Barcelona have the best midfield in Europe and the numbers prove it

Barcelona have undergone a major transformation under Hansi Flick. The team is almost unrecognisable compared to previous campaigns, demonstrating a new style of play and a fresh approach to the game. 

Even with injuries to several key players, Flick has managed to create a strong, well-organised unit capable of competing with Europe’s top clubs.

One of the most significant improvements under Flick’s management is the team’s physicality and their ability to cover vast areas of the pitch. The days of Barcelona being overly reliant on possession-based football seem to be behind them. 

While they have not completely abandoned their signature style, there is now a clear emphasis on pressing and attacking football. The team is more direct, aggressive, and focused on regaining possession quickly after losing the ball.

This shift in playing style is reflected in the performances of some of the team’s key players, particularly Pedri. The young midfielder has become a cornerstone of Barcelona’s new system, showcasing his ability to recover the ball in advanced positions. 

Pedri is now statistically one of the most effective ball recoverers in Europe, particularly in the final third of the pitch.

Pedri is doing more than just being creative

Pedri has played a different role for Barcelona this season. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

To highlight just how significant Pedri’s contribution has been, consider the fact that he currently leads all midfielders in Europe’s top leagues—La Liga, Premier League, Serie A, Bundesliga, and the Champions League—in terms of recoveries made in the opposition’s final third. 

To put things in perspective, he has managed 10 recoveries in 10 games this season, putting him ahead of many other attacking midfielders across Europe. Last season, over the course of 34 games, Pedri made 17 recoveries in the final third of the pitch. 

This season, he is already on…

Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/barcelona-have-the-best-midfield-in-europe-and-the-numbers-prove-it/

Author : Swapnil Bhopatkar

Publish date : 2024-10-05 06:21:27

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