Unzue's Midfield Structure: Mimicking Guardiola's Barcelona Without the Stars

Introduction

For this piece, we will not be discussing Barcelona, as every football fan is well aware of their current form and past glories. Instead, we will delve into the unique midfield formation employed by Celta Vigo, under the guidance of their coach, Unzue. Unzue, inspired by Pep Guardiola's Barcelona, has implemented a powerful and adaptable midfield structure that showcases remarkable tactical flexibility and effectiveness.

The Celta Vigo Midfield Formation

Unzue's tactical approach is a stark contrast to the traditional methods of his former coach, Luis Enrique. Unzue's formation, a 4-2-1-3 that fluidly shifts to a 4-5-1 in defensive shape, enables players to assume multiple roles, mirroring Guardiola's masterful control of the midfield.

Offensive Strategy

The Double Pivot with a Free Roaming Midfielder

Unzue's midfield is built around a double pivot that provides both defensive solidity and attacking dynamism. Unlike the classic 4-3-3, where the defensive midfielders are static, Unzue's system is more fluid. The role of the double pivot combines functions similar to those seen in Guardiola's era. In Celta Vigo, the anchor man and controller can play a different role, much like Busquets in Guardiola's team. However, Unzue lacks the luxury of having a star such as Iniesta or Xavi. Instead, players like Stanislav Lobotka and Martin ?deg?rd (Wass) fit the bill.

The Free Roaming Midfielder

The free roaming midfielder in Celta Vigo's setup allows for creative freedom. This midfielder acts as a tactician on the pitch, moving up and down the field to break lines and create opportunities. This role requires a player with exceptional stamina and tactical awareness, much like Xavi in Guardiola's Barcelona. With leaders like Iago Aspas and Willy therefore providing support, Lobotka and Wass can drift into an all-rounder role to control the midfield, while Castro takes on the controller position. This system enables Celta Vigo to switch seamlessly between a 4-2-1-3 and 4-5-1 depending on the opposition and game situational demands.

Creating Width and Depth

The fluid 4-3-3 structure allows the wingers and full-backs to surge forward freely, reducing the defensive pressure and opening up spaces for attacks. This creates a strong platform for both the attackers and the midfielders, ensuring that the team can exploit spaces effectively. The free roaming midfielder can join the attack or move into midfield as needed, maintaining balance and fluidity.

Defensive Organization and Pressing

Efficient Pressing

When possession is lost, Unzue's team can effectively press both the ball and the space. This is reminiscent of Guardiola's Barcelona, where pressing was a key component of their game. The players maintain the overall structure while launching organized counter-attacks, a tactic that can be quite disruptive to the opposition. The midfielders and defenders work together to disrupt the opponent's buildup play and transition into a potent attack force.

Counter-Attacking

The fluidity of the midfield structure ensures that the team can launch rapid and organized counter-attacks. When the ball is won back, the team can quickly transition into a attacking formation, taking advantage of the spaces left behind by the opposition. This ability to press and transition effectively is a critical component of Unzue's formula for success.

Discipline and Performance

Despite the challenges of building a team without any top-tier players, Unzue's team demonstrates incredible discipline and cohesion. The players adhere to the tactical instructions, showcasing resilience and tactical intelligence. This discipline has earned Celta Vigo a higher discipline rating compared to both Barcelona and Real Madrid, making them a formidable opponent in La Liga.

Conclusion

Unzue's innovative midfield structure is a testament to his tactical acumen and ability to adapt to different playing styles. By mimicking Guardiola's Barcelona without the luxury of possessing the stars, he has created a team that is both effective and disciplined. His team's success is a reflection of his strategic foresight and the ability to bring back the pride and identity of Celta Vigo.

Believe me when I say that Unzue is the only coach who can bring back Celta Vigo's glory days. His tactical approach and the adaptability of his players have demonstrated the possibility of creating a harmonious and successful team without relying on individual brilliance alone.