How Will Barcelona Play? Flick’s Expected XI and Tactical Evolution
After90
Report 4 — Barcelona 2026–27: The Next Step
Barcelona’s first three reports have established the story.
The champions are already good enough to dominate Spain.
Hansi Flick does not need to rebuild their identity.
And the attack has become faster, younger and considerably more flexible after the additions of Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi.
Now comes the practical question:
How will all of this actually fit together on the pitch?
On paper, Flick has more tactical possibilities than at any previous point in his Barcelona project.
But more possibilities also create more decisions.
And the biggest decision is not simply:
Who starts?
It is:
What structure gives Barcelona the best balance between attacking freedom and defensive security?
1. The Starting Formation Will Probably Lie to You
Barcelona may be listed as a:
4-2-3-1
or perhaps:
4-3-3
But that only describes where the players stand before the match begins.
It does not describe how Flick wants Barcelona to attack.
The more useful way to understand the team is through different phases.
Without the Ball
Barcelona may defend or press in a:
4-4-2
or aggressive:
4-2-4
During Early Build-Up
The structure can resemble:
3-2-5
or:
2-3-5
In Sustained Possession
Barcelona may attack with five players across the final line.
During Transitions
The shape can disappear almost completely.
That is modern positional football.
Formation is the starting point.
Structure is what actually matters.
2. Our Expected Base XI
If Flick had his strongest squad available and Barcelona were preparing for an important match tomorrow, one possible first-choice XI would be:
Expected 4-2-3-1
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Joan García |
| RB | Jules Koundé |
| CB | Pau Cubarsí |
| CB | Andreas Christensen / Eric García |
| LB | Alejandro Balde |
| CM | Frenkie de Jong |
| CM | Pedri |
| RW | Lamine Yamal |
| AM | Dani Olmo |
| LW | Anthony Gordon / Raphinha |
| ST | Ferran Torres / Karim Adeyemi |
This is not a prediction that the same eleven will start every major match.
Far from it.
The squad is now too flexible for that.
But it gives us a useful tactical starting point.
3. The Biggest Defensive Change Is Araújo’s Absence
Ronald Araújo’s absence changes the defensive equation significantly.
It removes one of Barcelona’s most physically dominant defenders.
Araújo offered:
- Recovery speed.
- Aggressive one-against-one defending.
- Physical strength.
- Ability to defend large spaces.
- Aerial presence.
Those qualities are particularly useful when playing an extremely high defensive line.
Without him, Barcelona may become more dependent on:
Pau Cubarsí
for anticipation, distribution and positional intelligence.
Andreas Christensen
for calmness and experience.
Eric García
for build-up quality and tactical flexibility.
The important tactical consequence is clear:
Barcelona’s defence may need to protect space structurally rather than expecting individual defenders to rescue it physically.
And that makes the rest-defence improvements discussed in Report 2 even more important.
4. Cubarsí Becomes the Defensive Reference
This may be the season in which Pau Cubarsí stops being described primarily as a young talent.
He is becoming a structural player.
For Flick’s football, his importance comes from several qualities.
He can:
- Receive under pressure.
- Break the first line with passes.
- Step into midfield.
- Defend forward.
- Read vertical passes.
- Play with large spaces behind him.
That makes him extremely valuable in a high-possession team.
The question is no longer:
Can Cubarsí start for Barcelona?
That has already been answered.
The question is:
Who should Flick place next to him?
5. Christensen or Eric García?
This could become one of the most interesting selection battles.
Christensen Gives Barcelona:
- Experience.
- Positional discipline.
- Aerial strength.
- Calmness.
- Traditional centre-back presence.
Eric García Gives Barcelona:
- Excellent distribution.
- Tactical flexibility.
- Ability to step into midfield.
- Comfort defending higher.
- Familiarity with positional football.
Against a physically powerful striker, Flick may prefer Christensen.
Against an opponent that sits deep and allows Barcelona possession, Eric could become extremely valuable.
This is precisely the kind of opponent-specific selection Barcelona need more of.
The best eleven does not always mean:
The same eleven.
6. Koundé May Become the Balance Point
Jules Koundé could quietly become one of the most important players in the entire tactical system.
