If there is one area of the pitch that Ronald Koeman has doubts, it is in defence, and that is highlighted by the fact that he has selected 23 different defensive line-ups out of the 42 games he has overseen this season.
The most frequently chosen quartet has been Sergi Roberto, Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet and Jordi Alba, on five occasions, in the early part of the season.
However, out of necessity due to injuries, particularly Sergio Roberto and Gerard Pique who spent large spells on the sidelines, but also due to distrust in some of his backup options, the Dutchman has often tinkered with his defence.
The next most common defence has been made up Oscar Mingueza, Lenglet, Ronald Araujo and Alba, taking to the field on four occasions.
Another reason for this high number of changes is due to Koeman‘s switch between a back four in a 4-4-2 formation and three central defenders with wing backs in a 3-5-2.
Among the many defensive combinations, Koeman has also put Frenkie de Jong as a centre-back, doing so against Dynamo Kiev for the first time, and even on big occasions such as the game against PSG at the Camp Nou, as well as the return leg.
