Hansi Flick’s Barcelona leading all of Europe in one defensive category | OneFootball

La Liga table-toppers Barcelona are leading Europe’s top-5 leagues in one significant statistical category.

Barca, of course, are in the midst of nothing short of a spectacular start to the new campaign.

All told, across 14 fixtures in all competitions to date, the Blaugrana, under the watch of new head coach Hansi Flick, have racked up 12 victories.

The key factor in as much when it comes to style of play has been a more direct, vertical approach, giving rise to a whopping 47 goals scored.

One aspect of Flick’s tactics which has gone somewhat more unappreciated, on the other hand, is that of Barcelona’s immense work when out of possession.

The Catalans now make use of a relentless defensive pressure, pressing the opposition from the front back.

And as much, as alluded to above, has this week given rise to a head-turning statistic.

As revealed by statisticians Opta, Barcelona, with 148, are the team with the most ball recoveries in the opponent half in the top-five European leagues this season:

Conor Laird – GSFN