Why?
Because Barcelona have enormous attacking freedom on the opposite side.
If Balde pushes high...
Gordon moves inside...
Pedri advances...
and five players attack the final line...
someone must remain responsible.
That player could frequently be Koundé.
Instead of asking both full-backs to attack simultaneously, Flick could use an asymmetric structure.
For example:
Balde attacks.
Koundé stays deeper.
Then Barcelona can create something resembling:
Koundé — Cubarsí — Christensen
behind the attack.
That gives the team a three-man protection structure.
And it can become essential after turnovers.
7. Balde Can Become the Width on the Left
Anthony Gordon’s arrival creates an interesting tactical relationship with Alejandro Balde.
Gordon is comfortable receiving wide.
But he is also dangerous attacking inside.
If Gordon moves toward the left half-space...
Balde can overlap.
If Gordon stays on the touchline...
Balde can remain deeper.
This creates rotation.
And rotation creates uncertainty.
A defender facing Barcelona’s left side may have to answer:
Who tracks Gordon?
Who tracks Balde?
Does the midfielder follow the inside movement?
Does the full-back stay wide?
Those decisions create small defensive hesitations.
At elite level, those hesitations are enough.
8. Pedri Is Still the Tactical Centre of Everything
Barcelona may have Lamine Yamal.
They may have Gordon.
They may have Adeyemi.
They may have several goalscorers.
But tactically, Pedri may still be the most important player in the system.
Because Pedri determines:
How Barcelona move from one phase to another.
When the game needs acceleration, he can accelerate.
When Barcelona need control, he can slow things down.
When the opponent blocks the centre, he can move the ball outside.
When the opponent presses wide, he can return the ball inside.
Pedri connects:
defence,
midfield,
and attack.
That makes him not simply a midfielder.
He is the rhythm controller.
9. De Jong Could Become Pedri’s Ideal Partner — But in a Different Role
Frenkie de Jong gives Barcelona something different.
Pedri interprets spaces ahead of the ball exceptionally well.
De Jong can help Barcelona escape pressure behind it.
His ability to:
- Receive facing his own goal.
- Carry through pressure.
- Break midfield lines.
- Progress possession.
- Change the angle of build-up.
can become extremely valuable.
The interesting question is how Flick divides responsibilities.
One possibility:
De Jong stays deeper.
Pedri receives higher.
Another:
Pedri drops into build-up.
De Jong carries forward.
The important thing is avoiding both players occupying exactly the same zone.
Their qualities should complement each other.
Not duplicate each other.
10. And Then There Is Gavi
Gavi makes the midfield discussion much more complicated.
Because his greatest qualities are not necessarily the same as Pedri’s or De Jong’s.
Gavi brings:
- Pressure.
- Aggression.
- Running.
- Counter-pressing.
- Defensive intensity.
- Vertical movement.
- Personality.
Against a technically strong opponent, Flick may decide that Barcelona need more aggression rather than more circulation.
That could produce:
Pedri — Gavi
instead of:
Pedri — De Jong
Or even a midfield three.
This is why describing one Barcelona XI as permanently “first choice” may become increasingly inaccurate.
11. Marc Bernal Could Become the Wild Card
Marc Bernal offers another profile.
A genuine deeper midfielder.
That could become extremely useful because one of Barcelona’s tactical problems has been protection behind the attack.
With Bernal positioned centrally, Flick can potentially allow:
Pedri to move higher.
Balde to attack.
Olmo to occupy the half-space.
Lamine to remain wide.
without leaving the central corridor completely exposed.
Against certain opponents, a real holding midfielder may provide more value than another attacking technician.
Bernal therefore may not need to start every match to become tactically important.
12. The Most Interesting Position Is No. 10
Dani Olmo gives Flick a natural option between the lines.
And in a 4-2-3-1, this may be where he becomes most dangerous.
Behind the striker, Olmo can:
- Receive between midfield and defence.
- Turn toward goal.
- Combine with Lamine.
- Attack the box.
- Move into the left half-space.
- Become a second striker.
- Press the opponent’s deepest midfielder.
That means Barcelona’s attacking shape can quickly become:
4-2-4
without the ball.
