Xavi’s Tactical Blueprint: Barcelona’s Best XI to Tackle Upcoming Challenges
As Barcelona gears up for a demanding stretch of fixtures post the international break, Xavi faces the task of optimizing his lineup to navigate through encounters with Rayo Vallecano, Porto, Atletico Madrid, Girona, Antwerp, and Valencia at Mestalla. Here’s a breakdown of Barca’s best eleven poised to take on these formidable opponents:
- Goalkeeper: Ter Stegen
- Defenders: Kounde, Araujo, Inigo, Cancelo
- Midfielders: De Jong, Gavi
- Attacking Midfielders: Gundogan, Pedri, Felix
- Striker: Lewandowski
The return of Frenkie de Jong injects flexibility into Xavi’s formation, enabling a shift to a four-midfielder setup—a strategic move considering the recent struggles of the wingers. Both Gavi and Ilkay Gundogan have proven their mettle in De Jong’s absence, potentially sidelining Oriol Romeu in favor of an all-star midfield trio.
In the attacking third, Joao Felix assumes a pivotal role, operating just behind the prolific Robert Lewandowski. This partnership has previously demonstrated effectiveness, especially when supported by a solid midfield foundation.
The defensive lineup features the most in-form defenders, with Jules Kounde showcasing versatility by excelling on the right. This strategic adjustment capitalizes on Kounde’s strengths and addresses any concerns from his previous performance at center-back.
As Barcelona enters this crucial period, the proposed lineup aligns key players in their optimal positions, offering a promising blend of experience, skill, and form to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.
