"We attack the same way. It hasn't changed. What has changed is the names. The profile changes, but our way of attacking is the same," Xavi told the media ahead of the Antwerp clash.
"But Cancelo has his individual qualities, he understands it," the Barca boss added.
Well, Xavi's words are not completely true.
Joao Cancelo's emergence impacts Barca's attacking play in a way they haven't experienced since Dani Alves' comeback in 2021/22. The Portuguese often covers central areas, giving Blaugrana numerical superiority in the midfield – something the legendary Brazilian did for Barca two seasons ago.
Last season, Barca's regular starting right-back was Jules Kounde who formed a back three alongside Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen.
Of course, this meant that more midfielders were involved in Blaugrana's attacks than this season (this time, one of Oriol Romeu and Frenkie de Jong has to drop back to the back three). But there was also a natural winger like Ousmane Dembele who plays differently to both Joao Cancelo and Ferran Torres who were used on the right against Real Betis.
So basically, Barca's defenders (particularly Cancelo and Kounde) are now more involved in attack while their midfielders (especially Romeu and De Jong) have to support the defence more often. Last season, it was vice versa + there was Ousmane Dembele whose style of play can only be compared to Lamine Yamal now.
Xavi-ball is back – but the one from 2021/22, not 2022/23.
