Another advantage of Pedri as right interior is that he also serves as a balance to Dembele, when we have Gavi there it feels more chaotic, but when he has Pedri near it gives more control to that right side, more pausa, and less turnovers.

As a consistent watcher of this team for over 20+ years.. I have to say that watching this team has me excited again. I go into every game now with calmness believing we will win. Such a massive turnaround from the Koeman years when every game was a toss up. Also I think its amazing that Busquets was the youngster in the previous dynasty and now he's the man ushering the new generation. 15 years in the starting lineup, no major injuries, always there controlling the midfield in good times and bad. One of the clubs best ever servants imo.

Pedri is the guy we didn’t deserve but needed.

With one of the greatest midfielders as a coach of all time, the future looks so promising for this midfield.

I love how you used chaos for Gavi. It's funny yet so fitting. The dude is mental. With that tongue in cheek innocent face. He's so intense. Every game is a fight for his family's honour. Love it though because we need one Spartan in the team. Pedri is basically Don Andres 2.0 with Xavi's ball control. The close control he has is beautiful. He builds, he creates, he scores. A mixture of midfielder and forward. I would even say he has that Messi-esque thing. Just 1% maybe but mere mortals with 1% of Messi is already something else. Hence Mastermind. De Jong finally found his position in our colours. He is a mixture of a CM and CDM, leaning a bit more to the latter. And with another CDM, our midfield is complete. We have all the needed qualities for a world class midfield. Is it a surprise our midfield got 3x better with one of the GOATs of midfield as the coach? It's not coincidence if you ask me. But honestly, we have a great starting eleven now. Balde is crucial to our right flank. Araujo and Christensen are solid and New Hair MATS? Ze Wall ov Berlin is back! And Kounde is just as good for defense and attack. Dembele is still Dembele. When he has a good game, it's almost magic. Unfortunately he's still a little bit inconsistent. Hopefully I'll be wrong about that. Lewandowski. That's it. You know the name. Now imagine if Raphina, Kessie, Eric Garcia finds their best form. We would be one of Europe's best. Visca Barça. Afters years of crippling depression watching us play, we're slowly climbing back up. One little step at a time. Leo....come on. Come back and have one last dance. I wanna see you drunk surrounded by these young kids and your teammates. Imagine the grand party if he does come back. A man can dream.

I cant explain how much, as a diehard Barcelona and in general Football fan, I love these videos. They represent what Football discussions and knowledge should be all about. Keep up the good work and expect me in further videos down here :)

We as fans really have seen 2 best mid field combos. Xavi , Iniesta, busquets. Kroos,Modric , casemiro In both most football fans think busquets and casemiro were either carried or were the weakest link and now we see them leaving or going to leave very soon and realise what they were providing was so vital to make these trio to function and one of the hardest to replace. That's somewhat a Beauty of this CDM position that might be the least glamorous but one of the most vital and hardest shoes to fill. When they both leave their respective clubs they will be among the least celebrated but also the most missed player's of our generation.

There’s no way this video was 24 minutes… felt like 4. 😩 This set up seems very competitive, n I’m looking forward to seeing the players nestle in. Great times ahead!

Now that busquets i almost done, we are starting to realize his importance in modern Barcelona's era. There's no replacement of Busi...

Now I see why Xavi doesn't see Jong as a Bous successor. We do need a dm and I feel we either develop Nico or sign Zubimendi

In the right interior, I think Pablo Torre will excel because he's both footed and can receive in the pockets a lot

Gavi is so chaotic man I love it. And pedri is just pure class. While de jong is the perfect balance between these two gems.

Thank you for great analysis! Like many other Barca fans this shiny new "4 man midfield" composition has me so excited for our future, so I was eagerly awaiting this video. For Pedri, I feel like if anyone could maximize the difficult and vague right interior role, it'd be him. Recently he's been scoring a lot more - Betis (though disallowed), Madrid, and Getafe - and presents himself as another threat in the box when build up comes from the left. Like you said, the left draws so much attention and presence that when counterattacks happen, it's helpful to have someone with good instincts be there to be a goal threat. Also, you mentioned in a video a while back that you'd like to a do a full in-depth analysis of Pedri himself, and I was wondering if that's still something possible. I really love your analyses and Pedri's one of my favorite players, so I'd love you hear your thoughts on him in particular, if there's a certain team composition that suits him best or what distinguishes him from other young midfielders people often compare him to.

