5 major differences between Valverde and Enrique's tactics at Barcelona

3) The return of high-intensity pressing

Barcelona's pressing tactics have improved under Valverde

If Enrique's sides were guilty of anything then it was their almost-lethargic attempts to win back possession after losing the ball. Once a hallmark of Barcelona sides that repeatedly won matches (and titles) under Pep Guardiola by starving opponents of both space and time on the ball, the past couple of years saw that intensity drop.

Not under Valverde. Barcelona don't "play defence" when they lose the ball now. Overwhelming their opponents is now their first line of attack. Under Enrique, they did press but in certain pockets only.

Now the entire team presses as a whole. Even Messi now tracks back in the middle of the pitch to put pressure on the ball-carrier. Did we ever see the Argentine forward work so hard off the ball under Enrique? It's something the rest of the team can also draw inspiration from.

They effectively put immense pressure on the player with the ball while simultaneously closing down any passing channels, forcing the rival into turnovers as they look to quickly get rid of the ball.