How Xavi is Transforming Barcelona | Xavi’s Barcelona Tactics Explained

Welcome back! Since Xavi’s first game in charge of Barcelona, the Catalans have picked up the second most points in La Liga and they’ve become an entertaining side to watch again. So join me today as I explain how Xavi is transforming Barcelona by taking a look at his 21/22 tactics!
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Despite being a relatively new manager, Xavi Hernandez has some clearly defined footballing ideas and is already starting to show progress at Barcelona. First and foremost, Xavi has reverted Barcelona back to a positional play style last seen under Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique. Moving the ball to create superiorities. And from a formation perspective, Xavi has moved away from the back 3 seen under Koeman and settled on a 4-3-3. In possession, Xavi’s Barca build out from the back. In his system, the centre backs are responsible for a lot of deep progression but unlike a lot of modern sides, the midfield three tend to hold their positions. Xavi is also using inverted full backs to free up his number 8s. Xavi’s wingers stay extremely high and wide, stretching the opposition and creating space for teammates. This leaves the space in the inside channels free for the number 8s as the defensive midfielder and the full backs adopt the deeper midfield space.
We see Barca attack in a 3-2-5. However within this structure there is quite a bit of positional rotation, notably on the left hand side between the left winger, central midfielder and full back.
This rotation makes Barca much more difficult to deal with and makes it harder for the opposition to man mark their players and creates unpredictability in attack. Xavi has transformed Barcelona’s possession game for the better and there are big similarities between Xavi’s Barca, Guardiola’s City and Arteta’s Arsenal. In terms of chance creation, Xavi’s Barca have a clear plan and this has transformed their attack into a potent unit. They create a lot from the wide areas. January recruitment means that Xavi has the likes of Ferran Torres, Adama Traoré and Ousmané Dembele at his disposal - basically dynamic but very tricky wide players.
Because of their extreme width and positional play, these players are generally always available to receive and when they do, they’re usually in 1 v 1 situations or a qualitative overload - situations they often come out on top of.
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Another transformation at Barcelona comes in Frenkie De Jong. Rising to prominence at Ajax as a modern day Libero or playing in a single pivot for the national team, De Jong has always been used as the deepest midfielder but Xavi has moved the Dutchman further forward. A key part of Barcelona’s DNA is using third and fourth man runs and Xavi’s side use this a lot. Notably however they’re used to get players in between the opponent’s midfield and defensive lines.
And finally, Xavi has transformed Barcelona’s pressing game. Without the ball they press in a 4-3-2-1 deploying an aggressive man to man scheme. The striker presses the player in possession whilst the ball side central midfielder steps up to support. By using the central midfielders high, Xavi tends to block progression through the middle, forcing the opposition to go down the line or go long. Key to their defensive game is Sergio Busquets, who often sweeps up behind the press and regains the ball however the energy of De Jong and Pedri is also key, adding aggression and work rate to Barcelona’s defensive shape.
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For such a young coach managing at the highest level Xavi is doing superbly to translate his philosophy onto the pitch and if the Catalans stick with their former captain, Xavi will return Barcelona to the pinnacle of European football.
But what do you think? Have you been impressed by Xavi’s Barcelona? Let me know what you think in the comments below!
#Barcelona #Xavi #TacticsExplained
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[@StatmanDave]

Will Barcelona win silverware under Xavi? 🤔

[@DiogoGaming2]

Make a video about Sarri´s Game Model and DE Zerbi too plz. Also make a video About Luciano Spalletti´s Napoli, another about Kjetil Knutsen´s FK Bodø/Glimt

[@azlankhan4172]

Yes, 💯

[@TRR020]

That whas outstanding.. well spoken!!!

[@randibrahim5244]

At this moment maybe

[@midfielderlounge2592]

Make a video on player Barcelona should sign

[@aliarshad6906]

I have been watching Barca for a long time now and after Luis Enrique this is the first time I started to enjoy Barca games again

[@StatmanDave]

They're so much more fun under Xavi

[@mummy9242]

After messi left all my friends told me to support PSG as barca isnt a good team anymore.but I didnt care and still supported barca even under koeman . After Xavi came now im happy again! Forca Barca ,,💙❤💙❤

[@aliarshad6906]

@@mummy9242 ❤️

[@sugmaballz4656]

@@mummy9242 Stupid friends. PSG are shit to watch. You’ll fall asleep. Barca on the other hand now are beautiful to watch.

[@ridwonhossain1212]

Valberde was good

[@1977Suspiria]

There's been a marked improvement since he took over as coach for sure. Done a commendable job so far.