Pedri absolutely helps us immensely in the advanced role, more than any other midfielder we have. But it's sad to let go of all the amazing long passes we saw from him in his DLP role earlier in the season. The midfield situation is such that Pedri is better than FdJ in both the tempo setting role and the advanced playmaker role, so we need to be careful with the deployments. Mostly, who plays which role will be situational, based on the opponent's tactics we can switch around, and obv there are in-game rotations as well

When we consider all the qualities you mentioned, I really wanna see Kimmich in that role. There are not many players who can fit right in, honestly. Even "the destroyer" Casemiro is not so comfortable on the ball comparing to Busquest. Thats why, Real used to have Kroos playing as a deep ball playing midfielder next to Casemiro. Ngolo Kante will become a free agent but i am not sure if he will be the right choice concerning his injury records.

I really hope Kessie gets some time in the new system with the double pivot. Rest Busquets here and there as I feel like Kessie deserves the chance to show what he's got

When the fullback pushes up and the left winger comes inside and the midfielder comes deep, it creates a triangle making it easy to pass between each other when getting pressed by the opposition. It sees like it's a feature of luis enrque's spain team

Great stuff mate! A nice in depth analysis of the current set-up. All of the players suit their present roles really well. Having the defenders fit especially Kounde and Araujo with their smarts, physicality and speed as part of their defensive prowess has really allowed us to press more aggressively and helped snuff out counters. I'd like to shout our Andreas Christensen... guy has quietly been class. The new system also gets the best out of FdJ while having a lot more mobile bodies around Busi. Mats recovering his best form also adds an air of calm and assurance. Moving forward I'd like to see the club go for a modern Destroyer type DMF that primarily focuses on being a defensive blackhole, simultaneously giving FDJ more of the "technical" duties of the pivot. Barca has to realize that while Busquets has been the perfect pivot his profile is legitimately generational.... seems like it would be wiser to get that stay at home ball winner who covers ground, plugs holes and allows others to do stuff that gets the plaudits majority of times as that profile is arguably easier to get. I can't wait to see the final iteration of Barca. Xavi is slowly figuring out how to optimize what he currently has while working towards his completed vision of Barca.

Xavi wanted to get Bernardo Silva, and I do really think it was to do the Busquets role. They're such unique players that always guarantee you getting out of the pressing because of the great sense of space. Bernardo lacks some physical strength, but the stamina on him is just mad. And he's a chameleon, does any of the roles that you mentioned and more. It would be great, as well, since Bernardo hasn't been getting the minutes that he needs as a central midfielder and wants to play for Barça and Xavi. I'd say that he's one of the most underrated midfielders of this gen, or else he wouldn't be Guardiola's fav. :) Btw, go watch the Bernardo's highlights of Man City vs. Real Madrid 4-3 for champions, just brilliant. 🎩

Wow one of the best videos I've seen from you. Hearing some of the progress we've made and listening to you talk about the future actually gave me chills. The future's so bright. We just have to capitalize on the potential. Great analysis as always.

Absolutely great analyisis! I think the future will depend how Xavi sees football without Busquets. With De Jong, Pedri and Gavi, all being very talented and technical players, i think Barca should go for more of a Casemiro styled CDM, the one who could be a more of a Destroyer, who could learn with time to play passes like the brazilian did for RM. I'm not a fan of Parejo or Zubimendi signings because while they are very busquets-like, they have the same negatives that he has, being rather physically weak, not very athletic and not that reliable on pure defending.

Great analysis. I hope Xavi trusts Nico as much as he does Balde, in terms of replacing Busquets. However this system of play won't be very good for Ansu Fati. I do think playing De Jong, Gavi and Pedri as midfield trio can work though.

