culetorontoThis lineup doesn't feature any true forwards who will lead the line. Rather, Iniesta Messi and Alexis are all exellent at playing between the lines. Iniesta will likely to come inside to play closer to his natural AM position while Alexis will look to drop deep to influence the midfield. Alves will provide width on the right hand side, but width on the left could be a problem. however, this lineup will offer maximum ball possession and could work against team who are looking to press and disrupt the passing game.
17.08.2011
ZolaSo what you are saying is Pedro and Villa will be dropped and Iniesta will be moved out of his optimal position for Fabregas and Sanchez. Highly unlikely I say. A frequent rotation with keeping their already proven formation is more possible.
If they ever try a 3 men defence, that will be at the expense of Alves.
17.08.2011
JimmyGuitaristNot a chance. Fabregas will be on the bench if Xavi's fit. Iniesta will stay in the same position, and Villa will stay wide. They'll chop-and-change ith Pedro and Alexis in my opinion.
17.08.2011
paadfootIf Guardiola changes his system, I bet it would look more like this
17.08.2011
ThiagoFSR83I think the middle 3 could be: Busquets, Xavi, Fábregas. And, in front, Iniesta, Messi, Villa. Very likely to Spain in South Africa's World Cup Final, with Busquets, Fábregas, Xavi, Iniesta. The system should change, from 433 to 4231
17.08.2011
mojojojo101The problem that I see with the original formation in this post is that there is no direct goal threat which is provided by Pedro and Villa.
With Iniesta and Sanchez in wide positions as well as Messi up the top itwill create a situation where only one player in the team (Alves) would be trying to get in behind the defence.
This would create a situation where Barca are able to even more easily hold the ball but are too dependant on moments of individual brilliance to actually put the ball in the back of the net.
18.08.2011
culetoronto This will work well against team who look to bring maximum pressure to barca's backline. I'm pretty sure Bielsa's Bilbao will press Barca, along with Espanyol, Valencia and Villarreal. When Barca is struggling against the press, Pedro and Villa generally look to stay wide and beat the high offside trap, which could mean they are isolated on the flank for long periods and are only involved in the game when Messi and Iniesta find space between the line.
a front three of Iniesta, Alexis and Messi means there are four players (adding fabregas from midfield) who are absolutely devastating when given space between the line, Defenders who are playing a high line won't be able to cope with that much creativity and movement.
18.08.2011