[@StatmanDave]

100% Xavi has made Barcelona fun to watch again

[@Truebro79]

Its actually crazy how much Xavi has improved Barca, and its even more impressive how they have turned things around so dramatically in such a short space of time, maybe he could be one of the next big manager in the future like i think the likes of Mikel Arteta will be, there is something with Spanish ex players managing their former club, Pep at Barca, Arteta at Arsenal and now Xavi at Barca.

[@StatmanDave]

Xavi has done a very good job in a short amount of time

[@HenSt-gz7qj]

and Barca's also attracting a lot of great players in transfer windows after Xavi came.

[@jackbartzen9133]

if he completely turns barcelona, he ones of the greatest players and coaches of all time

[@audemars_piguet13]

@@jackbartzen9133 yeah. Specially If they win EL, the spotlight will be on barca and specially on Xavi. The club went from literally ZERO to heros in just a little more than a half year. Xavi for inspiring confidence and freedom in discipline in the players, even Luuk deJong has become a deadly forward on the clutch as a sub. Job well done

[@drewhannoush2216]

I’d also like to add that Jordi Alba’s influence from a deeper role has been felt in Barcelona. His crosses and line-breaking passes from deep have been pivotal to many goals, and he is the top assister with 7.

[@MrZxcvbnm22]

He was awful in the last seasons. As Pique and Busquets. But it's clear why they are legends. They are super good players (obviously) but when they have shitty coaches they are bad. This is especially tru with Busquets, if you don't play with a high pressure and with ball control then Busi is no longer top 5 defensive midfieldiers in history. He is just a slow avaerage player.

[@CLSZN]

@@MrZxcvbnm22 Yep, obviously the likes of Alba, Busi and Pique aren't exactly world class anymore and defo need replacement within the next 2 years MAX but it's clear how much they can still give. Koeman was just a clown his system exposed everyone, hell even Pedri around the end was playing like some mediocre player

[@MrZxcvbnm22]

@@CLSZN Actually, they are still world class, especially Busquets. And Xavi is responsible for that. But Pique and Alba should slowly start to play less. And with Kessie I hope Busi can play less minutes as well.

[@CLSZN]

@@MrZxcvbnm22 There’s no way Busi Piqué and Alba can still play every game next season, they are world class on their day but with enough competition within the team they know the performances can’t drop or they get benched

[@abdulkadirmustaphaladan4390]

I used to Remember when Xavi was a player, he said in a pre match interview. He said i hate to lose, i laughed till tears came out of my eyes. I ask my self, why on the EARTH anyone wanted to lose? I later understood what he means. You have to told yourself that every single minute to stay focused and achieve your goals. Now all the players stay focused for full-time, i don't know how to explain Xavi words of magic. But it helps even me every moment. Thank XAVI, VISCA EL BARCA. VAMOS XAVI.

[@fcb2463]

I hope they can keep dembele...with ansu,torress, and traore...this attack is gonna be nightmare for defences...bcz all these players are fantastic dribblers,direct and fast.. If they can get haland or even adeyemi , that's gonna be cherry on top

[@theMad_Artist]

If I'm not mistaken I think Xavi likes his striker to be more physical so Adeyemi might not fit the bill

[@rod6722]

2:57 Fun fact: this 3-2-5/2-3-5 attacking shape works pretty well in FIFA.

[@soxysoxy3277]

what formation do you use to generate it? or is this in pro clubs?

[@grantojeh1251]

How do you deal with counter attacks ? That could result from using this shape

[@goatstix7750]

Im a 20 year FIFA professional. The game has a match scripting system encoded into its game play. It’s a waste of time playing this game. I wasted 20 years. 10 of those knowing it’s rigged and could pick and feel when the script overused the manual user inputs. Sorry for spilling the truth about your beloved game.

