Barcelona have the best midfield in Europe and the numbers prove it | OneFootball

Barcelona have undergone a major transformation under Hansi Flick. The team is almost unrecognisable compared to previous campaigns, demonstrating a new style of play and a fresh approach to the game.

Even with injuries to several key players, Flick has managed to create a strong, well-organised unit capable of competing with Europe’s top clubs.

One of the most significant improvements under Flick’s management is the team’s physicality and their ability to cover vast areas of the pitch. The days of Barcelona being overly reliant on possession-based football seem to be behind them.

While they have not completely abandoned their signature style, there is now a clear emphasis on pressing and attacking football. The team is more direct, aggressive, and focused on regaining possession quickly after losing the ball.

This shift in playing style is reflected in the performances of some of the team’s key players, particularly Pedri. The young midfielder has become a cornerstone of Barcelona’s new system, showcasing his ability to recover the ball in advanced positions.

Pedri is now statistically one of the most effective ball recoverers in Europe, particularly in the final third of the pitch.

Pedri is doing more than just being creative

Pedri has played a different role for Barcelona this season. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

To highlight just how significant Pedri’s contribution has been, consider the fact that he currently leads all midfielders in Europe’s top leagues—La Liga, Premier League, Serie A, Bundesliga, and the Champions League—in terms of recoveries made in the opposition’s final third.

To put things in perspective, he has managed 10 recoveries in 10 games this season, putting him ahead of many other attacking midfielders across Europe. Last season, over the course of 34 games, Pedri made 17 recoveries in the final third of the pitch.

This season, he is already on track to surpass that figure if he continues at his current rate. His performance highlights a broader trend within the Barcelona squad, as the team is now focused on regaining possession higher up the pitch, closer to the opponent’s goal.

Dangerous in the opposition half

Pedri has been extremely effective in the final third. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Barcelona currently lead Europe in recoveries made in the final third, surpassing even Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, a team known for its high-pressing game.

Barcelona’s 48 recoveries in the final third this season are two more than City’s, which speaks volumes about the effectiveness of Flick’s approach.

Amidst all this, Pedri’s contribution doesn’t stop. In addition to being Barcelona’s top player for recoveries in the final third, he also leads the team in recoveries across the entire opposition half.

Pedri has captured possession 37 times in the opposition’s half, slightly ahead of Jules Kounde, who has 36, and significantly more than Marc Casado, who has 31.

Overall, Pedri has made 55 recoveries this season, placing him fourth in total recoveries for the entire Barcelona squad.

How long will it sustain?

Can Pedri maintain the consistency? (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)

When breaking down Pedri’s performance even further, we see that he averages 5.11 recoveries per 90 minutes, a remarkable statistic that highlights his work rate and effectiveness in Barcelona’s pressing system.

The double-pivot he has formed with Casado has proven to be highly effective, offering Barcelona greater control in the middle of the park.

However, with key players set to return from injury, it remains to be seen whether Pedri can maintain his place in the starting XI. As competition for spots increases, Flick will face the challenge of balancing the squad and ensuring that all players remain in top form.

But if Pedri continues to perform at his current level, there is every reason to believe he will remain a key figure in Flick’s plans for the rest of the season.

Stats taken from Mundo Deportivo