How Barcelona can line up in 2019 with Frenkie De Jong

#3 The 4-3-3 formation

De Jong is a solid midfielder

As mentioned in the previous slide, over the past decade, Barcelona have often been associated with the 4-3-3 formation. Several fans of the club also wrongly misinterpret the formation to be one of the most important parts of the club culture. Just like Manchester United in England, Barcelona is known not only for its wins but also for the way they play to win.

A total misconception here - it is not the 4-3-3 that is the part of their culture, but it is their distinctive playing style of passing to maintain total control which is a must for the club. The 4-3-3 just helped them stay that way for a long time - also because the players suited the style.

As Xavi and Iniesta became regulars in the side and developed a telepathic understanding between themselves, the 4-3-3 was used as it helped the duo move the ball around in the midfield. At least seven passing channels were available to either of them at any given time, and even when a couple or more of them were closed down, Barca were able to boss the midfield due to the plethora of other options (refer below figure).

Barca's 4-3-3 formation in the glory years

But as Xavi left, the formation was no longer prevalent with Rakitic choosing to play along more attacking lines, and Luis Enrique regularly using a circumstantial three-man defence system with Dani Alves and Jordi Alba playing much higher up in the flanks, giving ways to 3-4-3s and 3-5-2s. That did not go down well with some fans, but Barca have been relatively successful regardless.

These days, Valverde often picks a 4-2-3-1 side or a 4-4-2 side, given the variations available among his arrows in the midfield quiver. But with De Jong in the fray, it may be possible that the 4-3-3 system is back, as shown below (refer below figure):

4-3-3 formation

Barcelona loyalists loved the 4-3-3 and the midfield metronomes Xavi and Iniesta, who dictated play on their own terms via superhuman passing senses. In Arthur, De Jong and Busquets, it is highly possible that the golden days are back once again.

There is a slight problem, however, the goals from midfield will trickle down, which is still not a big deal provided the front three can make up for it. As part of a contingency plan though, Valverde may as well call in Rakitic or/and Vidal as and when needed, based on their goal-scoring tendencies, as De Jong can easily be rotated between CM and CDM.