Xavi’s Rotational Policy: Experimenting with 14 Different Attacking Trios in 25 Official Matches
Barcelona’s head coach, Xavi, has implemented a rotation policy for his team this season, due to the intense calendar that they must face. With 25 official matches played so far, Xavi has used 14 different attacking tridents, which is unusual for a team that in recent years had a set attack of Neymar, Messi, and Suarez. This rotation policy has already given the team a title, and they are now facing another.
On the right wing, Xavi has used Raphinha, Dembélé, and Ferran. As a center forward, Xavi has tried four players: Lewandowski, who is the usual starter, Memphis, Ansu, and Ferran, with the latter three being used less frequently. And on the left wing, Xavi has used seven players: Dembélé, Ansu, Ferran, Memphis, Raphinha, Pedri, and Gavi. The introduction of two midfielders at the end, which changes the structure of the system, is what has increased the number of tridents.
The Raphinha-Lewandowski-Dembélé trident has been the most common so far, especially in the first part of the season. This trident was used against teams like Rayo, Valladolid, Bayern, Real Madrid, and Atlético. The rotation policy has allowed Xavi to experiment with different combinations and find the best fit for the team. This approach has also helped to keep players fresh, reducing the risk of injuries.
The rotation policy has also allowed Xavi to give playing time to some of the younger players on the team, such as Ansu Fati and Pedri. These players have shown great potential and have been able to contribute to the team’s success. With a deep and talented squad, Xavi has been able to make changes without compromising the team’s performance.
Despite the success of the rotation policy, Xavi has faced some criticism from fans and media who believe that some players are not getting enough playing time. However, Xavi has maintained that his priority is to win games and that the rotation policy is necessary to achieve that goal. He has also stated that he is open to listening to the players’ opinions and will make adjustments as necessary.
In conclusion, Xavi’s rotation policy has been a success for Barcelona this season. The team has been able to maintain a high level of performance while also giving playing time to some of the younger players on the team. This approach has allowed Xavi to find the best fit for the team and keep players fresh, reducing the risk of injuries. With the intense calendar that they must face, the rotation policy is likely to continue to be a key aspect of the team’s strategy in the upcoming matches.
