FC Barcelona has had its fair share of challenges over the past few years, with financial constraints resulting in the departure of key club stalwarts like Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba. Despite these obstacles, FC Barcelona remains a formidable force in EA Sports FC 24. Let's take a closer look at the best tactics to employ and the optimal starting lineup for Barcelona in this popular game.

Unlocking Barcelona’s Potential: The 4-3-3 Formation

The best way to utilize Barcelona's squad in EA Sports FC 24 is through the 4-3-3 formation, a strategy that the team has trusted for years. This formation allows space for wingers, who can then shift towards the middle using their stronger feet, thereby creating opportunities either to shoot on goal or to set up a teammate. However, given Barcelona's scarcity of strikers, it would be wise to deploy a single-striker setup, and luckily, Barcelona boasts one of the best strikers to fulfill that role.

Another variant of this formation is the 4-3-3 (2), which features an additional defensive midfielder to hold the fort in front of the defensive line and to create more freedom for the creative midfielders and forwards up the pitch. The 4-2-3-1 formation, yet another potent configuration, allows for two defensive midfielders providing a solid base to the back line, thereby giving fullbacks more freedom to push forward and create chances.

The Ideal Starting Eleven for Barcelona in EA Sports FC 24

Despite some departures, Barcelona's EA Sports FC 24 team remains robust, flaunting capability in every department. Goalkeeping duties fall on the reliable hands of Andre Ter Stegen, one of the game's highest-rated goalkeepers. To bolster its backline, Barcelona has brought in Joao Cancelo. His addition frees Jules Kounde to fulfill his center-back role, where he can effectively partner with Ronald Araujo.

Jordi Alba's exit is expertly managed by promoting Alejandro Balde, who, despite his 81 rating, effectively covers Barca's left flank. Barcelona's midfield, deploying the likes of Ilkay Gundogan, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, and Gavi, impresses with its balance and defensive proficiency. While Barcelona may lack depth in attack, the quality is undeniable, with Robert Lewandowski leading the line and Raphinha, Joao Felix, and Ferran Torres providing ample support from the wings.

Alternate Formation and Lineup in EA Sports FC 24

For those preferring a 4-2-3-1 setup, Joao Felix proves ideal for the number 10 role, being the key playmaker linking midfield and attack. Pedri, however, would be demoted to the bench to accommodate this change.

Substitutes and Reserves: Building Depth in EA Sports FC 24

While Barcelona's bench may not have many attacking options, it does provide defensive solidity. Possibilities for substitutes include Pedri, Gavi, Oriel Romeu, Sergi Roberto, Inigo Martinez, Andreas Christensen, and Inaki Pena.

In EA Sports FC 24, FC Barcelona remains a formidable team to manage. Proper game strategy, smart formation choices, and utilizing the best starting lineup can lead to victory against any opposition, affirming FC Barcelona's enduring class.