Three takeaways from Barcelona’s win over Napoli

Xavi’s vision taking course

Everyone was wondering when Xavi’s vision for his Barcelona would take shape. Many were assuming he would have them playing like the team we saw under Pep Guardiola where Xavi was a significant focal point.

While the possession and pressing has vastly improved from what we saw during Ronald Koeman’s tenure, Xavi has the Catalans playing almost like a hybrid of Pep and Luis Enrique’s Barcelona.

Yes, maintaining possession is a signature for Barcelona but now they’re doing something with that possession. Also, they’re no longer predictable and can play direct football if necessary. That was illustrated in the win against Valencia and in the first goal where we saw a rare counterattack produce a goal.

The club has undergone a lot of changes and despite being cash strapped, the additions made during the January transfer window has certainly gone a long way into improving the team and each player brought in has contributed in one way or another. It’s a far different team than the one who lost in the final group stage game against Bayern Munich.

"“A lot has changed since then,” Pique explained. “I would say we now have the fundamentals in place. There is a base from which the team feels confident and comfortable. “We also strengthened well in January, adding firepower in attack. We know we can score and compete now. There’s been a change on the bench as well with [Xavi coming in]. There have been a lot of changes and that’s reflected in the team.” Source: ESPN"

With pace up front with Adama Traore and Ousmane Dembele, as well as a proven striker in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Barcelona can attack in a variety of ways and no longer are dependent solely on creating the perfect play or sequence of passes to score.

Pique’s goal, for example, came in the second play following a corner.