Barcelona delivered a solid performance against Juventus, in the first match of the post Leo Messi era. The Catalans moved the ball around quite well and created lots of chances, although they did also concede a few dangerous counter-attacks.
Since it was a friendly game, Ronald Koeman made eight substitutes in the second half, so it makes sense to differentiate between them.
First-half XI
Barcelona XI: Neto - Dest, Araujo, Pique, Alba - Busquets, Roberto - Griezmann, Demir, Memphis - Braithwaite.
The first big surprise was the coach changing the formation. He said after the Salzburg game that the pre-season is the time for experiments, and he definitely meant it.
The Catalans lined up in a 4-2-3-1 set-up, which is reported to be Koeman favourite formation. There were a few rather unorthodox moves from the Dutchman.
To start with, it looks like the technician trusts the Araujo-Pique centre-back duo. Pique — who previously played as the right centre-back when in pair with Clement Lenglet — was moved to the left centre-back spot. Since he's the better passer and plays well with both legs, it makes a lot of sense to use him there.
Next, Sergi Roberto moved back to the midfield. Koeman seems to prefer him over other options, be it due to experience or defensive attributes.
Demir's case is the most interesting one. After being used as a winger in the previous matches, Yusuf started in the attacking midfielder position and did very well, we have to say.
When Barca were defending, the Austrian dropped back, with Blaugrana lining in a more compact 4-1-4-1 formation — Busquets was the lone pivot.
Finally, Griezmann unexpectedly played on the right flank, and it was where Koeman used him during his first days at the club.
Whether this formation will prove to be an efficient one only time will tell. But we have to admit that the Catalans showed some good football in the first half, moving the ball well, running into free spaces and creating goalscoring moments.
Second-half XI
Barcelona XI: Neto - Emerson, Pique, Umtiti, Balde - Busquets, Nico - Collado, Puig, Memphis - Manaj. (line-up at the end of the match)
The second half wasn't as interesting in terms of tactics as Barca continued playing the same football. The game did seem a bit more chaotic towards the end, but that's likely because we got to see those players who do not feature as regularly.
Still, there are certain conclusions we can draw out of the coach's decisions.
Koeman seems to favour the more physical Nico Gonzalez ahead of Puig in the defensive midfielder role, as he was the one to replace Roberto. Riqui came on a bit later and played in a more advanced position.
Besides, La Masia talent Balde left a very good impression, showing off his defensive and attacking skills. The 18-year-old turns out to be a good dribbler, something Jordi Alba is missing, for example.
Among the minor things, Pique switched to right centre-back when left-footed Umtiti came on. And Collado played on the right flank after being used as a midfielder in earlier friendlies.
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