Report: Barcelona to cause a midfield battle between 4 stars if Xavi opts for a 4-4-2 formation

Having unearthed a system that brought Barcelona significant success domestically last season, the Catalans aspire to build on those foundations and solidify their status as a European powerhouse.

Xavi’s infamous box midfield formula has previously provided the team with a great deal of control, as prolonged spells of possession tend to maximize Barcelona’s ball-dominant players in midfield.

However, according to Spanish outlet MARCA, the four-midfielder set-up will likely come at the cost of dropping one of the many wingers in the squad, engendering excessive competition in the front line.

In the event the Blaugrana pursue playing with a 4-4-2 shape, an opportunity cost will have to be made upfront.

Despite the new system giving rise to excellent results in recent times, the Catalans currently own a sizable chunk of players who fit the description of pure wingers.

The battle to persuade Xavi has begun as Dembélé, Raphinha, Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres, and Abde compete for a spot — possibly only one if Barça plays with four in the midfield.

The pre-season game against Arsenal gave a solid glimpse into each of the aforementioned players’ strengths.

Abde, as a one-versus-one specialist, provided directness into the game. His searing run early in the game saw Lewandowski open the floodgates.

Raphinha, accompanying the Moroccan, struggled to muster up much influence from open play, yet made a difference on the scoreboard, owing to a free-kick goal.

Moreover, Fati and Ferran, two players on the exit ramp with the club pushing for their departure this summer, left positive sensations on the field against Arsenal.

Fati threw shades of his past self as he was comfortable taking players on, while Ferran scored a neat finish, following many misfortunes in the past season.

Lastly, Dembélé enjoyed an outing archetypical to his usual self as he preferred to engage in take-ons and create opportunities through his ball carrying.

With a multitude of options at Barcelona’s disposal, Xavi faces the difficult decision of choosing between his many star options.

The 4-4-2 system will oblige the coach into only fielding one winger. As such, Xavi will have to bite the bullet when it comes to dropping his wingers.