New trend reveals what is really changing under Hansi Flick at Barcelona this season

New trend reveals what is really changing under Hansi Flick at Barcelona this season Barcelona’s early-season dominance can be measured in goals and victories , but one of the more revealing changes under Hansi Flick is happening before the final pass is even attempted. The ball is moving almost constantly. Over their last three matches against Valencia, Feyenoord and Levante, Barcelona completed more than 700 passes in each game.  In fact, they recorded 728 against Valencia, 746 against Feyenoord and 711 in Valencia vs Levante, which explains that Barcelona are not rushing every attack. Rather, they are moving the opposition first. Numbers tell a story of sheer control For what it is worth, there is a clear progression when the opening six matches are viewed together. Barcelona completed 463 passes against Elche, 560 against Athletic Club and 585 against Rayo Vallecano before the numbers climbed above 700 in each of their next three fixtures. Barcelona are now enjoying a comfortable spell of possession. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) The jump is significant because it has coincided with greater control rather than empty circulation, and it also comes at a time when Rodri now seems settled into the starting XI. As observed, Barcelona are constantly moving the ball until a passing lane or attacking opportunity opens. The opening minutes against Levante illustrated that perfectly. Before Xavi Espart broke the deadlock, the hosts could barely get a sustained touch of the ball.  Barça simply shifted possession from one player to another, almost turning the match into a competitive rondo. Notably, this is an important switch in Flick’s Barcelona, as possession has never been Barcelona’s style under the German.  Now, however, it has become the mechanism for creating the conditions to attack. Barcelona are controlling where matches are played Rodri’s introduction has stabilised Barcelona’s midfield. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) Statistically, Barcelona reached 75% at Levante, their highest mark of the season. That surpassed the 74% recorded away to Valencia and the 72% they enjoyed against Feyenoord. The trend matters because Barcelona’s passing volume is rising at the same time as their share of possession. It also explains why opponents can spend long stretches chasing shadows before suddenly facing an attack. The next question is whether Barcelona can reproduce that control against Racing on Wednesday. The challenge for Flick is not to dominate the ball again, but it is to ensure that the possession has purpose and that the team does not confuse control with complacency.