Five reasons why Xavi Hernandez’s FC Barcelona have hit top form

Since Xavi took the reins at FC Barcelona the club have climbed to third in the LaLiga Santander table, and to top this resurgence off they just beat arch rivals Real Madrid 4-0 away from home in last Sunday’s ElClasico.

Barcelona’s 4-0 triumph in ElClasico on Sunday 20 March was an unforgettable night for Les Cules. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored a brace while Ferran Torres and Ronald Araujo were also among the goals. The win consolidated the progression the team have made under Xavi and here are five reasons why Barça’s fortunes have changed.

A successful winter transfer window

In the first half of the season Barcelona found it tough going when it came to finishing off their chances. However when the January transfer window came around their sporting director made some shrewd signings to give the team some much-needed firepower.

Dani Alves and Adama Traore offer a mixture of creativity and drive down the right flank and also give the squad strength in depth, while Ferran and Aubameyang have already become key players for Xavi.

Aubameyang has scored seven goals in seven games in LaLiga Santander, forging a deadly partnership with fellow newcomer Ferran to whom he provided a lovely backheeled assist in the victory over Real Madrid. 

As for Ferran, the young Valencian has scored four times in as many games in the league and his incorporation into Xavi’s side has allowed Les Cules to attack with greater thrust. Aside from putting four past Real Madrid in ElClasico Barcelona have also scored the same amount of goals against Atletico de Madrid, Valencia CF, CA Osasuna, and Athletic Club in the Spanish top flight.

Xavi gets Barça playing the Barça way

It may have taken the players a while to understand just exactly what Xavi is asking of them, but it’s been worth the wait. The team are now a well-drilled unit who press high, never let up in their intensity, and savour possession.

With Aubameyang playing close to the opponent’s goal Xavi asks his central midfielders to push forward and play passing triangles in the attacking third to lure in opposition defenders. This in turn allows players such as Ferran and Ousmane Dembele the freedom to break down the flanks into the box. It has been proven that teams find it hard going to face a Barcelona side which enjoys possession as much as they do; a throwback to the days of yore.

Pedri’s coming of age

Pedri Gonzalez’s ground-breaking first season at Barcelona took the world by surprise. Having joined from UD Las Palmas he was thrown in the deep end by Ronald Koeman, joining straight up with the first team from the get-go.

The Canarian has been improving with every matchday that has gone by, becoming an ever-greater threat in attack. While the first half of his season was overshadowed by injury he’s now back in the fold and is enjoying a purple patch; the 19-year-old has become undroppable. It’s as if Barcelona had signed a world-class midfielder in the January window.

Pedri has also scored against RCD Espanyol and Athletic Club as well as having his rocket shot deflected in by Aubameyang against Valencia CF. This is clear proof that he has honed his craft in attack; a marked improvement on the last campaign.

Key players back in form

Barcelona’s veteran stars Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets have rolled back the years and are thriving under Xavi’s tactical approach.

Busquets has benefitted from having more teammates around him in midfield; he now has less ground to cover compared to previous seasons. In defence Pique and Eric Garcia have both been tasked with the responsibility of launching attacks from the back, something the two Catalans relish.

Eric, who had a tough start to the season, receiving two red cards, is now flying high. In ElClasico his pass completion rate was 98%, better than any other starter from either side that day. This was key in cutting down the chances Real Madrid had to mount attacks.

Frenkie de Jong is another player going from strength to strength under Xavi. The Dutchman is a top professional who has rolled up his sleeves and set out to do exactly what the coach askes of him. ElClasico was among his standout performances of 2021/22.

Winning mentality and positive atmosphere

When Xavi came in as coach he was keen to get the squad smiling in training again. He’s brought some fun back into the proceedings to help balance out the increase of tactical focus, and the results are there for all to see. Barcelona are once again playing with grit and are utterly fearless when under pressure.