Ernesto Valverde’s FC Barcelona

Ernesto Valverde’s FC Barcelona

Ernesto Valverde

The great thing about Valverde’s Barcelona is that they have arguably one of the meanest defenses in Europe. Led by the imperious & unshakable young star Umtiti and reinforced by Pique, Semedo, Sergi Roberto (would rather prefer him in the mid field), Alba & Vermaelen they have actually not conceded much. Add to that, an outstanding Ter Stegen - a Goalkeeper who guards his goal post like a Tiger on the prowl; Scoring against Barca has become an arduous task. Rakitic, Busquets, Vidal, Iniesta & Paulinho also have helped in the defense commendably this season. A flawless Busquets and combative Rakitic as the holding midfielders have contributed immensely to the team’s solidity.

That’s totally unlike the Barcelona of the past decade.

Valverde’s team have surpassed all expectations. They are not the classy Barca filled with shining stars who play like a dream (would give anything to have them back). On the contrary they are a bunch of resilient fighters who refuse to give in. Whenever they are on the brink, they have always found a way to fight back. Everyone sticks to their task and are more disciplined. They have become a stronger unit that wants to prove a point to their own fans and to those who wrote them off at the start of this season and they have done it admirably so far.

Due to the brilliance of Messi & Iniesta and their awesome understanding - the problem in the midfield have not actually affected them much. Similarly the misfiring forwards have been a huge concern. But someone or the other seem to step up at the right time & come good for them. There is a lot of determination and cooperation with very less egos to satisfy.

Finally - there is one relentless, little guy who seem to be darting upfront, floating in the flanks, orchestrating the mid field, at times hovering in the defense, shooting & hitting the woodwork, scoring goals, creating chances through immaculate passes and literally make it look like magic (I am out of breath just writing - cant imagine how Leo manages all that so consistently ). Messi provides this team with the inspiration and strength to never give up.

And that’s what makes Valverde’s transitional Barcelona very very interesting.

Image Credits - Google Images