Barcelona Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Lionel Messi (10) · David Villa (7) · Ronaldinho (10) · Andre Iniesta (8) · Xavi Hernandes (6) · Sergio Busquets (5) · Ter Stegen · Jordi Alba (18) · Carles Puyol (5) · Ronald Koeman (4) · Dani Alves (22)

Possession is the main goal for Barcelona in this 5-2-3 formation. The team aims to control the rhythm of the game through short passes and high ball control. This lineup is built to play a game where they stay in the opposition half and move the ball constantly to tire the opponent.

Ter Stegen operates between the posts to start any build up. The back five consists of Dani Alves as an attacking wing back on the right and Jordi Alba as an attacking wing back on the left. In the center, Sergio Busquets sits as a central defender. Ronald Koeman and Carles Puyol form the rest of the line. Ronald Koeman uses his passing range to play out from the back. Carles Puyol is dominant in the air and covers the space behind his teammates. The unit works to stay compact and win the second ball.

The midfield uses a two man unit. Xavi Hernandes and Andre Iniesta work together to control the center. Xavi Hernandes uses his passing range to find teammates and switch play. Andre Iniesta uses his dribbling in tight spaces to carry the ball forward and break the line. They connect the defense to the attack by receiving the ball and playing through the lines. They also press to win the ball back high up the pitch.

A front three leads the attack. Ronaldinho plays on the left as an inverted winger who cuts inside. Lionel Messi plays on the right as an inverted winger who cuts inside to find space. David Villa acts as the central striker to lead the line. This group works to stretch the defence by pulling defenders out of position. Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi look to isolate defenders in one on one situations. David Villa makes runs in behind to attack the space.

The formation offers wide overloads from the overlapping runs of Dani Alves and Jordi Alba. This provides extra passing options in the final third and stretches the opposition. The team also benefits from the ability to press high to win the ball back quickly. The ability to combine in tight spaces allows the team to move the ball effectively through the thirds.

This 5-2-3 lineup is built to dominate the ball and squeeze the space of the opponent. It is best suited for games where Barcelona can use high possession to break down a low block or a side that sits deep.