Valverde alternated between a 4-4-2 and Barcelona’s traditional 4-3-3 structure during his first season. After the departure of Neymar to PSG, and perhaps not blessed with a vast number of wide attacking options, Valverde used the 4-4-2 to create defensive stability when out of possession. This could also allow star man Lionel Messi to remain in central positions when attacking.

Tactical analysis

Structure

In his team’s early La Liga matches this season, Valverde has seemingly moved back to a 4-3-3 structure, with Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele forming a formidable attacking trio. Sergi Roberto has been briefly moved into a central midfield role, but with the returns of Ivan Rakitic and Philippe Coutinho to full fitness after their prolonged World Cup campaigns, it is expected that he will battle it out with Nelson Semedo for the right-back role.

The rest of Barcelona’s back line picks itself, with Gerard Pique, Samuel Umtiti, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets in front of them offering great defensive quality both as individuals and as a unit.

Further forward, Coutinho has proven an excellent heir to club legend Andres Iniesta in the inside channel. The Brazilian’s skill on the ball in tight areas, and his link-up play with Messi, is a focal point of Barcelona’s central attacks.