That is the view of Spanish pundit Guillem Balague.
The Catalan giants have had a sensational start to the campaign, winning
nine of their ten La Liga matches so far this season.
Barcelona already hold an eight-point lead over rivals Real Madrid.
However, despite their strong start, Ernesto Valverde's men haven't been
offering the usual standard of high-quality football for fans at the Camp
Nou.
And Balague believes this is down to Lionel Messi.
"Barcelona have been very impressive defensively. Everybody is working
very hard without the ball and they have only shipped three goals so far,"




he told Sky Sports.
"But their football is not
spectacular and there's a couple
of reasons why.
"They are playing without wingers,
which tightens everything up in the
central areas. With little space to
work, their play becomes more
industrial and Luis Suarez suffers.
"Now that Lionel Messi is working
more through the middle, Suarez has to move wider.
"That's not his natural habitat."
However, as Valverde is preparing to take his table-topping side to
former club Olympiakos in the Champions League, Balague admits
everyone is happy with his work.
"These factors mean Barcelona's football has shifted but everyone is
happy with Ernesto Valverde and especially with his results."
Barca can all but confirm their place in the next stage of the Champions
League with a win this evening.








That is the view of Spanish pundit Guillem Balague.
The Catalan giants have had a sensational start to the campaign, winning
nine of their ten La Liga matches so far this season.
Barcelona already hold an eight-point lead over rivals Real Madrid.
However, despite their strong start, Ernesto Valverde's men haven't been
offering the usual standard of high-quality football for fans at the Camp
Nou.
And Balague believes this is down to Lionel Messi.
"Barcelona have been very impressive defensively. Everybody is working
very hard without the ball and they have only shipped three goals so far,"




he told Sky Sports.
"But their football is not
spectacular and there's a couple
of reasons why.
"They are playing without wingers,
which tightens everything up in the
central areas. With little space to
work, their play becomes more
industrial and Luis Suarez suffers.
"Now that Lionel Messi is working
more through the middle, Suarez has to move wider.
"That's not his natural habitat."
However, as Valverde is preparing to take his table-topping side to
former club Olympiakos in the Champions League, Balague admits
everyone is happy with his work.
"These factors mean Barcelona's football has shifted but everyone is
happy with Ernesto Valverde and especially with his results."
Barca can all but confirm their place in the next stage of the Champions
League with a win this evening.