And:
3-2-5
with it.
Olmo becomes the connecting player.
13. But Flick Could Also Use Pedri Higher
There is another possibility.
Against opponents that defend extremely deep, Barcelona may not need two conventional midfielders sitting behind the attack.
Flick could move Pedri higher.
For example:
Bernal — De Jong
behind:
Pedri
Or:
De Jong — Gavi
behind:
Pedri
This would place Barcelona’s best controller closer to the opponent’s penalty area.
The trade-off is obvious.
Barcelona gain creativity higher.
But lose some of Pedri’s control during build-up.
Once again:
Opponent matters.
14. The Right Side Still Belongs to Lamine
Some tactical questions are complicated.
This one is not.
If fit and available:
Lamine Yamal starts on the right.
The objective should not be changing his position simply because Barcelona have signed new forwards.
Instead, the new structure should make his existing position even more dangerous.
Lamine wants to:
- Receive wide.
- Isolate the left-back.
- Cut inside.
- Combine with midfield.
- Shoot.
- Play through balls.
- Attack the half-space.
The surrounding structure must make those decisions easier.
15. Koundé and Lamine Need Complementary Movement
If Lamine remains wide, Koundé does not always need to overlap.
Sometimes an overlapping run helps.
But sometimes it only brings another defender into Lamine’s space.
Koundé can instead:
- Underlap.
- Stay behind the ball.
- Move into midfield.
- Offer a recycling option.
This gives Lamine room.
The principle should be:
Do not occupy Lamine’s space unless the movement improves his advantage.
That sounds simple.
It is not.
The relationship between winger and full-back can determine whether a one-against-one situation remains a one-against-one.
16. Gordon Gives Barcelona a Mirror Threat
For several seasons, opponents have had a relatively obvious defensive strategy:
Shift toward Lamine.
Now that strategy becomes more dangerous.
If opponents send extra numbers toward Lamine...
Barcelona can switch.
And Gordon can attack the opposite full-back.
That creates something Barcelona desperately want:
Threat on both sides.
Instead of the entire attack leaning toward one superstar, the pitch becomes wider.
17. Raphinha Will Not Simply Disappear
It would be a mistake to interpret Gordon’s arrival as the end of Raphinha’s importance.
Raphinha offers a different combination.
He understands Flick’s pressing demands.
He attacks the box.
He can move centrally.
He can play on either flank.
And he already has established relationships with Barcelona’s existing midfielders.
That means the left-wing position could depend heavily on the opponent.
Gordon
when Barcelona want one-on-one threat and transition speed.
Raphinha
when Barcelona want pressing, movement and tactical continuity.
This is competition.
But it is also tactical variety.
18. The No. 9 Position Changes Everything
This is probably the biggest question in the entire formation.
Who plays centrally?
Barcelona have several possible attacking profiles.
But the tactical consequences differ significantly.
19. Option A: Ferran Torres — The Box Attacker
If Flick wants the most conventional central presence available, Ferran may be the answer.
He understands:
- Penalty-area movement.
- Near-post runs.
- Attacking crosses.
- Movement between centre-backs.
- Finding scoring positions.
A front three of:
Gordon — Ferran — Lamine
may therefore be the most balanced.
Gordon stretches.
Lamine creates.
Ferran finishes.
Simple.
And sometimes simplicity is valuable.
20. Option B: Adeyemi — The Space Attacker
Karim Adeyemi creates a completely different Barcelona.
With Adeyemi at No. 9:
Barcelona lose some traditional box presence.
But gain enormous depth.
A front three of:
Gordon — Adeyemi — Lamine
could be devastating against teams that defend high.
Imagine the opponent’s centre-backs standing 45 metres from goal.
One turnover.
Pedri looks up.
Adeyemi starts running.
That changes the entire defensive equation.
21. Option C: The Fluid Front Three
There is an even more radical possibility.
No permanent striker.
For example:
Gordon — Adeyemi — Lamine
with constant rotation.
Gordon attacks centrally.
Adeyemi moves left.
Lamine enters the half-space.
Olmo runs beyond them.
Then everything changes again.
This could make Barcelona extremely unpredictable.
