5 changes Barcelona need to make next season

#1 Play faster

Valverde needs to trust speedsters like Malcom

The Pep-Guardiola era is one that Barcelona fans will never forget due to the quality of football as well as the many trophies won.

One of the hallmarks of that era was the quickness of play; one-two touch passing, closing down early and harrying opponents off the ball.

A younger Messi, Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Sergio Busquets, Pedro, Dani Alves and more meant that the team could, given the speed in its ranks, pass quickly to turn defence into attack.

This has been lost under the Valverde era as the team sits back more these days to soak up pressure while the buildup is often slow and ponderous.

The 55-year-old tactician’s refusal to integrate Malcom into the team last season was stupefying as it was clear to even the most casual observer that his speed would be vital for the attack given the constant injuries of Dembele.

Play needs to be sped up to ensure that the team is not overwhelmed in the way it was by teams like Liverpool and Real Betis last season.

Wing-play has always been an essential part of the Barca DNA and Valverde would do well to make sure this works next season.