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#2 Ability to grind out the results
Ernesto Valverde has brought newfound defensive solidity to the Camp Nou, with his current Barcelona team having the best defence in Europe. They have conceded only 13 times in La Liga this season, their best-ever record at this stage, while they have let in just two in the Champions League as well.
That reason is the defence, who've been impenetrable at times this season, allowing Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez to shoulder much of the attacking responsibility without concern of what was going on behind them.
Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic have been given additional responsibility in a two-man midfield and their performances have been outstanding. The pair have protected the defence, whilst Samuel Umtiti's performances have taken a lot of pressure off of an ageing Gerard Pique.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen has improved considerably in goal, developing into a world class goalkeeper who is in line to win the Zamora trophy.
In a grand total of 37 matches in LaLiga and the Champions League, Barcelona have let in just 15 goals, averaging one every 234 minutes.
There are, of course, concerns about Barcelona's attacking philosophy under Ernesto Valverde as they have lacked genuine width at times. However, it is impossible to argue that he hasn't brought with him an incredibly strong defensive game-plan that could characterise a historic season at the Camp Nou.
