JamieWatching the Barcelona Villareal game midweek i drew some conclusions that Pep was essentially playing without a defence and focusing on getting as many players within the half way line and 18 yard box as possible. The possession of 75% illustartes the point that Pep is revolutionising the game where everyone essentially becomes one big mideifeld unit who's focuses is extreme ball retention. Within the central area of the pitch all positions were interchangeable between players. For instance Messi swapping with Fabregas and thus dominating the game from deep. Villareal became to occupied with Messi and this allowed Thiago the most freedom in midfield and the 1st goal was a result of this. The way in which Barcelona completely dominated the game against champions league opposition was simply astonishing Villareal didn't know how to deal with Barcelona in the centre of the pitch due to the constant interchanging of positions. Busquets was essentially playing as a advanced sweeper due to his great ball distribution and on occasions swapping with Keita to make ball retention even better. The lack of effort Barcelona had to put in is what struck me most it was as almost as if the were just resting on the ball the full game and barely broke sweat, yet they effortlessly, patiently, dissected Villareal. When out of possession it was almost impossible for Villareal to gain any sort of foothold in the game due to the number of Barcelona players in their half which forced them to hit aimless long balls. Is Pep revoltionising the game where your team essentially becomes one midfield unit. By the way the only team that can achieve this is Barcelona due to there amazing technical ability and sense of attacking positioning and the interchangeable fluid off the ball movement with fast, incisive short passing. What also stood out for me is the extent to which Messi completely dominated the game.

31.08.2011

maybesAmazing. Great piece.

31.08.2011