How will Luis Enrique rotate his center backs this season?
After rotating the center backs against Alavés and playing a back three vs Leganes, I began to cogitate how Luis Enrique will rotate his central defenders this season.
The center back pairings over the past few seasons has been a vexing yet minimal issue for Barcelona over the past few seasons. They’ve been able to overcome depth issues and achieve wonderful success.
But despite all the recent success, they situation at the back has been an underlying cause for concern amongst cules. Whether it’s been poor performances or minute bench options, there hasn’t been much stability in recent years.
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Barcelona’s defender Gerard Pique (2nd R) celebrates a goal with Barcelona’s Argentinian defender Javier Mascherano during the Spanish league ‘Clasico’ football match FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid CF at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on April 2, 2016. / AFP / JOSEP LAGO (Photo credit should read JOSEP LAGO/AFP/Getty Images)
Here’s what Barça have had going for them in defense the past few years:
Gerard Piqué
Piqué is the lynchpin of Barça’s defense: Basically, if he’s fit, you play him. Due to his calming presence, ball distribution, and aerial ability, he can be partnered with anybody and Barcelona’s defense will be in good hands.
Samuel Umtiti
Like Piqué, Umtiti provides a composure and stability at the back. He is left footed, so Luis Enrique will more often than not play him with a right footed player: Piqué or Mascherano. Perhaps playing with Mathieu would be successful, but that’s just conjecture. We can’t know until Luis Enrique actually does it.
Javier Mascherano
As we’ve already seen, a Mascherano-Mathieu pairing isn’t ideal. Mascherano’s energy works best with Piqué or Umtiti’s tranquility. He needs someone to provide stability in order to get the best out of him. What he does have for him though is the ability to distribute the ball to build up play. But if he doesn’t have a calming presence next to him, then you won’t be seeing much of it.
Jérémy Mathieu
Mathieu is in the same boat as Mascherano; he desperately needs either Piqué or Umtiti to play along side him. Not necessarily because he’s reckless like the Argentine, but because he’s nowhere near as good as the other three. Mathieu really isn’t the type of player you want on a Barcelona team. He’s soon becoming the newest deadweight for Barça.
Luis Fernando Muriel and Jeremy Mathieu during the match corresponding to the Joan Gamper Trophy, played at the Camp Nou stadiium, on august 10, 2016. (Photo by Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Now lets take a look at who should play in what games:
The Big Ones (Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, UCL knockout stage)
When the going gets tough, you go to what works best for you. Against elite clubs, Piqué needs to be on the field. That much we known now. As to who is replacement is, that depends on the current moment. If Mascherano is playing better than Umtiti, then you start him; and vice-versa. With the upcoming game against Atlético on Wednesday, Umtiti should got the nod; he’s been impeccable so far this season. But who knows, Mascherano could be in great form by the time of the first clásico, and it may be foolish to drop him for Umtiti. Don’t ever expect to see Mathieu in those kind of games, unless Barça actually want to lose.
The challenging but definitely winnable games (Tough away La Liga games, UCL group stage, late CDR rounds, etc)
In these games, Barça has a bit more leeway. While having Piqué is certainly a major advantage, Barça should be able to win them; so long as Umtiti is playing. That’s the key for Lucho this season: If Piqué isn’t playing, them Umtiti MUST be, and vice-versa. Barça can’t afford to put Mascherano and Mathieu together, or they’ll be susceptible to a repeat of the Alavés game. When it comes to Mathieu, he shouldn’t be on the field unless the other three are injured. Either Piqué-Umtiti, Masherano-Umtiti, or Piqué-Umtiti should be expected to play, depending on injuries and/or form.
The gimme’s (Home/Away games vs weak opposition)
These matches can range from the early rounds of the Copa del Rey to games vs weak La Liga sides. There won’t be many of these games; Barça can’t afford to underestimate their opponents. Again, the Alavés game is a perfect example. But when they do come about, any lineup should work, even a Mascherano-Mathieu pairing. (I sincerely hope this doesn’t come back to bite me.)
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Luis Enrique must be clever with his rotations. No matter how good the midfield or attack is, a vulnerable defense will bring everything else down. Hopefully, he will be able to manage his options and help lead Barcelona to another successful season.