Sevilla: 5 reasons they can top Barcelona in the La Liga standings
By Roy Emanuel
Management and tactics
Jorge Sampaoli has displayed an incredible ability to not only prepare well for each and every opponent, but adapt extremely quickly to a new league. Several of Sevilla’s victories this season have come from excellent tactical changes and effective philosophies.
Normally operating out of a 4-1-4-1 or a 4-2-3-1 formation and utilising a high-press, Sampaoli and Sevilla have shown La Liga clubs a variety of different styles of play. The club have seen midfielders rush forward when needed and have deployed multiple strikers.
Goalkeeping play from Sergio Rico has been outstanding and the back-line have been solid throughout much of the campaign. Full-backs can join the attack and central defence led by Nicolas Pareja can clear out scoring opportunities.
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One of the best attributes Sampaoli has shown is his ability to understand which players may be able to make the greatest impact in a particular match.
An excellent recent example was this month’s impressive win at Real Sociedad, where Wissam Ben Yedder’s Man of the Match performance was breathtaking. The French international scored three goals and assisted on another in Sevilla’s 4-0 victory.
Barcelona’s squad is certainly world-class, but Jorge Sampaoli’s player management and tactical preparations can be intangibles for a tremendous finish in the table.