This Scout Report is created and explained with images and video documentation. The VIDEO DOCUMENTATION can be downloaded on the following link : https://www.dropbox.com/s/actbawk0pqtidu3/VIDEO%20DOCUMENTATION%20-%20BARCELONA.rar?dl=0

1. Scout Report :
FC BARCELONA 14/15
by Branko Nikovski
( the creator of the Method 5x5 and the Morpho 5 Cycle )

2. This Scout Report is created and
explained with images and video
documentation.
The VIDEO DOCUMENTATION can be
downloaded on the following link :
https://www.dropbox.com/s/actbawk0p
qtidu3/VIDEO%20DOCUMENTATION%2
0-%20BARCELONA.rar?dl=0

3. SPECIFIC SYSTEM OF PLAY :
4-3-3
-This system of play is based on four
fundamental principles :
1. Space domination
2. Control of the ball and the space
3. Offensive football
4. High offensive pressing in Zone3/4

4. OFFENSIVE PHASE : 4-3-3
*The action is developed by geometrical positions and passes
of elevated technique.
The action starts from the goalkeeper and has (the action) two
objectives :
1) To find a free player between the lines (creating a dis-
balance in the opponent's central areas, via the geometrical
positions and passes of elevated technique).
2) To exploit the flanks via the lateral numerical superiority
(creating a dis-balance in the opponent's lateral areas, via the
geometrical positions and passes of elevated technique).
*In some cases, they rest with the ball, expecting and creating
some defensive holes in opponent's tactic.

6. ZONE 1 :
-The action starts from the goalkeeper. He pass the
ball to one of the central defenders (the central
defenders are wide, creating a central space interval
for the defensive midfielder, who steps down in
Zone 1(beginning of Zone 2) to start the construction
of the action). The full-backs remain wide in Zone 2
lateral zones
*Specific situation : the goalkeeper ,with long
vertical pass ,tries to find the strikers in Zone 3
central zone.
VIDEO DOCUMENTATION!!!!

7. ZONE 2:
( VIDEO DOCUMENTATION : FUNDAMENTAL !!! )
-In this Zone , the phase of construction is developing with
six(6) players : two central defenders + two wide fullbacks(one
of them is participating, depending in which lateral zone is
developing the construction) + the midfield triangle.
-The objective is via the numerical superiority and the elevated
technique , to transport the ball :
1) In central Zone 3 : for one of the wingers, who is centralized
between the lines (or sometimes the two wingers, are both
centralized between the lines).
2) In lateral Zone 3 : for wide winger or high wide fullback (the
fullback attacks the lateral Zone 3, when the winger is
centralized).

13. * Specific situation of construction in Zone 2 :
1. If they have problems to transport the ball centrally (high
pressing of the opponent), the attacking midfielder moves
laterally.
(If the opponent follows him : creating a central hole in the
opponent's tactic )
(If the opponent doesn't follow him : they will take advantage
of the lateral numerical superiority for transporting the ball in
lateral Zone3).
Right :
-When the right attacking midfielder (Rakitic) moves laterally ,
the right winger (Messi) moves centrally between the lines
(expecting a filtrate pass). The defensive midfielder (Busquets)
always participates in this specific construction.

16. LEFT :
-When the left attacking midfielder (Iniesta) moves laterally ,
the left winger (Neymar) ,remains wide ,for taking advantage
of the lateral numerical superiority.
The defensive midfielder (Busquets) always participates in this
specific construction.

19. 2. The central defender (often Mascherano), with
long vertical pass ,tries to find the left winger in
lateral Zone 3/4.

20. ZONE 3 :
-They attack with many players.
Centrally , is created a rhomboid with the right
winger(Messi) acentred (between the lines).
The rhomboid ,via the geometrical positions and
passes of elevated technique ,tries to create a dis-
balance in the opponent's defensive tactic.
*(This rhomboid can be created also in Zone2 , if the
opponent plays with a low barycenter)

27. -When the winger centralizes , the fullback
attacks the lateral zone.

31. Specific situation in Zone 3 :
Positional Inter-swapping in the lateral
triangles
Often ,when Messi centralizes, Rakitic moves laterally. In this
case , Dani Alves remains to cover. But can also happen Messi
to remain for covering , Rakitic to be between the lines ,and
Dani Alves to attack laterally . Etc.
* This specific positional inter-swapping happens also in the
left triangle (J.Alba-Neymar-Iniesta).
*This specific positional inter-swapping can happen also in
Zone 2 ,if the opponent plays with low barycenter.

45. *Rakitic often attacks in depth without the ball, but
also Dani Alves, thanks to the positional inter-
swapping and the geometrical passes of elevated
technique.

48. *On the left side, J.Alba attacks a lot in lateral depth,
thanks to his velocity.

50. *Dani Alves or the attacking midfielder , tries with a long
vertical pass to find the striker(Suarez) (who attacks in
depth the Zone4 with vertical/diagonal movement .

52. Specific situation : Messi, when receives the ball
between the lines :
1) Attacks the space and the opponents
2) Tries to pass to the striker in depth.
3) Tries to find the left winger, the left attacking midfielder or
the left fullback with diagonal long pass.

62. ZONE 4 :
- Attacking with many players, they have the
opportunity to win the second balls.
-One of the attacking midfielders , always inserts
from behind , for creating a numerical superiority in
the penalty area.
- Often ,Dani Alves takes the lateral crosses from the
right side.
-On the left side, J.Alba offers a lateral insertions
and Neymar wants to attack the opponent via his
dribbling skills.
-During the lateral offensive phase, Suarez attacks
centrally the penalty area.
But if the opposite winger is missing(for attacking
the second post), Suarez attacks the second post.

