Personal Input

Having watched numerous matches played by Barcelona in the past, I came up with couple general observations about the team and its play.

1. Passing
• One of the most obvious features of Barcelona's game.
• Averages around 650 completed passes per match, significantly higher than that of the other competing European clubs.
• One touch passing is very fluent - the players' awareness of each other's movement allow the team to display one touch football at its best
• Xavi plays in the center, and acts as the conducter, facilitating the passing game.
2. Empty Half
• Through the passing game, Barcelona is able to retain possession better than any other team, allowing the entire team to play in the opponent's half throughout the majority of the match.
• Even the defenders play a role in the build-up process
3. Various Attack Routes
• With the retaining of the possession, Barcelona creates many different kinds of opportunities to score.
• Some examples are:
1. Messi receiving the ball wide, coming in - shoots himself or use the space created on the wing to provide a through ball for a cross
2. Through the middle - not only during breaks, but during steady build-up, Barcelona's retaining of the possession and one touch football allow the team to create spaces for goal opportunities
3. Overlapping on the Side - Both Dani Alves and Jordi Alba overlapp numerous times during the game, providing numerous opportunities through a cross
4. Roaming
• There is much roaming among the players, which allow the team to play in such a fluid style.
• However, within the roaming play, players form a sub-formation(triangle), which is the key to their passing game.