Barcelona’s tactical evolution under Hansi Flick puts two players under pressure

Barcelona’s tactical evolution under Hansi Flick puts two players under pressure In Hansi Flick’s first season at Barcelona in 2024/25, the identity of his first-choice full-backs could not have been more firmly established. Whenever fit and available, Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde were two of the first names on the team sheet for the German manager. Fast forward a couple of seasons, though, and the duo are struggling to earn a starting berth under Flick. However, there is a case to be made that the two players falling out of favour is not a coincidence but part of a broader tactical evolution in Flick’s use of full-backs. According to SPORT , the German manager is increasingly favouring full-backs with the intelligence and technical qualities of midfielders. Midfielders finding a new home at full-back Xavi Espart’s emergence was one of the first signs that Flick was keen to change the way he uses full-backs in his team. The La Masia graduate had made 15 appearances at either left-back or right-back for Barcelona before suffering an injury against Real Madrid. His absence opened the door for Brian Farinas, with the 20-year-old midfielder following a similar path and impressing at right-back against Alaves and Aston Villa. Brian Farinas has done very well in his limited opportunities at Barcelona. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images) Farinas recorded 114 touches against Alaves, completing over 97% of his passes before producing another assured display in the Champions League. His understanding with Lamine Yamal and his ability to pass the ball and retain possession have particularly caught the eye. The reason behind Flick’s approach is understandable. With natural wingers like Lamine Yamal, Karim Adeyemi or Anthony Gordon providing width, Barça need their full-backs to function differently. They need to be comfortable on the ball, drift into the middle, create overloads, drive forward with the ball at their feet and think and operate like midfielders. Joao Cancelo and Eric Garcia possess the qualities to fulfil these roles, explaining their rise to first-choice status at left-back and right-back, respectively. Meanwhile, Farinas and Espart, having trained as midfielders in their formative years, have no issue playing this role. What does this mean for Kounde and Balde? The tactical shift presents a particular problem for Balde, whose greatest strength has traditionally been his ability to attack open spaces with his pace. Balde’s profile doesn’t have a role in Hansi Flick’s tactical system. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images) Previously, alongside someone like Raphinha, who kept drifting into the box, Balde was the perfect complementary full-back. However, if the Spaniard tries to do the same alongside Gordon or Adeyemi, the chances of them operating in the same channels become much higher. Kounde faces a different challenge. He is naturally a central defender who has been converted to right-back, and asking him to play the midfield role might not be possible. While the frequency of games and constant rotation mean the duo should still get game time, their status at the club has changed significantly. It remains to be seen whether Hansi Flick takes the next step of parting ways with the duo in the coming seasons to bring in full-backs more suited to his approach.