Joan Garcia is a transformative signing for FC Barcelona.
I have watched ALL 51 goals he conceded last season & his last 50 saves to judge his quality.
So what kind of a shot-stopper is he? Is Hansi Flick getting a difference-maker in goal? 🤔
|THREAD|
Just like last time, I have used Hans Leitert's seven-principle framework (Picture 1, left) to analyse Garcia's shot-stopping & then Aidan Reagh's Shot Difficulty (Picture 2, right) to judge his performances.
Both principles are pictured below. 👇
Essentially, if he conceded a goal from a weak shot that was from a difficult angle for the shooter and went straight into the keeper, it's a 'Must Save'.
On the other hand, deflections, point-blank open goal shots and the like would be 'Impossible' to save.
Ferran Torres has experienced a complete revival under Hansi Flick. 🔥
He's always been useful, yes, but now, not only is he a super-sub but some would even say he could start ahead of Robert Lewandowski.
So what's the secret behind his resurgence at Barcelona? 🤔
|THREAD| 🧵
Ferran is a utility player: a tool to enhance others, a dynamo for a static structure, an opportunistic poacher and a grateful, hard-working man.
But despite that, he's always been a fringe piece of the FC Barcelona jigsaw.
Forever useful but forever on the bench, too.
But profile is king.
Ferran has evolved a lot in the years past; from a pacey wide outlet with 1v1 prowess at Valencia and then a more central presence with link-up and deep runs at Manchester City to a false winger role at Xavi's Barcelona and now a striker under Flick's watchful eye.
But all of these variants of the same player had their unique traits. Using the current Ferran the way you would use his Valencia profile would be suboptimal.
After just 5 games at the helm of Barcelona, Hansi Flick is already starting a revolution at the club.
They feel rejuvenated, aggressive & with crystal-clear ideas—like a winning team. It may be early days & a new coach boost, but the football is brilliant.
So what changed? 🧵
Number 1: Clarity
Barcelona’s structure is well-defined and each zone has a clear task.
We can divide them into the progression or verticality zone, the possession zone, the inversion/playmaking zone and the distribution zone.
Each has a task of its own. 📝
Number 2: All-new verticality
Flick is renowned for his verticality & while Barça are vertical, it's different.
The main tweak is the location of the passes; instead of rushing into final third with a single ball, Barça are vertical in the backline & target the middle zone. ⏫