A formidable work rate
Barça have returned to their flamboyant ways, injecting pace and wonderful movement to their intricate passing game. However, watching most of their games this season, we witnessed the formidable work rate that they have put in.
They have been very good not only going forward but have won the league on their defensive qualities as well. They have been committed in the defensive phases and their pressing game has worked wonders against very stiff competition throughout the season.
For instance, in the “El Clasico” against Real Madrid last weekend, it was clear to see the effort put in by the Barça players who managed to get through a very difficult game after playing the entire second-half with only 10 men.
FC Barcelona : Precision pace direction intent purpose
There was intent, direction and a lot of effort and energy put into their game. They played with a collective purpose, and to achieve their goal they dug deeper, pushed harder and managed to get through the difficult games with some aplong.
Barça also played intelligently and were also very street wise, constantly able to turn up the pressure to reach their goal. It was sometimes difficult to keep the momentum week in week out with a collective will to achieve.
Key players Leo Messi, Suarez and Iniesta have all had a wonderful season with the club and they have led with example. They have worked in a new formation set by the new coach Ernesto Valverde and they have been lethal. Messi and Suarez have led the attack this season and the dynamic duo have scored 57 league goals between them so far.
The most prolific strike partnership in European football have built their success on a brilliant midfield who have provided the solid foundation for them to deploy their fast-paced game, blistering counter-attacks and finish with pinpoint execution.
Rakitic and Busquets were pulling the strings from deep and provided great cover for the back-four as well. In unison with Iniesta and Paulinho they were the backbone of the team and defensively they were very impressive, effectively implementing the high pressing game that caused many problems to their opposition.
It was inspirational at times, for example against Real Madrid during the Clasico in December they won the ball back twice and scored on both occasions to win the game by 3-0.
In defence, Pique, Umtiti, Jordi Alba and Sergi Roberto have also been sensational and kept the goal line secure for the Blaugrana. Barça has the second best defense after Atlético Madrid this season.
Their goalkeeper, Ter Stegan, has had arguably his best season and has made some superb saves for Barça, and has asserted himself as one of the world’s best. As for their newcomers Semedo, Dembélé and Coutinho, they have also made their best contribution as they continue to adapt to the style of play at the club.
As a team, they have really had to work hard and they had to be strong mentally as the pressure built-up on both coach and players before Christmas. That hard work and effort paid off and they managed to get the job done without always being at the best.
It’s fair to say that Barça are clearly deserving winners of La Liga and their formidable work rate was instrumental to them achieving that goal.
Football Fanatix 