But there is a danger.
Fluidity can become:
Nobody in the box.
Flick must make sure positional freedom does not remove the most important attacking principle of all:
Someone must threaten the goal.
22. Barcelona’s Attacking Shape Could Become a 3-2-5
This may become the clearest representation of Flick’s possession structure.
Imagine:
Back Three
Koundé — Cubarsí — Christensen
Midfield Platform
De Jong — Pedri
Front Five
Lamine — Olmo — Ferran/Adeyemi — Gordon — Balde
Not literally in a straight line.
But occupying five attacking lanes:
- Right wing.
- Right half-space.
- Centre.
- Left half-space.
- Left wing.
This forces the opponent to defend the entire width of the pitch.
And it creates multiple passing angles.
23. Why Five Attacking Lanes Matter
Imagine the opponent defending with a back four.
Barcelona occupy five vertical attacking lanes.
Someone must make a decision.
Does the left-back follow Lamine?
Does the left centre-back step toward Olmo?
Who tracks the striker?
Does the right centre-back follow Gordon inside?
Does the right-back stay with Balde?
Every movement creates another question.
And Barcelona want to force opponents to answer those questions repeatedly.
Eventually, someone answers incorrectly.
That is when the space appears.
24. The 3-2 Behind the Attack Is More Important Than the Five Ahead
The front five will receive most of the attention.
But the five players behind them may decide whether the structure succeeds.
Because when Barcelona lose the ball, the attacking shape immediately becomes a defensive problem.
If only two centre-backs remain...
Barcelona can be exposed.
If three defenders plus two midfielders remain strategically positioned...
the picture changes.
They can:
- Stop the first pass.
- Win the second ball.
- Force the counterattack wide.
- Delay the transition.
- Allow the attackers to counter-press.
This is why the:
3-2
may matter more than the:
5
25. Barcelona’s Press Could Begin as a 4-4-2
When the opponent has the ball, Olmo could step alongside the striker.
That gives:
Ferran/Adeyemi + Olmo
on the first line.
Behind them:
Gordon — Pedri — De Jong — Lamine
Then:
Balde — Cubarsí — Christensen — Koundé
This creates a 4-4-2.
But it would not necessarily remain passive.
The pressing triggers could include:
- Back pass to goalkeeper.
- Poor centre-back touch.
- Pass toward the touchline.
- Receiver facing his own goal.
- Slow switch of play.
Once the trigger appears:
Barcelona jump.
26. Against Weaker Build-Up Teams, It Could Become 4-2-4
Against opponents uncomfortable in possession, Flick may become even more aggressive.
Lamine steps high.
Gordon steps high.
Olmo joins the striker.
Now Barcelona have four attackers pressing the opposition defence.
The objective:
Do not allow the opponent to start the attack.
Win possession 30 metres from goal.
Then attack immediately.
This is where Barcelona can become suffocating.
But it also creates enormous risk if the first pressure is broken.
27. Against Elite Teams, Barcelona Need the Mid-Block
This is one of the most important evolutions discussed in Report 2.
Barcelona cannot press every elite European opponent exactly as they press a lower-table domestic side.
Some teams want you to press them.
They invite pressure.
Then bypass it.
Barcelona need the confidence to occasionally say:
No.
Come forward.
We will wait.
A compact 4-4-2 positioned slightly deeper could allow Barcelona to protect the centre and choose better pressing moments.
That would represent maturity.
Not fear.
28. Joan García’s Role Begins With His Feet
Goalkeeper discussions often focus on saves.
In Flick’s system, that is only part of the job.
Joan García can also become part of the first phase of possession.
Against two pressing forwards:
Barcelona may use the goalkeeper to create a:
3-v-2
Against three:
one midfielder can drop.
The objective is not passing around the goalkeeper for aesthetic reasons.
It is to attract pressure.
The moment the opponent steps forward...
space opens somewhere else.
The goalkeeper helps create that space.
29. Barcelona Need More Than One Build-Up Pattern
Predictability in build-up can be dangerous.
Flick should have several options.
Pattern A — Double Pivot
Pedri and De Jong receive ahead of the centre-backs.