76. OFFENSIVE TRANSITION
-This principle of play is one of the strongest
weapons of the team. The analysis shows that the
productivity during the execution of this principle is
very effective, but also efficient. With three passes
they can arrive in the opponent's penalty area.
-Thanks to the velocity skills of Messi, Neymar and
Suarez and also their capacity to protect the ball,
this principle of play is very very positive.
-They attack with the three up front (Suarez ,
Neymar, Messi) + 1 + 1.
*If the steal the ball centrally, also one of the
attacking midfielders participates + one of the
fullbacks
*If they steal the ball laterally, partecipates also the
fullback near the ball + the opposite fullback ,
offering a opportunity of long diagonal pass.
VIDEO DOCUMENTATION : FUNDAMENTAL !!!

85. DEFENSIVE PHASE
4-4-2
- The 4-3-3 transforms in 4-4-2 , with the descent of
one winger on the midfielders line. Often , Neymar
descends.
-Messi, is not droping down , but in reality is often
wide ,expecting eventual offensive transition.
-If Pedro plays, he is the one that descends.

89. -Very short ,compact and aggressive . Especially in
Zone 2.
They use Zonal Marking, but the central defenders are very
attentive with the direct opponents. When one of the central
defenders moves out of his zone, Busquets, drops down to
cover him.

100. -The opponent high pressing can put them in difficulty. Even if
they often succeed to get out of this difficult situation, but
sometimes they lose the concentration and aren't positioned in
the right way.
( VIDEO DOCUMENTATION : FUNDAMENTAL !!! )

104. - The problems start when the midfielders line moves in Zone 3
to pressure the opponent and the defensive line remains low
near the opponent's strikers. In this situation is created a big
central hole between the two lines. The opponent can take
advantage of this specific WEAK situation.

114. PRESSING :
- If the opponent have medium or low technical qualities,
they are pressing high for retake the ball immediately
and create a offensive transition.
-If the opponent have elevated technical qualities,
sometimes they use a medium pressing ,who starts in
Zone2, but sometimes they press high , not giving time
on the opponent to create a construction.
-In general, the pressing is high and aggressive with a lot
players in Zone3/4.

119. DEFENSIVE TRANSITION :
- This principle of play, for every team that wants to
dominate the pitch and space is fundamental.
Sometimes is Positive, but sometimes is Negative.
- After losing the ball, they apply immediately
pressing on the opponent's ball carrier , becoming
short and compact.
The central defenders follow /mark the opponent's
strikers, and the fullbacks ,thanks to their velocity
skills ,move back immediately.
-If the Defensive Transition will be Positive or
Negative ,depends of the velocity of reaction of
every player in collective way.
VIDEO DOCUMENTATION : FUNDAMENTAL !!!!

120. Immediately pressing on the opponent's ball carrier

129. OPPONENT’S OFFENSIVE TRANSITION

137. SET PIECES : NEGATIVE
CORNER KICK :
- One player is marking the first post (Suarez, or Neymar
(if Suarez isn't playing)).
- Other player is marking the area infront of the
goalkeeper (Pique).
-Six(6) are man marking.
-Messi and Neymar remain in attack ,expecting eventual
offensive transition.
(Very often ,they defend very well, creating offensive
transition).

142. FREE KICK :
LATERAL :
- One or two in the barrier.
-The others are zonal marking in horizontal line.
They use specific scheme : the horizontal line is very
high, and when the opponent kicks the ball ,the line
moves up front ,leaving the opponents in offside.

147. CENTRAL :
- 5 o 6 in the barrier. The others are using zonal
marking

148. SET PIECES: POSITIVE
CORNER KICK :
-Pique attacks centrally
-Busquets attacks the first post
-Suarez attacks centrally
-Two other players are participating (often Neymar and
J.Alba).
-Two other players stay outside the penalty area,
expecting the second ball or direct shoot (VIDEO
DOCUMENTATION : FUNDAMENTAL !!!)
-Mascherano remains behind.
*Often a player offers a short option pass.

155. FREE KICK :
LATERAL :
-Messi and Rakitic are the takers.
-Pique,Busquets,Suarez and Neymar are attacking.
They often swap their position, but almost always attack with
this structure :
-One attacks the first post
-Two players attack centrally
-the Fourth player attacks the second post
(there is often another player ,who is expecting opponent's
error : J.Alba or Iniesta).
-Iniesta(or J.Alba) and Dani Alves are outside the penalty area
expecting the second balls.
-Mascherano remains behind.

158. CENTRAL :
-Messi and Neymar are the takers. If the distance is small , they
shoot on goal.
-Two players are creating a barrier ,for blocking the opponent's
goalkeeper view of the ball,
*If the distance is enormous, they start the action via short
passes.

160. SUBSTITUTIONS
-The substitutions don't create changes in the system of play
and the team's philosophy.
-The substitutions are a mix of players with big experience and
young talented players.
-The most frequented substitutions :
Xavi for Iniesta
Pedro for Suarez
Rafinha for Rakitic
Mathieu for Mascherano (or Rakitic, and Mascherano moves in
midfield)
Montoya for Dani Alves
Adriano for Jordi Alba

161. This Scout Report is created and
explained with images and video
documentation.
The VIDEO DOCUMENTATION can be
downloaded on the following link :
https://www.dropbox.com/s/actbawk0p
qtidu3/VIDEO%20DOCUMENTATION%2
0-%20BARCELONA.rar?dl=0