Nico just wasn’t given the chance, but if he was given the chance like Balde was I think Busquets would have already been on the bench alongside Alba… He’s just so physically fitting for that role and his body movement I feel allows him to be even more destructive in that pivot role. Yes maybe his line breaking passes aren’t there, YET, but his movement off the ball in a defensive position makes up for that plus he has de Jong to add support as a free man! Please Xavi 🙏🏽 Bring Nico back we need him next season!

Yea I think we might need Nico back in the summer to let him learn how to play the pivot position. Then we can say we have a midfield for the future.

As always, spot on! Would be so much fun to see Bernardo Silva in that “Right Interior” role. Probably the most press resistant player, a bit more chaotic than the likes of Pedri, but being left footed he would add a new range of threats and movements to the role

Guys am i the only one itching for a pure left winger like Neymar? Alba's work was simpler. This new system shows Xavi's quality as a manager. Its also amazing how you break it down for us making it easy to understand. Bernardo Silva was meant to be the right interior. It seems anyone in that role always suffers especially with 3 mids. Hopefully we get him this summer. I like that people understand now why Frenkie doesn't just replace Busquets. One way or another, Barcelona will find its way to the top.

I honestly really want to see Raphinha in the right interior role with Dembele outside on the right wing. I feel that Raphinha isn't the best at taking on a defender or crossing from the touchline, but he is GREAT at those lofted/looping through balls to teammates making the runs in behind. Maybe it wouldn't work, but it would be great to at least try, maybe against a lesser opponent.

Messi in this formation would be phenomenal. If he played where Lewandoski does, he would give so many more options for Xavi.

With this new midfield version, I feel like it will increase the number of good options on the market for the pivot role. The requirements are less now. An athletic elite ball winner will be fine... Which is why I like the fact that they tried to sign Amrabat

I think Busquets should continue for another 1-2 years (perhaps take the Modric route) & we find another experienced DM who would participate against high intensity oppositions. 4-4-2 | 4-2-2-2 really works for barcelona! Gives us more intensity, dominance over the ball, kinda like Arg in WC! The Classico 3-1 game was pure bliss.

Super video as always!!!!!! I would love to hear your take on Barca's lack of ability to finish a game. Also to your video, I feel Raphina would be great as the right interior if we have a good rb that can make good overlapping runs. Also, if we get an elite LW, the dynamic will change also.

Oh my gosh! I loved it and it's really interesting to watch this and get this amount of information haha!! Let's say that Barcelona is graced again to sign Lionel Messi; can this be a solution to the right interior position or a downgrade to Pedri's game time? For me, I think a little bit of both because if we had a left-footed midfielder who is offensive-minded, then that would be a solution.

This is really awesome! Genuinely, wanna see nico back and hopefully learns the role. There's more to come from FDJ, that's clear. Barca shouldn't risk selling him.

Very comprehensive and thorough analysis. All the work put into making this video is worth it. The little captions and the arrows and labels... all of it... so worth it. An excellent video! Not even major sporting channels on tv are this thorough. Who was the Spaniard at ManCity Barca were trying to get for the midfield around the time they got feran? Anyways, thanks again for the effort to include every detail

Would love your thoughts on players in world football capable of playing the pivot role in this system post-Busquets

When you titled it the Destroyer even average football Joe like me knew what it was and it clicked with me easily. Barcelona is a tactic birthplace with player turned coach/manager bringing something new. Only Xavi could bring this new evolution to his own time on the pitch, how successful it will be remains to be seen.

Amazing video with great points, I wanted to play football manager after watching it... I believe after shifting to this formation and style of play, Barca have finally shifted from playing a structured 4-3-3 where each have their positional role and very dependent on individual plays, to where we are now where it is clear that each player understands what to do as a team as explained in the video. Biggest issue for Xavi to solve now, you placed a midfielder on the wing and Dembele is very comfortable in that position, what are you gona do to all the others on the bench? there is no way you can maintain this dominant control of the game with these subs, the only sub you can make is to bring Kessie in for Frankie but only when you need a ball winning midfielder, other than that if you sub any other player with any other player you'll immediately lose control of the match as we have seen on sooo many occasions.

My God sir you've done it again!! Another excellent video and breakdown of our formation and tactics. This is what football is about and I love your in-depth analysis of it all. Looking forward to seeing how we grow as a team and of course to watch your videos explaining it all!!

