Zubimendi - The key to unlock Frenkie? 🤔
Barca’s growing interest in Zubimendi have made fans concerned for Frenkie’s role in the team. I look at it from a different perspective.
If we purchase Zubimendi, I believe Frenkie will become even more important to the team.
If we purchase Zubimendi, I believe Frenkie will become even more important to the team.
Busquets will leave (eventually). While Zubimendi could be a natural replacement, I consider this the perfect opportunity to change our system. We should bet on Frenkie, and Zubimendi would help us doing so.
We could switch to a 3-4-3, which is a formation Xavi used in Al-Sadd.
We could switch to a 3-4-3, which is a formation Xavi used in Al-Sadd.
A 3-4-3 formation is the best way to structure high pressure once we lose the ball. It allows us to commit more numbers, and minimize the space between our players, which gives the opponents less time on the ball in their own half. We saw the approach vs Real Sociedad.
A 3-4-3 formation would also allow us to use Frenkie, Zubimendi, Pedri & Gavi. Pedri & Gavi would operate with more freedom between the lines, with Frenkie & Zubimendi functioning as stabilizers in a double pivot. A balanced midfield, with players that complement each other.
Now, why is Zubimendi the key to all this? I have studied him for a while, and I would like to start talking about his impact defensively.
Zubimendi is an elite anticipator. He reads the game, which is why he has more interceptions than 92% of midfielders in the t5 leagues.
Zubimendi is an elite anticipator. He reads the game, which is why he has more interceptions than 92% of midfielders in the t5 leagues.
Not only that, but he also wins 3/4 aerial duels. Top 5% in the top 5 leagues for midfielders (per 90 min). Zubimendi times his jump to perfection. He is rock solid defensively. Great in individual battles! Anticipation is also one of Busquets’s biggest strengths.
He has become reliable on the ball, and is good progressive passer. Real Sociedad have quality players like David Silva & Takefuso Kubo. Zubimendi is able to find them with disguised passes between the lines. Sociedad’s diamond shape in buildups requires Zubimendi.
If we want to see the best version of Frenkie, he needs a certain level of freedom. As a single pivot, he has to shield the defense. His ball carrying ability is his biggest strength, and with Zubimendi alongside him, he can be much more influential/creative.
Zubimendi is better than Frenkie defensively. He is a perfect profile for Barca. Perfect with Frenkie.
Yes, we are more vulnerable on the sides, but a more coordinated high press compensate for that. AraĂşjo + Kounde have the physicality to handle open space as well.
Yes, we are more vulnerable on the sides, but a more coordinated high press compensate for that. AraĂşjo + Kounde have the physicality to handle open space as well.
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