Statsbomb (again) Battle of the Midfields – Barcelona Prime vs. Fulham 2013-14

[lamby]

Not pretty

Fulham
Okay, now because I wanted to compare extremes to test if total midfield shape overlays would be useful at that level, I have chosen the team who has one of the worst midfields in the Premier League this season.

http://www.statsbomb.com/2014/01/battle-of-the-midfields-barcelona-prime-vs-fulham-2013-14/

[God The Mechanic]

I... don't get the point of it?  Pretty much any other midfield *ever* compared to Barca in their prime is gonna look like an abomination.

[lamby]

It shows that we get no offensive output from our midfielders. So signing William Kvist, a defensive midfielder is unlikely to have much impact on our team :-(

[God The Mechanic]

It shows that we get no offensive output from our midfielders. So signing William Kvist, a defensive midfielder is unlikely to have much impact on our team :-(

Hardly need to be compared to Barca to see that out midfield is underperforming :p  signing Kvist will hopefully shore up the defensive side of things, and will (transfers permitting) allow for a shift in shape and/or composition of the midfield.

[lamby]

I... don't get the point of it?  Pretty much any other midfield *ever* compared to Barca in their prime is gonna look like an abomination.

Yep, ignore the stuff about Barcelona. But from our midfield we get nothing:

• No through balls
• No key passes
• (almost) no scoring contribution

[God The Mechanic]

Tbh, I didn't read any of it after I saw it was comparing us to Barca ;)

[cmg]

Having studied this carefully I think what is being shown here is that a midfield of Busquets, Xavi and Iniesta would be better than one comprising Kasami, Parker and Sidwell. Extraordinary. Who'da thunk it?