Barcelona are the pinnacle of football? Well they might be but keep in mind that it was the Ajax Amsterdam of the 70s with Johan Cruyff that built a base in La Masia's philosophy. It was easy football indeed. Keep the ball whenever possible. It was called 'total football' during those days and how true was that phrase.
Looking at Xavi and Iniesta dictate midfield brings back memories of Haans and Neeskens, gliding through the ball at every opportunity. It was a majestic sight to behold even through videos of them as i must admit i never got the chance to admire their exquisiteness.
I am not taking anything away from Barcelona's talent but merely giving credit to the pioneer species that invented this impeccable way of playing football. Anyhow, Barcelona are the team that matter this Saturday. Cruyff's role at Ajax was unquestionable and his departure to Barcelona brought the end of that reign at Holland. Nevertheless, that was the true moment when FC Barcelona as we know it today was born.
So, the question goes back to Manchester United ahead of this Saturday's Champions League final against the mighty Catalans. It's not 'How Do We Beat Barcelona'. At the end of the day, it's all about 'How Do We Beat The Total Football System'. The Catalans might have Lionel Messi but it's the total football that keeps them all moving on. Ask Diego Maradona and he will explain all about it.
The Magic Of The 4-2-3-1 Formation
Listen to this fact and you will be enthralled to proceed with my further explanation. All four sides that have defeated Barcelona have applied this formation to their sides; Arsenal, Real Madrid, Hercules and Real Sociedad.
What's the big idea behind this formation that inspires a team to overcome Barcelona? It all begins form the back. We all know how important Vidic and Ferdinand are to United but on Saturday, the fullbacks will be the crucial aspect. Evra and whoever that starts on the right definitely has a huge job of pushing forward. Afraid of leaving holes at the back? No worries, that's the job of the two defensive midfielders placed just in front of the back four.
Well, basically Lionel Messi will be Barca's ghost player just like Cruyff was for Ajax, roaming around the field and attempting to tear United apart with his timely run. So, the 4-2-3-1 allows the two defensive midfielders or the 'Double Pivot' to shackle the Argentinean's offensive runs while United's defence keep the tightness at the back. It is very much safe enough to proclaim that Sir Alex's men will be on the back foot for most of the time at Wembley.
Well, the Dutch used it against Spain in the 2010 World Cup final and did hold a very much Barcelona-like Spain side until extra time (Albeit bad tackles and ruthless defensive acts), something that does justify the effectiveness of this formation against Total Football.
Pressing Back When Not In Possession: An Absolute Must
Someone once told me something that has stuck in my mind since. Football is a relatively 90 minutes game. In average, a football player has the ball for just a mere 7-8 minutes per game. So what you do when you have the ball is not as important as what you do when you do not have the ball. Fundamentals of football that Sir Alex Ferguson has to deliver in his pre-match talks at Wembley.
As i mentioned, not even Jose Mourinho will be surprised if the Catalans do have majority of possession. So the ball is indeed in United's court. Because the longer Barcelona have the ball, the worse it gets for the Red Devils. The only difference between Barcelona dominating and United stopping them is the United players themselves. Attacking against the Blaugranas is important but not as much as defending is.
Pressing back against the midfield trio of Xavi, Iniesta and Sergio Busquets will be absolutely important in order to put them under pressure. For United, it will all be about dictating the midfield battle. If they can achieve that on Saturday, then my cards will firmly be placed on United.
Wayne Rooney-Javier Hernandez Partnership
What does this partnership resemble? BELIEVE. Well, why do I say so? This partnership has been literally mind blowing this season but yet to be tested against a footballing side with the attributes of Barcelona. Therefore, it's either hero or zero for this two on Saturday because they do have the credentials needed to cause mayhem in Barca's defence.
One special aspect of Chicharito's game is his tendency to run behind defenders most of the time. Barcelona defence is their weakest point and Hernandez could be the man to set alight Wembley on Saturday. We often speak about Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney and all this big-game players making the cut in big matches. But Javier Hernandez has something very unique on his hands and could be the difference against the Catalans.
Now what about Wayne Rooney's importance. Ferdinand claimed that their season was literally kicked started the moment Rooney signed a new contract last year. Indeed it was. The England hitman has been in imperious form, improving as time passed after his controversial issues were put to bet at the end of 2010.
Partnering with Hernandez, Rooney has been able to play that false number 9 role which allows him to roam around the field with freedom in his hand. Most importantly, he is absolutely devastating when allowed to be in that role. Rooney's main task on Saturday will be to disrupt Sergio Busquets and establish himself in the hole behind Hernandez. No need to play on the right wing because of Ronaldo. No need to come back defending because of Ronaldo. All he needs to do is portray his true abilities- something that could prove to be too hot for Barca to handle.
