LaLiga 2018-19, Levante 0-5 Barcelona: 5 talking points

#4 Injuries force Valverde to try something new

Samuel Umtiti

Barca have been plagued by injuries in recent weeks, and their defence in particular has suffered. The likes of Arthur, Philippe Coutinho and Luis Suarez have recovered, but the backline is still missing some key components.

Samuel Umtiti and Sergi Roberto are out with long-term injuries, and Nelson Semedo was sidelined prior to the game. This forced Valverde to innovate in his lineup, and he deployed a 3-5-2 formation against Levante.

Ousmane Dembele and Jordi Alba were in the wide positions, as Busquets, Vidal, and Rakitic made up the midfield trio.

While attacking, the formation resembled a 3-4-3, which was not unlike what Pep Guardiola used in his last year at the club. Messi had a free role as he spearheaded a midfield diamond, with Luis Suarez ahead of him.

Valverde probably won't have to revert to this system much, but it worked for Barca nonetheless.