Barcelona, this season, boasts an incredibly well-balanced and diverse midfield, allowing it to adapt seamlessly to different game states and tactical setups. Each player offers a unique skill set, and while some profiles overlap, most midfielders can be categorized into distinct roles.
This flexibility gives Hansi Flick an enviable array of options, making Barça’s midfield one of the deepest and most versatile in European football.
Controllers and Creators: Pedri & Frenkie
Applying a single label to Pedri would be an injustice to his versatility, but he thrives deeper, progressing play rather than rigidly staying higher up. From these positions, he dictates tempo, ensuring Barcelona controls possession rather than getting drawn into chaotic, end to end affairs.
Whether breaking lines with precise passes, or orchestrating build-up, the midfielder influences every phase. Pedri is the perfect controller and playmaker, suited for all game states.
Frenkie de Jong adds a unique dimension with elite ball-carrying, but he is no slouch with his progressive passing either. In fact, he is averaging 2 key passes per game (nearly 4 times Casado’s 0.52). His press resistance helps him evade pressure and play deep passes.
Crucially, his ability to slow the game and maintain pausa ensures Barcelona dictates the tempo under pressure. In chaotic games or against low blocks requiring creativity, Frenkie is the ideal profile, but he can struggle when more defending (UCL games) is required.
Ball Winners: Casado & Gavi
To prevent disorder in transitions, Barca have to rely on aggressive ball-winning midfielders. Marc Casado embodies this role perfectly, offering intensity, positional intelligence, and defensive security. The youngster allows Barcelona to maintain compactness off the ball due to his sharp positioning.
In the UCL, Casado has won 51 of 76 defensive duels, the most among midfielders and third overall. Additionally, he has more possession-adjusted tackles (2.32) than any player in the Top 7 Leagues this season.
Pablo Gavira operates in a similar vein, with a well-rounded skill set on the ball, though he faces stiff competition in that area. However, his off-ball intelligence sets him apart. He excels at making runs into space when deployed as a No. 10 but is most effective deeper in a double pivot.
His ability to close down spaces, impose physicality and cover immense ground makes him an elite ball-winner.
While both offer creativity, their real strength is out of possession. Their ability to partner Frenkie or Pedri enhances our midfield depth.
Attacking Midfielders: Olmo and Fermin
A crucial element in Flick’s attacking setup is having midfielders who can operate between the lines, create overloads, and provide goal threat from advanced areas. Fermin Lopez has been a revelation with his aggressive attacking runs and ability to arrive late into the box, making him a dangerous goal-scoring presence.
His off the-ball movement and relentless energy add dynamism to Barça’s attack. Against high lines and when control isn’t essential, he’s the go-to option. Fermin’s early season display vs. Bayern showed that his on-ball struggles can be a worthwhile trade-off in the right set-up.
Meanwhile, Dani Olmo boasts a more complete resumé. While he is primarily a goalscorer, the Spaniard is able to connect different phases together with his silky first touch and penetrative passing.
Similar to Fermin, he is exceptionally direct, but possesses more technical refinement. For example, Olmo can effortlessly glide past defenders in tight spaces, execute precise final balls, and dictate play in advanced areas.
Final Thoughts
If you need a half-space threat, play Olmo; if a runner in behind is required, start Fermin. For ball winning or possession retention, trust Gavi, while Casado excels at winning defensive duels. When press resistance and ball progression are key, Frenkie is the answer. This is midfield versatility at its finest.
