Hansi Flick’s style of play has transformed Barcelona into an attacking monster, with the players scoring for fun at times. However, as the season has progressed teams have started to find weaknesses in Flick’s system. The high defensive line and offside trap of the German manager often protects Barca from any counter-attacks but if it fails it can mean giving the opposition a lot of time and space to attack.
The ball-playing visionary
Pau Cubarsi is one of the best centre-backs in the world and even more so when it comes to his ball-playing abilities. The 18-year-old has an incredible vision to break lines find his teammates and play brave through balls to forwards. This high-reward action comes with a high risk which means if it fails, the opposition will have the opportunity to make an attacking transition and catch Barca off-guard.
The vigorous warrior
Ronald Araujo is an artist of defending with his incredible strength and speed. He can cover a lot of ground in little time to shut down attacks and catch up with players that manage to get in behind Barca’s defense.
The Perfect Balance
Hansi Flick’s style of play requires his centre-backs to be very good on the ball and break lines to constantly help in creating attacks. It also requires the ability to track back and catch up with any players who escape the offside trap of the high line. This is where Cubarsi and Araujo can complement each other. Cubarsi can play with a lot more freedom with the security that Araujo can provide him with his pace and strength. This also makes Araujo’s lack of ball-playing less prominent as he is helping the team in another department.
Overall this duo can be the perfect balance to Barca’s backline with a more complete profile that provides both help in the build-up and security from the failure of the offside trap.