"Flick has played quite a bit of 4-3-3 lately, or at least a similar version of it with Dani Olmo as a pseudo number 8 and Fermín López playing a little bit closer to the midfield instead of a second striker, but what we actually get in that setup is a very attacking 4-1-4-1 with Frenkie as the single pivot. It worked wonders against Elche recently, but it also asks way too much of Frenkie."
"De Jong is at his very best with another double pivot partner, however, which is why Flick's 4-2-3-1 really brought the best out of him and Pedri together and is probably the best answer going forward even if/when Barça change coaches. I know Bar&ccel;a fans will always have the 4-3-3 in their hearts because it coincided with the best period in the club's history, but Busquets, Xavi and Iniesta were about as perfect fits as you can possibly get in that system."
Flick has tested a 4-3-3 variant that functions as a very attacking 4-1-4-1 with Frenkie as the lone pivot. That configuration produced strong attacking moments, including a notable performance against Elche, but it imposes heavy transitional and defensive responsibilities on Frenkie. De Jong performs optimally with a double pivot partner, which makes a 4-2-3-1 the most effective structure to unlock both him and Pedri. Barcelona’s midfielders — including Frenkie, Pedri, Gavi, Fermín, Dani Olmo, Marc Casadó and Marc Bernal — are hybrid players suited to contemporary roles best served by a 4-2-3-1.
Read at Barca Blaugranes
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