This is the best tactical explanation of our midfield I have seen..Keep up the good work and expecting more from you.👏👏

It makes sense why Xavi tried hard to get Bernardo Silva, perfect fit for the “Right Interior” role 10/10 video 👏🏻

Finally a video explaining how awesome Bussie is, his multiple roles and how you need a higher understanding to even know what he's doing. Bussie is rated with negative marking as in his rating will mostly be based on the mistakes he makes.

I also think Balde’s improvement attack wise, (final ball decision making) will improve Barca a lot

They are truly starting to feel like FC Barcelona again, a dominant, competive, scary team to face who are rock solid defensively too for once, if only they had this backline in the UCL & some good referees

Cant we try Eric Garcia for the pivot role? With time, i think he might fit the role

One of busquets' skill is excellent press breaker... please add that...he's one of my favorite and under appreciated players of all time. His Simple passes and feints break so many many lines.

Very good video 👍🤝! Btw I find another disadvantage that it won’t work without Lewandowski (a goal machine) upfront. I don’t see anyone in the team capable of getting 20+ goals and that worries me a lot. Every great team Barca had, they had more than one top scorer. I see the attack very weak and I would love to hear your opinion on changing Balde by a LW like Fati/Ferran or even getting someone like Kvara. The defense is very strong specially playing with 3 world class CBs. What do you think about this?

wow this is one of the most well composed video about current barca midfield tactics. I am a bit skeptical about Nico in his capability overall but what a video you made!

Amazing video my friend!!!! For me Sofyan Amrabat from Fiorentina would've been a perfect destroyer, seems like we can't sign him on deadline day and he's leaving to a Premier League club. Other players like Ibrahim Sangaré of PSV, Koné of Mönchengladbach are also interesting players that could fill the 'Destroyer' role in the future!

You forgot to mention that Xavi used this exact same midfield one year ago against Atleti (4-1 at Camp Nou), we witnessed one of the best games with the new Xavi team. Then Xavi did not trust De Jong to play alongside Busquets. I guess he did not trust his abilities to control the tempo, and he was probably right. Thus Pedri played alongside Busquets and the RCM position is more suited to Gavi, for his ability to repeat runs in the half space to support the winger. Moreover the front 3 (Dembélé-Auba-Ferran) was performing well, until Ferran was burnt out in April-May 2022, but Xavi did not choose to replace him. Then this season Xavi tried and insisted too much on front 3 with either Dembélé or Raphinhia as a LW, which was a mistake since none of them is suited for this position. That's why we were playing with a midfield 3 and De Jong mostly on the bench. Now with the emergence of Baldé, this 4 midfield system makes more sense, as the youngster is a more complete full back, able to perform in the whole wing. While Alba has good runs, crosses etc but is limited : does not have the abilities to dribble 1vs1 carry the ball, defend 1vs1... The challenge for this system is going to be the rotations, as we are playing 2 games a week. I hope Kessié and Roberto will step up to give some rests to these 4. As well as Ansu and Ferran to give more options to Xavi against low blocks.

I hope Nico comes back to us with much improvement. It's really is unfortunate with his injury and missed playing time.

Can you please make a video on the "Busquets replacement" topic, would love to get an in depth analysis on zubimendi and some other options.

Just here to say, what a video man. 💪 shoutout to you. Three edits, info, dissecting to perfection these tactics. You’re insane

Really good video 👏👏👏 I love people who understand barça football and can explain it simpler to others. Barça is gonna be the best team in the world soon ❤️💙

What do you think of occasionally playing Raphinha in Balde's place? Balde seems to be a left wing back--a role which, I believe, Raphinha can occupy, especially with his high work-rates. In case we need to overwhelm the oppositions defense, I believe this switch is much needed.

Dejong - pedri - gavi and Pablo torre . Imagine these midfield with a little bit of experience. Also with rumors of zubimendi and Florian wirtz it will be great midfield.

In the game against La Real in Copa del Ray, I sensed more fluidity with Gavi and Pedri exchanging positions. Perhaps it will be an interesting experiment to see if such elements of chaos can solve the problems you pointed out towards the end of the video.

