‘Fearless on the ball’ – Barcelona’s Thiago explains what he wants from his midfielders

The former star is expected to spend most of his time with the club’s midfielders and the younger players in the team and will pass on his knowledge and advice.

“The fundamentals that a midfielder in my team should have are clear. I really like, let’s say, the versatility of a player who can cover different phases, both defensive and offensive; who can act as a pivot or operate as a 10,” he said.

”It’s very important to consider the profiles available in midfield. I grew up with the 4-3-3, but I’ve always been drawn to the 4-2-3-1 tactical system. It offers that variability where there’s no need to assign specific names: everyone can defend and everyone can attack.

“For me, midfielders must have that versatility I mentioned. They have to be able to be fearless on the ball, to contribute defensively—because the best defenders in the world are forwards, as they’re the first to want to win the ball back to attack—and, at the same time, have great physicality. But that physicality shouldn’t come from running aimlessly, but rather from wanting the ball, generating well-being for the team and creating attacking situations.”

“A midfielder must also know how to position himself well and be in tune with the teammates around him: whether it’s with a winger who moves inside, with a full-back who also moves inside these days because he has the best foot, or with the number nine,” he added.

“It’s about interpreting different game situations, applying tactical and physical rigor when appropriate, but maintaining the freedom and magic of making final decisions based on the creativity you have at that moment.”