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#2 Reinforced Defence
"In my teams, the goalie is the first attacker, and the striker is the first defender." - Johan Cruyff
With a strong back-line of Gerard Pique, Samuel Umtiti, and in-form fullbacks Nelson Semedo and Jordi Alba, Ernesto Valverde has made sure his defensive line stays up and strong to aid the smooth passage of play in the midfield.
Hero of the comeback against Paris and creator of the iconic winner against Madrid last season, Sergi Roberto has also stepped up to serve efficiently both as a midfielder and as a right-back.
The Spaniard's ability to perform in different roles has been crucial for Valverde to execute his squad rotation policy which has helped keep the team fresh at all times.
One school of thought believes that Neymar's departure has been a blessing-in-disguise for the system, as the motion of offence has been smoother without the Brazilian's flair on the flank with Alba overlapping more efficiently.
With reliable German shot-stopper Marc Andre Ter-Stegen in inspired form, the Blaugrana guaranteed a defensive solidity that has been missing for a while.
Conceding just three goals in La Liga and only one in the Champions League, things are looking up for the Blaugrana.
