Xavi Hernández

[FinBarcelonafan]

Seems to be that these managers need to accept the fact that you're gonna lose the ball more often, and be stronger without the ball in defensive transition. That's the key issue. Yeah, another player might make more passing errors than Busi, but he's also going to be better in defense when you do end up losing the ball.

The problem is you're gonna automatically lose the ball vs a team like City, Liverpool, Bayern. And once that happens, Busi is a terrible DM. I very much doubt you're gonna boss teams like 2011 Barca to justify using Busi there.

So true and that's what kills us vs great teams and Busi is not as press resistant vs them.

 

[Gnidrologist]

I mean Xavi himself got this job because of nepotism.

That's different. He has been a mastermind on the field for Barca in its best run in history. Obviously he has a pull, especially from likes of Laporta, who was at the center of that golden age. It's a gamble, but justified one, when it comes to inviting him as a coach. Pep was actually more of a gamble as he was nowhere near as influential as a player in his time. That's NOT nepotism. Nepotism is, when you put your family members, close friends and tribesman in key positions regardless of their ability.

I think a lot of coaches are so awestruck with Busi in possession that they don't like benching him. Must be those smooth turns and the press resistance.

Unfortunately, they just see him as the permanent pinnacle of the DM position in their ideal system of play.

Agree in the later point as both Spain and Barca are so adamant on their "style" of play. Disagree on press resistance. He has deteriorated heavily in this aspect and also not as good of a passer in recent years. He's defensive abilities weren't great even in his hay days, but now he's completely impotent as a defensive mid. Only the "quarterback" shit.

It's true but have you seen Spain play without Busi? They look clueless. Maybe too reliant on him? Especially in offense.

I remember seeing Spain couple of matches with Rodri as a main mid man and they looked great. Rodri isn't as 'nuanced' in his turns and sudden between the line passing, but he's all around better player with youth, pace and physique that Busi simple doesn't have anymore. I'd feel much safer for Spain NT with Rodri than with Busquets. Remember the Croatia game. Spain should have lost it, if not for missed chances by croats, unlikely wonder goal by Morata and a bit sneaky shit they pulled off with the drinking pause. Everything croats created made through the center, where Busquets was supposed to help defense. He was absent as usual.

 

[FinBarcelonafan]

True. Rodri is more of a modern day player than Busi. Busi lacks every physical skill needed for top level play but he can look elegant on the ball.

Rodri gives you way more defensive stability which Spain and Barca lacks. We have lost many games to a poor defense.

 

[Gnidrologist]

It's especially typical with both Barca and Spain, when we go 1:0 up and try to tikitaka our way till the end. We concede goals, because we are vulnerable defensively. Why? Because of the gaping hole in the middle. Of course, with center backs like Araujo, Kounde and Kristiensen we might mitigate that. :hope:

 

[Kul_z]

Just two weeks boys until official games start. War machine ready

 

[vegitot]

Just preseason but i still don't see any combination from midfield.

 

[jamrock]

Midfield is a joke.

Fix it.

 

[FinBarcelonafan]

Just preseason but i still don't see any combination from midfield.

It's a mess. Total mess. Agree.

But that's one part I am confident Xavi will fix.

 

[vegitot]

It's a mess. Total mess. Agree.

But that's one part I am confident Xavi will fix.

It should be the first thing Xavi do something. Not the last thing.

 

[FinBarcelonafan]

It should be the first thing Xavi do something. Not the last thing.

He hasn't found the right combinations for the midfield yet.

Offense is set with Raphinha-Lewa-Dembele

Defense: Alba-Kounde-Araujo-Roberto/Dest

Midfield is a mess.

Maybe the best solution is three centerbacks and four midfielders.. it's tough to only choose three midfielders.

 

[Catta]

Midfield looked better in the short time Pedri was on the pitch. Would love to see him alongside Frenkie and Kessie.

 

[vegitot]

Midfield looked better in the short time Pedri was on the pitch. Would love to see him alongside Frenkie and Kessie.

The connection between them is still very limited. No triangle passing, for example. Xavi is the GOAT midfielder for this but so far (including last season), this is almost non existent.

 

[Devils]

Xavi got a killer squad and has to do something good this season.

If we go trophyless this year, it might be the end for Xavi.

Then it would be time for Mikel STARteta

 

[xXKonan]

The way he has the Midfield setup is not good enough at the moment and it's something that has got to be fixed.

No combinations, too far apart, lack of creativity, and we are getting cut through far too easily. Gives me 2014/15 Vibes in the first half of that season where the Midfield under Lucho was far too open and spread out and we relied too much on individual brilliance up front to win games.

 

[Barcilliant]

Xavi got a killer squad and has to do something good this season.

If we go trophyless this year, it might be the end for Xavi.

Then it would be time for Mikel STARteta

It MIGHT be the end? It should be the end. Considering the mount and quality of players we've brought in it's la Liga or bust.
The midfield is a mess despite all the good players. Busquets should be nowhere near the first 11.