Pattern B — One Midfielder Drops
De Jong moves between or beside the defenders.
Pattern C — Full-Back Inside
Koundé moves centrally.
Pattern D — Direct Escape
Barcelona bypass the press and attack Gordon or Adeyemi in space.
That final option is particularly important.
Because the new attack gives Barcelona something powerful:
A reason for opponents to fear pressing too high.
30. Gordon and Adeyemi Change the Value of the Long Ball
Previously, forcing Barcelona long could sometimes feel like a defensive success.
Now?
Imagine Adeyemi running behind.
Or Gordon attacking an isolated full-back.
The opponent must think twice.
That means even if Barcelona rarely use the direct ball...
the threat of using it has tactical value.
Defenders may drop five metres.
And those five metres create more room for:
Pedri.
Olmo.
Lamine.
This is another example of how speed changes the game without touching the ball.
31. Low Blocks Will Require a Completely Different Barcelona
The maximum-speed front line looks frightening.
But against an opponent defending extremely deep with almost no space behind?
Different problem.
Barcelona may need:
- More patience.
- More central combinations.
- Ferran attacking the box.
- Pedri higher.
- Olmo between the lines.
- Balde providing width.
- Lamine isolating defenders.
- Raphinha making far-post runs.
This may be where Ferran becomes more valuable than Adeyemi.
Because tactical selection should answer:
What problem is the opponent giving us?
Not:
Who are our eleven most famous players?
32. Elite European Matches May Need the Opposite
Against an aggressive Champions League opponent, space may be abundant.
That could favour:
Gordon.
Adeyemi.
Lamine.
Three forwards who can attack space quickly.
Instead of circulating for 25 passes...
Barcelona may need only four.
Win possession.
Pedri.
Lamine.
Adeyemi.
Goal.
This does not betray Barcelona’s philosophy.
It expands it.
33. The Most Important Tactical Relationship: Freedom vs Structure
This entire Barcelona project depends on balancing two ideas.
Freedom.
and:
Structure.
Lamine needs freedom.
Pedri needs freedom.
Gordon needs opportunities to attack.
Olmo needs movement between lines.
Adeyemi needs space.
But if everybody moves freely...
the team loses shape.
Someone must maintain:
- Width.
- Depth.
- Central occupation.
- Defensive protection.
- Passing connections.
The best positional systems do not remove freedom.
They create the structure that makes freedom possible.
34. What Does the “Best XI” Look Like Against Madrid?
For a Clásico, Flick might prioritise transition protection and midfield control.
Possible XI
Joan García
Koundé — Cubarsí — Christensen — Balde
De Jong — Pedri
Lamine — Olmo — Gordon
Adeyemi
Why Adeyemi?
Because Madrid may leave space behind.
Why Gordon?
To create transition threat on the opposite wing.
Why De Jong?
To escape pressure.
Why Christensen?
For additional defensive stability.
This would be a highly dynamic Barcelona.
35. What About Against a Deep LaLiga Block?
Different opponent.
Different answer.
Possible XI
Joan García
Koundé — Cubarsí — Eric García — Balde
De Jong — Pedri
Lamine — Olmo — Raphinha
Ferran
Why Ferran?
Penalty-box presence.
Why Raphinha?
Off-ball movement.
Why Eric?
Additional distribution against a team unlikely to attack large spaces.
Again:
Same philosophy. Different solution.
36. What About Protecting a Champions League Lead?
This is perhaps the most important scenario.
Barcelona lead 2–1.
Twenty minutes remain.
Instead of continuing with five attackers high...
Flick could move toward:
4-3-3
with:
Pedri — Bernal/Casadó — Gavi
in midfield.
Gordon or Adeyemi can remain as the transition threat.
Lamine stays available for the outlet.
The defensive line drops slightly.
Possession becomes more deliberate.
This is exactly the type of second personality Barcelona need.
Not abandoning football.
Managing the match.
37. Substitutions Could Become One of Barcelona’s Greatest Weapons
Look at the attacking depth.
A tired opponent could potentially see:
Anthony Gordon leave...
and Adeyemi enter.
Or Ferran leave...
and Adeyemi attack tired centre-backs.