Just a wishful thinking, Neymar could have been amazing in that left sided inside forward role.

Although Barca are scoring good goals on big games recently, how important do you think it is for our midfielders to learn how to shoot, especially outside the box?

I'm loving this barca team at the moment and learned a lot from your analysis. Thank you! But looking at the games, it raises one question for me. What is the rol for the central striker (Lewandovsky). Is he oly there to occupy the defenders and draw spaces?

Could that destroyer role suit Kessié? It's something I'd love to see him try at some point this season

If we want to continue with this formation, we could buy a defensive midfielder. However, to solve also economic problems we could sell ads Jong and buy someone like Ameabat who could be a fantastic fit.

I think Edson Alvarez (Ajax), would be a great player for Barça as a pivot. I think he matches the required skillset perfectly. The guy is tough, and impeccable defending against aerial balls. If you don’t believe me, there’s a channel, Mexico comps, that has videos sorely focused on him for every game he plays.

I'm curious to know what you think about Nico vs Eric Garcia in that pivot role. Eric's at his best when he's on the ball and he reads position, but he's not as physical of a presence as our other CB's. As much as Zubimendi sounds like a great investment, i'm not sure barca can splash that kind of cash in the summer. That being said i'd prefer to see Nico tried in that position in the preseason. Also, Pedri should make that right interior role his own. One key difference between him and Iniesta is that Iniesta was confident enough to make those forward runs and be a lethal threat. Funny enough Gavi is the only midfielder to have this kind of forward run impulse, though that may be just because he's so aggressive. I think if Pedri were to play some of those forward runs more it would alleviate the need of a player like Gavi to score 15+ goals and instead create a combined effort from the two of them, and I get the feeling they'd stack up 25+ a season. Also, do you think Raphinha, Fati, and Ferran all have contention for a place on this team at this point? They all seem to have their own particular advantages but Raphinha is the only of these three who I see as having a bigger role in the team at the moment given the lack of confidence and form from the other two. As always love your video's! You make the tactical breakdown of the game something I anticipate as much as the games themselves. Keep up the good work!

Do you think it’s possible that Barca can prioritize their fullback transfer strategy to allow the team to play with a right side overload left side isolation and shift Dembele on the left? Gavi would still be able to cut in on his right foot but Pedri would become more involved. Would that be more beneficial to the dynamics of our midfield square going forward?

Perfectly said about Busquet. Although I want Pedri to better fitted at left and IF Messi comes I think he can occupy Right interior role which will give huge advantage on that side!

I think Gavi in the left side as a inside winger is successful mainly because of balde🔥 who is keeping the width just like Xavi's philosophy.

I just wish we had a better way to utilize Fati. He seems to be holding back cuz he's scared of getting injured again. Maybe move him as box to box finisher like Haaland or Lewy since he still has his creative instinct and his finishing touch? I dream the day when we can have a La Masia majority again :)

I think that we will get Carrasco. He suits the left side position a lot, he is great offensively but also defensively. I also think that we will go for Asensio and play him as a right interior or inside forward because he is left-footed and we need a left foot. Originally we would have gone for bernardo silva but that's a dream.

I think kessie could try take over Sergio's role.. seeing that he is there already.. chemistry is more important with such a role.. trying to get someone new will take time to try get it right.. Sergio can give kessie some advice etc...

For fans that know a lot about La Masia, is there any young player that has a similar skillset or qualities to Busquets? I don't particularly like relying on the transfer window to find a "replacement" when we have one of the best youth academies.

I have always been a proponent of this kind of 4:3:3/3:4:3 set-up for the kind of players Barca has at the moment. However, I think we'd do better if Frankie is the pivot, Pedri as the controller, Gavi as the inside forward and raphinha on the right. Frankie has support from Pedri to smell out dangers and Raphinha gives us options on the right like doubling with Dembele against the fullback, or turning inside onto his favourite left foot for varied crosses or curled shots. Raphinha also has defensive attributes that come in handy once ball is lost.