[@jasperrowell4470]

I think Xavi is doing a great job, having his presence in the squad is positive and the morale seems to be high where all the players are enjoying working under him and are playing well

[@Azza.10]

Imagine if Messi was still there😔 He would be at his very best under this system. I know times change but to think he could reach another high still feels unfair with his talent not been showcased for the history books in its full

[@ignoredstopsign3407]

dembele is insane

[@jamalabu6325]

No, i believe of that Austrian kid was there, he would have performed magic. Xavi would have done enough work on him to make him close to Messi

[@phonixfire5815]

@@jamalabu6325 demir was return to Austria

[@peterbuma9937]

I dont know man, if you see how Barca is pressing now when they dont have the ball. I dont think Messi would press because of his age. Also in games when he played for Barca he didn't press. Don't get me wrong. Messi is a top player and I love to see him end his career in Barca. But right now the young generation should get used to the system and to eachoter. Get Messi back in like a year or 2 to finish his career in Barca. Messi is more likely to fit in when the ''original team'' is used to each other and have all the experience they need to dominate every match. I feel like when Messi joins the team this year he takes precious play time from Torres, Adama, Abamayang and maybe even Gavi because he also plays on the side sometimes. Especially now when Barca is buying a new holding midfielder

[@peterbuma9937]

@VY17 I see that you don't care about the grow of the youngsters. You are still stuck in the past. Maybe you should move to 2022 with the rest of the world. Like I said, Messi is a great player but I would be a waste for the young ones

[@dario3716]

Thank you for the analysis. I believe that players like Dani Alves, literally the most successful player of all times, have a big impact on the squad with his winning mentality. Similar to Ibrahimovic in Milan or Mbappe at PSG or Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United. For those kind of players only winning is an acceptable option.

[@raktimtibro753]

There is hardly any game of Barcelona that I have watched twice for so long of Barca. But since Xavi came in it's been so fun and exciting that most games I watch twice even if we lose

[@miracleugwuogo6833]

Please how do you rewatch or stream la liga matches on mobile?

[@raktimtibro753]

@@miracleugwuogo6833 Hello, I have a subscription to ESPN where they broadcast La Liga matches live. There, I watch all of their games

[@lilskiddils]

@@miracleugwuogo6833 footyfull has games that you can rewatch

[@dopememe6037]

What I like the most about Xavi and his barca is their sharpness and off the ball movement...Barca was always known for their aggressive pressing and Xavi is bringing that back.. Hats off and keep it up🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@PedroRamos-gw1pw]

His tactics showed promise when he first took over but they were still struggling to win matches due to not scoring much but after buying pacy forwards they've improved a lot

[@reeshavgohain]

Brilliant analysis!! Was hooked for every single minute! You should have more views

[@ManLikeMatts]

This was the most comprehensive explanation of his tactics ive seen so far thanks!

[@douglasha6027]

Always a good morning when a new stat man Dave video comes out

[@whatsitwhosit]

Great analysis....and love the graphics, well done!

[@mohammdeduvais8620]

Who's here after Barcelona 4 - 0 win over real madrid

[@michaelfvt]

It will be interesting to see how the club handles the financial situation and what they are able to do in the transfer windows over the next few years. I think they will have to bolster their defense and figure out their long-term solution for the front 3, but with the young core of Pedri, Gavi, De Jong, Torres, Nico, etc. I see the club returning to the top before long. I wasn't sure if Xavi had the experience to be an instant success, but the way he has brought positivity back to the club and is getting results in a way that looks like Barca teams of old is really impressive.

[@alhassanetoure3088]

You don't necessarily need experience to be a great coach. What you need more is talent, an unbreakable ability to read the game, and impose your ideas on your players. That's what guardiola had in his first season at barça That's what xavi has. Shit coaches will always be shit, no matter their experience. Ask the Dutch man

[@HIM-lk6of]

Squad wise we should be good, even great in the longer term. Alemany and Laporta seen to be focusing on free agents who fit what the coach needs for the squad, as well as who fit the revamped salary structure.... astute moves so far. If we sprinkle the exceptional talent or experienced player here and there together with call ups from within (La Masia & Barca B) we should eventually have enough talent, experience, mental strength and depth across every position to be an elite force for a while once again.

[@fugaziishime]

Appreciate the video, the Statman. No one really talking about it in depth,apart from the 1000s' of barca new channels

[@fulan6231]

Great video and simple analysis, you deserve more appreciations and views!

[@melvynjeremiah5704]

This is very well explained. 👏

[@kushagrakanodia3586]

Excellent analysis. First video that actually discusses the different aspects of positional play in this new Barca rather than just reading sofascore ratings. Great job.

[@Anas-kj3ej]

They are really fascinating to watch tbh

[@StatmanDave]

Definitely a team I'll be watching more of

[@leface30]

@@StatmanDave Pls make a review on the upcoming El Clasico

[@harshanbhattacharjee9425]

This analysis is absolutely spot on. People try analyzing this Barcelona side but fall short on so many levels by overcomplicating things. I only found your analysis to be absolutely accurate to what Xavi is trying to do. Cheers!

[@adrianmashev1160]

Very good and detailed analysis, good job!

