[Pep's Barcelona (Very Fluid)]

On 30/03/2017 at 13:24, Ö-zil to the Arsenal! said:

Yep, I can see 100% see the argument for Xavi as a Roaming Playmaker.

The primary driver for me was actually that an ageing Iniesta didn't necessarily have the legs for the position. Xavi is a very difficult player to recreate - note I say player, more than role.

Ah fair enough. It might be impossible in the game except some super regen comes about. Xavi probably has the most specialised role in modern football. He had unreal stamina, was the team's primary controller in midfield, brought the ball out of defence when Busquets was man marked and created goal scoring opportunities. The closest player I can think of in history is Cruyff who was perhaps even more specialised role wise. 

 

 

[Pep's Barcelona (Very Fluid)]

@Ö-zil to the Arsenal!

Great attempt and one of the best interpretations of this system i've ever seen. The only criticism is the Xavi interpretation in your system.

Setting Xavi to play no through balls makes no sense considering he had 1 more assist than Iniesta in 10/11 in less minutes, played more through balls and made more key passes and pre assists and he played deeper. Limiting his role as just someone who keeps possession limits his game. 

The whole point of Xavi is his football IQ leads him to make the best decisions almost all the time. I would say he should be the only player given maximum creativity as his short passing ppm would mean he would always involve those around him and he would instinctively know the right time to make the killer pass.

All the other roles are excellent. Kudos.