Nahhh you’re the goat man. Amazing video. Amazing analysis. I knew this was going to be great but it blew me out of the water! Great job

In my opinion, Nico is way better positionally than FDJ in the pivot role, but the problem is that he’s even more passive defensively. For me the best suit would be a Palinha, Sangaré or Amrabat type of player. I also would like to watch this system with a left-footer center back, Christensen could be limited on the build up at times Love your videos ❤

After watching I am convinced that Zubimendi would be the best replacement for Busi, cause Zubimendi is m more defence that attacking and we already have 3 middle-fielder who can drive forward consistently.

we need to love dejong more he is a midfielder of one in a million he does it all,plays for the badge,complete,

Alan Varela can really place his name on the table- Excellent passer of the ball Good Control is better physically than Busquets and can find progressive passes

Everytime i see a picture of Araujo,pedri or gavi i cannot help but smile. Witnessing the likes of Coutinho, rakitic (late stage) and marlon(?!) Start in UCL to this is a glow up like no other.

Finding Busquets replacement will be difficult but the natural replacement is Nicolas González. Stinks for him that he just got injured. Ibrahim Sangare is my first choice replacement at the moment.

Next to De Jong, I feel like Ter Stegen has blossomed again the most I have yet to find a video on his transformation - apart from his hair - that was last year & this year

Control, mastermind, chaos this 100% accurate for these 3 young midfielders🔥🔥

I'm surprised that it has taken Xavi so long to get here. We saw how effective we were last season offensively with a front line of Alba, Ferran/Fati/Gavi, Auba, Pedri, Dembele. A back line of Eric, Araujo, Alves. With Busi and Frenkie in behind. We just basically upgraded this season with the back 4 in terms of athleticism and consistency. Upgraded Auba. Everything else is roughly the same.

Amazing analysis well done. You've got a new subscriber 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

i dont think the one that occupies half space are inside forwards. i like it as Mezzala or half-wingers. commonly using their superb ball control, decision making and creativity to play 8 on more advances position but a little bit wide while coordinate with the wide man.

Gavi is not "chaos", he's not a wild monkey. He is intensity and pressure

Amazing breakdown, thanks for painting the picture and make it clear for casual fans.

Man, this content is amazing. This is my 3rd watch of the week Keep the good work up Really awesome

What would you think about Sofyan Amrabat in that pivot role left by Busquets. A natural ball winner and destroyer.

I think Nico GOnzalez is the readymade option, cuz he played as CDM in the academy, or we should go for a destroyer Casemiro style player

Please make a video about Barca's transfers, discussing the potential players that could fit into this system

I now understand Arsenals recent signings since their system is somewhat similar to Xavis

im agree with your opinion. i think xavi need to give nico more minutes when he come back, he's been good in some game dispite his lack of consistency.

I'd love to see your analysis of Arsenal this season, and Mikel Artetas formula

This system is quite smart considering Busi is old and doesn't cover the same ground he used to, and Barca have no World class RB. So a 3 CB system is best.

I wish my team had the PR these guys have no matter how they perform...

Busquets has been very important to barca for years and now that his age has affected his footballing prowess, we can really see how much it has impact barca’s game 😢

This really got me thinking, and I have two questions about it. What do you guys think about: 1. How reliant is this system on having a generational striker like Lewa? It feels like sacrificing a winger for a very young Left Inside Forward puts more pressure on Lewa to get involved both in buildup and with goal contributions. His importance to this team really cannot be understated and he'll be as hard to replace as Busqets next season or whenever he leaves/declines. 2. Would you say Odegaard this season works as a very good example of an Right Interior? His role this season is not identical to Pedri's but not disimilar either. Really good video!

Great content as always. Thank you!!!

Loved every minute of that video man keep up the great content❤️💙

My thought on who to play as the inside forward and who to play as the right interior? Rotation. I think Pedri and Gavi can play both roles, and while Gavi is limited a bit more as the right interior, they can always swap within the same match, or Xavi can dictate which plays where based on the strengths and weaknesses of the opponent. Frenkie is clearly only adept at the controller position. Pedri can play all 3. Gavi can play inside forward and right interior fairly well, he also has had some bright moments as the controller but just hasn't played there quite as much.

I wait for your videos...such nicely explained 🖤