The negatives of Barcelona's switch to a 3-4-3 formation
There are plenty of pros, too, as seen in the wins against Sporting, Celta & PSG
Barça have been able to recover possession of the ball and the PSG win was historic
When many had written off Luis Enrique, the Asturian had a plan. Aware that rivals were beginning to work out his Barça side, the coach made a tactical switch after the 4-0 loss in Paris: 4-3-3 became 3-4-3.
After a slow start against Leganes and Atletico Madrid -- wins but without huge improvements -- the Blaugrana rolled over Sporting and Celta Vigo at Camp Nou. The hammering of PSG then followed with the same formation. However, there was a reality check on Sunday in La Coruna, where some elements of the switch were shown up.
Using three central defenders has killed the full-backs' attacking aspirations. Jordi Alba, one of those most affected by the new system, did not play a minute against PSG and his seen his role change. At Riazor, the left-back formed part of the back three with Pique and Mascherano and looked limited. His connection with Messi, who had memorised Alba's runs down the left, have previously generated a number of Barça goals.
With 4-3-3, in addition, both Neymar and Messi were able to adandon the flank every now and again, making space for the full-backs. Now, the wide men must stay as open as possible, so as not to overcrowd in the middle, where there are four midfielder inside them. What does that mean? That the wide men must find the space. That was one of the problems against Depor, with neither Denis Suarez nor, especially, Arda Turan able to do enough one on one.
Messi is also struggling to shine in the middle. And it's not about comfort. In fact, the Argentine likes to play behind a No.9 with total freedom as opposed to waiting for the ball on the right. Playing in the middle, though, it's easier for the opposition to crowd him out and he has lest space, both to think and to get going.
Something similar happens with Luis Suarez, who the new system forces to constantly look to drag defenders out of position to create space for Messi. It's not a coincidence that the Uruguayan shot less than usual against Celta, PSG and Depor. With 3-4-3, Barça win possession and push their opposition back -- as clearly seen against PSG -- and therefore Suarez loses space in the penalty box.
