Photo by Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images
Denis Suarez will return to Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday when Deportivo Alaves face Barcelona in La Liga.
During an interview with SPORT, the midfielder has offered an interesting assessment of Hansi Flick’s midfield structure, highlighting the importance of Frenkie de Jong and Pedri playing together in central roles.
The encounter comes at a key moment for Barcelona, who are looking to respond after consecutive defeats to Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.
Suarez, meanwhile, arrives with a different perspective after establishing himself at Alaves under Quique Sanchez Flores, where his responsibilities have given him a close understanding of the tactical demands of the position.
Denis Suarez explains what makes Flick’s Barcelona midfield different
Having previously represented Barcelona, Suarez understands the expectations and footballing philosophy associated with the Catalan club.
However, he believes Flick has introduced a different midfield dynamic, particularly through the use of an advanced midfielder operating ahead of the deeper players.
“They play a bit differently because under Flick there’s an attacking midfielder.
Denis Suarez of Deportivo Alaves
Denis Suarez has applauded the impact of Pedri, Rodri and Frenkie de Jong. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
“In this case, Rodri and Pedri usually play as defensive midfielders, with Fermín or Dani Olmo as the attacking midfielder,” he says.
Frenkie de Jong and Pedri partnership earns special mention
One aspect of Barcelona’s midfield that particularly caught Suarez’s attention was the team’s performance when Frenkie de Jong and Pedri operated together in more advanced central positions, with Rodri providing protection behind them.
“The other day, the best spell of the match was when Rodri played as a defensive midfielder and Frenkie and Pedri played in central midfield.”
The observation is particularly relevant given the different qualities De Jong and Pedri bring to Barcelona’s build-up.
While the Dutchman offers press resistance, progressive movement and the ability to carry possession through midfield, Pedri provides close control, intelligent positioning and creativity in tight spaces.
Alaves role gives former Barcelona midfielder a different perspective
Suarez’s tactical observations also come from his own experience at Alaves, where he operates as part of a three-man midfield under Sanchez Flores.
Denis Suarez of Deportivo Alaves
Denis Suarez played more than 50 games for the Barcelona senior team. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)
Although the formation shares similarities with Barcelona’s structure, the responsibilities are distributed differently.
“We also play with three midfielders. In this case, Quique uses a holding midfielder, the right-sided central midfielder – who is more physical – and the left-sided central midfielder – in this case, that’s me – who is more of a final-pass player, although he also asks me to drop back to the base when I’m playing, especially when the team are in phases without the ball, to provide a bit of a breather and control.”
The role requires Suarez to balance creativity with defensive responsibility, making him an important link between Alaves’ deeper midfield positions and their attacking players.
An emotional trip
Suarez’s return to Barcelona will mark a significant moment in a career that began at the club in 2013, when he arrived from Manchester City at 19 and initially joined the reserve team.
Breaking into a first-team environment containing established stars proved difficult, eventually taking him elsewhere to continue his development.
More than a decade later, however, Suarez returns to familiar surroundings with a different responsibility.
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