FC Barcelona remains a tactical powerhouse in the world of football even today. The Spanish club is well known for its revolutionary possession-based style and similar tactical creations. From the time of Johan Cruyff to even the golden age under Pep Guardiola, Barcelona remains a pioneer of footballing formulas.
However, certain tactical tweaks can render specific football players ineffective. At times, they lose their potency as a player due to these systematic changes.
Under Xavi Hernandez last season, a particular young fullback performed immensely well. His attacking potency was beyond mesmerizing, and it made him the undisputed starter for the team.
Balde’s declining contributions
This season, his contributions in that department have been rather lackluster. The player in question is none other than 19-year-old Alejandro Balde. Nominated for the Kopa Trophy and Golden Boy award this year, the player’s ongoing season has not been the most spectacular of sights.
SPORT believes that this inefficiency and unproductive campaign has much to do with tactical switches. This season, the arrival of the two Joaos on loan has significantly restricted Balde’s involvement in the attack.
Felix occupying the left
Joao Felix, unlike Gavi last season, plays a much more traditional game as a left winger. Keen on staying attached to his position and occupying the left flank, it leaves little room for Balde to make regular darting runs forward.
Gavi, playing as a false winger last season, offered Balde much more freedom due to his tendency to drift into the midfield or occupy the interior positions.
Cancelo’s adventures
The other restricting factor for Balde’s offensive contributions has been the incorporation of Joao Cancelo. Arriving in the summer alongside Felix, Cancelo has become a major part of Xavi’s plans.
However, due to the Portuguese fullback’s nature to drift forward quite often, Balde has to be much more restricted in order to not allow the opposition to counterattack too easily.
Last season, Balde was allowed much more freedom due to Jules Kounde occupying the right-back slot. The Frenchman’s defensive contributions and solidity allowed young Balde to venture into enemy territory much more often than he gets to this season.
While his numbers are declining and the reasons are understandable, Xavi will need to help Balde make better use of his attacking qualities in order to further improve this Barcelona side.
