5 reasons why Barcelona can win the Champions League

#5 Midfield control and rotations

Busquets is the pivot in the Blaugrana midfield

"Valverde is one of the most outstanding and promising coaches in Spanish football." - Johan Cruyff

With glimpses of revolutionary Tiki-Taka, high pressing game and a control over the opposition midfielder have sparked memories from the Pep Guardiola era. Something with Barcelona lacked under Luis Enrique, the midfield trio of Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta, and Ivan Rakitic are orchestrated beautifully to coordinate and break defensive lines. After Neymar's big money transfer to Paris, the Barcelona game-style subtly shifted from the attacking trident to the midfield.

With Lionel Messi as a false 9, the Barcelona midfield looks dangerous while in possession. Rakitic's improving form has helped Valverde in finding a perfect mix for the midfield. Amends in the in-game position of the Barcelona no. 4 have aided his form rejuvenation. Now back to the central domain of the pitch, the Croation who used to play more on the touchline under Enrique has been contributory to the improvements.

Ernesto Valverde's rotation policy has worked well for Barcelona players, especially Andres Iniesta and Sergi Roberto. Unlike Luis Enrique, the ex-Bilbao man doesn't prefer making mammoth changes to the starting XI every weekend. Keeping his main men as regular, the Spaniard efficiently rotates the rest of players to ease out on recoveries and to prevent fatigues before big clashes.

With an improved squad depth, Sergi Roberto, Denis Suarez, Deulofeu inherit immense ability to come off the bench an make lasting impacts on any match which was a positive Barcelona had in the summer while Real Madrid lost its bench strength with the departure of James Rodrigues, Danilo, Alvaro Morata and Pepe.

Injuries have also taken their toll on the Blancos while Barcelona has managed to stay relatively better off on the medical front. The injured Dembele could be readily replaced by Denis Suarez or Deulofeu, both of whom have proved their calibre when given the chances.