right back then it would be the second time he goes with Dest, Pique, Lenglet and Alba - the set up that featured in the 3-1 defeat by Real Madrid in the Clasico.

Pique and Mingueza have not played together yet this season so any combination involving them would be a new back four.

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