[@john-adriancoker2789]

Been waiting on this 🙏🏾 eagerly

[@StatmanDave]

👊

[@john-adriancoker2789]

@@StatmanDave Thanks for the video! I don't think we're back just yet though as everyone is saying. Winning silverware, a great summer transfer window this year to strengthen areas in the team that need it: LB - Grimaldo, LCB - Laporte or Pau Torres, DM - Samper even though he's not a DM I wouldn't mind Arthur back especially under Xavi, a true left footed RW. Then adding players that not only provide the pieces we're missing (cough ehem Dybala, especially if Dembele leaves and Collado back from loan) and playing football that make Barça fans confident we can beat anyone and then I'll believe we're back

[@wighatsuperreggie]

This positive run for Barca has been absolutely crucial to their whole future. It’s making them attractive to free agents. Where would you go? To Tottenham or Xavi’s Barca? This summer they will get a lot stronger.

[@axe8039]

Superb analysis

[@brandonrosa8164]

Great video man!

[@cjboadi]

I've been waiting too long for this

[@theartofrollingfifafullmanual]

Great analysis 🔝

[@mattmona123]

love the analysis!

[@Kaka-Ryo]

This analysis is amazing.

[@mohammadsaleh940]

Great job thanks

[@mpscott1006]

good analysis mate

[@barcahebo.3637]

Xavi is doing great job in Barça. They play fantastic fast modern football. Bravo Xavi 💙❤

[@zadaammohamed4958]

This is video will waiting for

[@s.g.7572]

Would you play Ousmane Dembele or Memphis Depay? Either way, it's good to see that Barcelona once again have options up front - Auba/De Jong, Depay/Dembele, Traore/Torres, plus a few squad players

[@azlankhan4172]

As a Barca fan, I'm 100% choosing Ousmane despite his contact situation.

[@azlankhan4172]

Btw it's more Dembele/Traore and Torres/Depay. Memphis also plays behind Auba. Luuk only comes off the bench but he ALWAYS comes off the bench.

[@adamcs1998]

Fati...

[@robert2690]

Ousmane and Adama will share the RW position.

[@JasonBrookes]

What soft wear do you use to show the animations on the pitch. It’s excellent and I would like to use it myself if possible to show things to my team. Thank you

[@vishnu_kr_madappally]

Great analysis 💙❤

[@DiogoGaming2]

Make a video about Sarri´s Game Model and DE Zerbi too plz. Also make a video About Luciano Spalletti´s Napoli, another about Kjetil Knutsen´s FK Bodø/Glimt

[@omokweprinceonyebuchi9623]

Who is here after el classico

[@eksibaklava1434]

5:45 unlike xavi? Mate, xavi had some outrageous dribbling moments

[@narutohawke]

Glad I wasn’t the only one who noticed that awful line

[@iggy1979]

Nah, he was too slow when running with the ball (which is what he meant). I agree he was exceptional at protecting the ball though

[@losvarons44]

i guess he mean running with the ball

[@PRT976]

Xavi was a fantastic dribbler too, hard to tackle or press. But he rarely kept the ball with him or dribble players after players, so it’s still fair to say others are better at dribbling in terms of practical utility.

[@borisjackson3208]

Hey @statmandave what would it take for you to do video on Ange Postecoglou at Celtic ?

[@nafisreza7872]

Finally it's here idk if you remember I asked for it 4 months ago at Frank's Brentford video😂

[@redgit9905]

Nice video

[@audemars_piguet13]

Xavi was a genius on the pitch as a player, and now as a coach with a greater understanding of the game, knowing what it takes to win and having played with and for the best , he will win some silverware sooner than later. Barcelona is looking dangerous and is only going to get better for them as they have great players who needed Xavi or another competent coach to guide them to success

[@undefined.infinity3106]

Great analysis! Barça becomes prominent day after day under Xavi. It's fun to watch the philosophy Xavi maintains that follows from Cryuff to Guardiola. But the tactic is a fusion of Guardiola and Xavi himself.

[@murendenimakhale7380]

Xavi is more direct though, he's similar to Enrique than he's to Pep

[@lexkanyima2195]

@@murendenimakhale7380 more pragmatic

[@nomcognom2332]

Well, this video has aged well so far.

[@agbaivictor6884]

cool video. and yes, Barca has improved. I believe Xavi will do wonders

[@TaskForce_911]

Carlos Ancelotti watching this video before the El Clasico game be like "Interesting.... "

[@alhassanetoure3088]

And still got thrashed

[@thebibliophile434]

Can't wait combination of De Jong, Gavi and Pedri!

