5 reasons behind Lionel Messi's incredible form this season

#2 Ernesto Valverde's Role

FC Barcelona Unveil New Head Coach Ernesto Valverde — Barcelona signed former Athletic Bilbao manager, Ernesto Valverde to replace the departed Luis Enrique

After spending 3 successful years at the Camp Nou, winning lots of trophies including a historic treble during the 2014/2015 session, Luis Enrique decided to quit the Catalan club by not signing another contract. Therefore, the Barcelona board decided to replace the Spaniard with former Athletic Bilbao head coach, Ernesto Valverde.

The signing of Valverde has brought nothing but fortune to Barcelona, as the tactician has done a great job in helping the team overcome a terrible preseason. Despite a humiliating loss to bitter rivals, Real Madrid in the Supercopa de Espana, Barca have bounced back and now sit atop the La Liga table.

The manager has also helped in getting the best out of the players, especially Lionel Messi.

Under Ernesto Valverde, Lionel Messi has been in an incredible form. The tactical adjustments made by the manager seem to favour the Argentine superstar. Messi was deployed into the false-9 role, having the privilege to roam about freely around the midfield and up front.

The manager's decision to revive Barca's high pressing system has favored the little wizard. Messi now tracks back in the center of the field to put pressure on the ball holder, win back the ball and exchange series of decent passes before making amazing runs that result in goals.

About the author

Jidonu is a European and international football news writer at Sportskeeda. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and has around 7 years of previous experience working with the likes of Tribuna and SportRaba, Jidonu has a good eye for detail and has the ability to created cohesive articles, and reporting exploits have also led him to exclusively cover the 2018 FIFA World Cup in the past.

Jidonu’s tryst with football started after watching the 2002 FIFA World Cup final between Brazil and Germany, being mesmerized by Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. Barcelona philosophy and approach towards the game under Pep Guardiola further fueled the burgeoning love for the sport, and he has been a Culer ever since.

Unsurprisingly, Lionel Messi is his favorite player and is the one true GOAT for him over Cristiano Ronaldo. The 2022 FIFA World Cup final, where Messi's brace led to La Albiceleste lifting the cup left a lasting impact on him. His love for Messi also sees him follow Major League Soccer apart from Europe’s top five leagues.

In his free time, Jidonu raps and produces music, and also enjoys reading and swimming.

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Edited by Aakanksh Sanketh