Or Raphinha enter to increase pressing intensity.
Or Gavi enter to completely change the midfield’s aggression.
That matters.
Barcelona should stop thinking only in terms of:
Starting XI.
The modern elite game is increasingly:
Starting 16.
Five substitutions can fundamentally change a tactical plan.
And Barcelona finally have the depth to exploit that.
38. Flick Can Build Specific “Game Packages”
One interesting approach would be to organise combinations around specific situations.
Control Package
Pedri + De Jong + Olmo.
Pressing Package
Gavi + Raphinha + Ferran.
Transition Package
Gordon + Adeyemi + Lamine.
Low-Block Package
Pedri + Olmo + Ferran + Raphinha.
Protect-the-Lead Package
Bernal/Casadó + Gavi + Pedri.
This would give Barcelona prepared tactical responses rather than improvising every time the match changes.
And this is the kind of maturity that can matter in Europe.
39. The Squad Is Built for Tactical Flexibility
Flick has options.
But the existence of options is not enough.
His job is to answer:
- Which players complement each other?
- Which combinations protect the defence?
- Who provides width?
- Who occupies the penalty area?
- Who controls the rhythm?
- Who presses?
- Who runs behind?
- Who enters when the game changes?
That is the difference between:
Squad depth
and:
Tactical depth.
40. Our Expected Tactical Model
If we combine everything, Barcelona’s default tactical model could look like this:
Base Shape
4-2-3-1
In Possession
3-2-5
High Press
4-2-4
Controlled Press
4-4-2
Protecting a Lead
4-3-3 / 4-1-4-1
Primary Left-Side Threat
Gordon / Raphinha + Balde
Primary Right-Side Threat
Lamine + Koundé
Rhythm Controller
Pedri
Build-Up Progressor
De Jong
Between-the-Lines Creator
Olmo
Central Finisher
Ferran
Space-Attacking Alternative
Adeyemi
That is not one Barcelona.
It is several versions of Barcelona contained inside the same philosophy.
Final Assessment
| Tactical Area | Expected Approach |
|---|---|
| Base formation | 4-2-3-1 |
| In-possession structure | 3-2-5 / 2-3-5 |
| Main pressing structure | 4-4-2 → 4-2-4 |
| Build-up | Short by default, direct when space appears |
| Defensive line | High, but more situational |
| Right-wing reference | Lamine Yamal |
| Left-wing battle | Gordon / Raphinha |
| Central attack | Ferran / Adeyemi |
| Midfield reference | Pedri |
| Progression | De Jong / Pedri / Cubarsí |
| Rest defence | Major tactical priority |
| Full-back structure | Likely asymmetric |
| Transition threat | Major upgrade |
| Low-block solution | Ferran + Olmo + Pedri combinations |
| European variation | Mid-block + greater game management |
| Biggest strength | Tactical and attacking variety |
| Biggest risk | Losing defensive structure through excessive freedom |
Conclusion
Barcelona’s biggest tactical upgrade for 2026–27 may not be a new formation.
It may be the ability to play several different games.
The old question was:
How does Hansi Flick want Barcelona to play?
We already know.
High.
Aggressive.
Intense.
Vertical.
Dominant.
The new question is more sophisticated:
How many different versions of that football can Barcelona produce?
Can they dominate a low block?
Can they punish a high line?
Can they press for 20 minutes?
Can they defend a mid-block for ten?
Can they attack with a 3-2-5?
Can they protect a lead with a midfield three?
Can Gordon attack one side while Lamine destroys the other?
Can Adeyemi turn Barcelona into a transition team?
Can Ferran give them the penalty-box reference they lost?
Can Pedri control when the match accelerates and when it stops?
And most importantly:
Can Barcelona change without losing themselves?
That is the tactical challenge.
Because the strongest Barcelona of 2026–27 should not have one identity for LaLiga and another for Europe.
It should have:
One identity.
Multiple solutions.
Last season, Barcelona’s football could overwhelm opponents.
This season, it needs to become harder to solve.
Barcelona 2026–27: The Next Step
The system is no longer about finding Barcelona’s best eleven.
It is about finding the right eleven for every problem.