The structure and style of play at FC Barcelona have varied through the years, although the philosophies and virtues of the club have more or less remained unchanged from their origin.
However, at times, teams can become too stagnant and this is something that the Barcelona of Xavi Hernandez has been accused of in recent games. Despite the contentions, the latest game against Real Betis was a clear indication of some very important changes that took place within the squad.
According to Spanish outlet SPORT, two players in particular that have brought about a new significant dynamism to this team across various fronts are Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo, the two new arrivals from Atletico Madrid and Manchester City respectively.
New ‘Courage’ in the team
In the 5-0 victory over Betis at the Montjuic Stadium, both Joaos entered the scoresheet with individually spectacular goals to their name. Moreover, they introduced something to this Barcelona side that many had been clamoring for since quite a while; courage.
Courage in a way that adheres to the structure of the team but is not willing to simply sit idle when passing lanes are blocked or a good teammate is available as an outlet. Courage that is willing to attempt shots of grandeur and extravagance if the time is right.
That is the version of courage that Felix and Cancelo bring into this team and their goals were both prime examples of this fact.
Understanding the Barcelona style of play and the way Xavi wants his team orchestrated remains the priority, but having a unique individual ability to break the sequence every once in a while is exactly why unbalancing players such as the two Portuguese stars are very welcome at top clubs.
Against both Getafe and Cadiz, Barcelona showed a lack of self-belief when it came to being willing to take shots at goal when passing sideways had become too stagnant. On the other hand, the games since then have only shown an improvement in that particular regard.
Moving forward, it will be unsurprising to see both Felix and Cancelo become crucial parts of this Barcelona team and it will indeed be interesting to see how Xavi manages to get the absolute best versions of them to shine for La Blaugrana.
