Valverde's Barcelona is breaking historic defensive records in the first few matches of the season. The numbers speak for themselves; so far, the team has conceded only 5 times between Liga and Champions League. this is the most defensively solid Barça in decades.
His stint at Barcelona started badly, with Neymar moving to Paris to join PSG as the most expensive transfer ever, thus leaving a massive hole in the team's offense. Then, following that, Barça had a poor showing at the Supercopa, where Real Madrid outplayed them in both matches. The outlook was grim for Valverde.
High pressing and quick transitions make it hard to reach Barça box.
Improvements in both offense and defense were necessary. During pre-season Ernesto tried different formations, like a 4-2-3-1, or playing with Messi as a false 9 while Suarez was out injured. In the end, the emphasis was put on Jordi Alba's dartin runs on the left wing, while giving Messi freedom of movement.
With time, Valverde has managed to win the confidence of the players. As soon as the ball is lost, a quick transition to defense, accompanied by high intensity pressing comes into play to avoid the opponent from playing it calmly from the back. Even Lio Messi partakes in the pressing, something seldom seen in recent years.
Samuel Umtiti has been a steady rock in Barcelona's defense this season.
With Valverde at the helm, The Blaugrana team has only received 5 goals in 15 matches; 1 from Olympiacos in CL, and 4 that came from Getafe, Eibar, Atletico and Sevilla. While the mister's tactics have been important, there is also a player whose hard work has a lot to do with this record, and his name is Samuel Umtiti.
Umtiti joined Barça in the summer of 2016, and since the beginning he's been a rock in the defence. However, this season the improvement is clear; his teammates trust him to be there to stop anything they couldn't from getting to Ter Stegen. The French international has stood out by playing at a very high level.
Speed, strenght and quick reactions are his strong points, but his positioning, prowess in air duels, and even the technical aspects of the game such as passing and dribbling are remarkable. It seems Barcelona has finally found that something that was missing since Carles Puyol retired.
Ter Stegen has always been there when needed this season.
Barça defense starts at the first line, with the forwards and the midfielders high press. The opposition will need precise passing and movements to get past them, and if so were the case, Pique and Umtiti will be waiting. As a last resort, there is Marc-Andre Ter Stegen at goal, whose improvements and form are also commendable.
Whenever the high pressing has failed and Barcelona is unable to quickly recover the ball, the German appears. In the closely fought win gainst Athletic Bilbao he was a savior, keeping the match 0-1 at crucial moments. In the Champions League, not even Juventus were able to faze him.
Ernesto Valverdo is not stuck to a single system, he has undoubtedly improved the defense. Only Pep's last year at Barça comes close to his record. Despite whatever doubts there might be in the way Barcelona's playing, and their dependence on Messi, there is no doubt there has been an improvement. The team is unbeaten in all competitions, however there is still plenty of games to play. Regardless, putting the individualities aside, Barcelona is now a team that works as a unit.
Photo Sources:
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