Barcelona are enjoying a fantastic season under new boss Ernesto Valverde. The Catalan giants have been traditionally a big club throughout their history but are enjoying their golden generation of football with their crown jewel Lionel Messi lighting up the world stage of football for well over a decade now.
Pep Guardiola’s introduction as Barcelona manager 10 years ago set into motion a system at Nou Camp that is still benefitting the club. The former Barcelona player ingrained into the club a style of play that started from the bottom channel and helped convert their youth academy into a storage unit for future players.
The likes of Xavi, Iniesta, Gerard Pique, Cesc Fabregas, Pedro, Thiago Alcantara, Sergio Busquets, Bojan, Sergi Roberto, Rafinha and golden boy Leo Messi have all made it to the top of the tree credit to their youth academy of La Masia.
The club genuinely believes in developing young players and giving them ample first team chances to prove their credentials. Hence for any young player, it is a blessing to be picked up Barcelona. The setting is still in place with the Nou Camp outfit hardly buying more than needed.
They are enjoying a comfortable lead at the top of the table with the La Liga crown headed their way. They have played some excellent domestic football this season with Lionel Messi leading the charge. Their recent 1-0 triumph over their closest challengers Atletico Madrid courtesy of a stunning free-kick from their master Argentine has seen the gap at the top go even bigger.
Their arch-rivals and last season’s defending champions Real Madrid have lost their pace this season and the Madrid outfit have been of no threat to the Blaugrana team making the title chase somewhat of a bleak one-horse race.
They will now turn their attention to the Champions League where they face a potentially high-intensity match against the west London side. The Blues have to force a result at Nou Camp handing Barcelona the advantage but with big names like Andres Iniesta unsure to start, the Catalan side could have a match on their hands.
Here is how they will look to line up.
Formation: 4-4-2
Defence:
Marc-André ter Stegen will play in goal with Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti marshalling the backline. Sergi Roberto will play at right back with Jordi Alba at left back.
Midfield:
Sergio Busquets will sit behind with Aleix Vidal, Ivan Rakitic and Paulinho playing ahead of him.
Attack:
Luis Suarez will start up front with Lionel Messi.
