The revolution of the centrals

Koeman became an interventionist coach again in Valladolid. The Dutchman, who is interspersing mistakes with successes, invented a team with three centrals, Mingueza, Araújo and Lenglet. And the experiment worked. Barça not only became an undetectable team for Valladolid, which they easily neutralized. He also had fun on the field, played well, and enhanced virtues that had not been seen during the season. To begin with, the sides, turned into lanes, lived quietly. Having one more defender behind them allowed them to lavish themselves without leaving so many holes. It is obvious that Sergiño Dest and Jordi Alba go much better forward than having to run backwards. In addition, it is difficult for L'Hospitalet's side to maintain an intensity in the offensive-defensive balance for 90 minutes. Releasing him from certain defensive responsibilities benefits him a lot and allows him to focus on what he continues to do wonderfully, the attack.. Dest also has the drive of the young man. The American side was a dagger to the right. That is where the 0-2 came.

But there were more positive things in the Barça game. For starters, the pace of play. Even though he has only made him a starter twice in the Champions League, the speed of the game goes up with Pjanic. And that makes De Jong happy, who expresses himself better. The game, in part, signals Busquets, with a lower intensity and a lower pace of play. But also to Griezmann and Coutinho, who have failed to associate with Messi as seen in Pedri. And that they also collaborate at that pasty rhythm that has been ruining Barça's results in recent times.

Koeman may not maintain the system in future matches because the characteristics of the rivals are different. However, you already know that you have a solution for when you find yourself in trouble. Worried about the bleeding of goals, he opted for the simplest route. Even reasonable. Put one more defense. Another issue is knowing how three centrals who are not top-level can perform in games with a higher degree of difficulty. Not to mention Umtiti. It will be curious to see what Koeman decides tactically on the 29th against Eibar.