[@b29mazinnazeer83]

its just fun to watch barca nowadays like old times

[@dr.raghunandanan6856]

A lot of improvement

[@jamieisaac5599]

I think you should do an in depth tactical analysis of arteta

[@miracleugwuogo6833]

Please how do you stream la Liga matches on mobile?

[@robert2690]

If Messi stayed and played with adama with his pace.

[@CLSZN]

I'm glad Frenkie is getting more recognition now, it's obvious he's a cheat code in the first phase but his transformation as a 2nd/3rd phase player is really important as well considering he's not a lone 6

[@MrMoeGaming]

Its actually mindblowing. The way he added structure, dicipline, intensity, passion and tactic to the squad again. People can say it's like Ole at United. But Barca actually has a playstyle now while under Ole's stint as interim they just scored from induvidual chances.

[@Listerinepeddler]

So Ten haag, Pep and Xavi are all basically operating the same system 🤔.

[@shailovchauhan958]

Cruyff’s disciples’s ball 👀🔥

[@rayngyende7153]

Dave, do you play Football Manager?

[@trevorlewatle1886]

Using the tactics I teach at my academy for the last two seasons. It's good

[@BlaugranaEverything]

You know I hadn't really thought about how Xavi is doing with Frenkie, what Rijkaard did with him. Good spot 🤔

[@rashdan1994]

Busquets is still irreplaceable.

[@PRT976]

sadly he’s already aging. people cannot expect consistency from him for the whole season

[@bilaladil9405]

Barca’s only weakness is the international break but hopefully next season this positional play will be back and they’ll be back to scoring

[@kyledittman8408]

“But unliked Xavi de jong is also a graceful dribbler” xavi was better than de jong is at dribbling/on the ball. Other than that small thing this was a class analysis

[@WS-lt4nd]

Can you do bayern's new 1 3 2 4 1

[@adonimoza6348]

I never thought I'd ever hear Barcelona are leaders in goals scored from crosses..

[@reagentimothy7097]

ancelotti watching this for tactics to use

[@wallahhabibiiii]

The structure's very similar to City's.

[@flux202]

Take the ball pass the ball

[@moezbendhahbi9539]

Sure Xavi is a great coach and leader and is transforming the team. One comment though: Barça actually presses in a 4-4-2 shape, with one CM (Gavi or Pedri) going up to press with the sticker. This is the 1st weakness of Xavi system, because it empties the midfield if the opposite CM drops out. With wingers as only remaining players to cover the central spaces, they don't have the defensive abilities to defend properly this important zone. The 3 attackers should press the 2 DC + the holding MdF + press/track back full backs (with the help of the 2 CM's), as in Guardiola's Barça or City. 2nd weakness : FB's too conservative, not overloading enough, putting wingers in 1vs2 situations, thus not dangerous enough. 3rd weakness : set pieces, however this is not a choice from Xavi. Xavi is evolving a lot and correcting a lot of things game after game. I am pretty sure he will correct, at least the 2 first weaknesses, during the coming games.

[@davooodle]

what about gavi? he plays most minuets lately

[@thegreycompany352]

lmao i thought werner was the speaker...

[@josemacias1139]

Xavi came to Barcelona with all the cheat codes 🤫

[@jotaktessier7108]

Why don’t you become a coach?

[@MuszZico]

Hoardie alba is good

[@Irfan32406]

you look like timo werner

[@yusufblessed22]

There's some clowns most of them United and Real Madrid fans said Xavi isn't great and has 0 football knowledge I hope they learn to never take about football

[@marvinschneider9309]

Gavi often plays instead of de jong

[@hamgil]

Xavi was a very graceful dribbler?? Did you even watch him

[@Adam-ou3fh]

So basically man City 2

[@teletubbypo318]

I hope he brings back messi

[@wighatsuperreggie]

The real question is… what is that doohickey you’re clicking while you’re speaking?

[@sundromos9456]

Pro tip on famous players' names: "Jordi " should be pronounced more like "Gyordi" , with the "G" as in "gem"...most definitley not "Hordi". Catalan pronunciation please, not Spanish.

[@robert2690]

Bruh. It’s not that hard to pronounce his name

[@mttrader7]

Jodi alba is irreplaceable only Davies is better

[@luisuriata7313]

We need messi back at Barcelona where he belongs

[@TheKestevon]

I wish he coached english national team

[@samuuyanez3101]

Gavi >> De jong