La Liga teams’ performances: Barcelona went out on a limb. Can star reinforcements stave off financial problems?

President Joan Laporta took this year’s transfer period by storm. But it’s a big risk, Barcelona is drowning in debt and the management had to sell off almost half the club to buy reinforcements. Xavi’s team must now win trophies at all costs to at least partially repay the money invested.

The executive team

Xavi took over Barcelona last autumn and very quickly it had the right effect. The former great midfielder lifted the Blaugranas and pulled them from 9th place in La Liga to second place. But now he has a tough task ahead of him, to fine tune the squad with new signings and overpower Real Madrid.

Goalkeeper

The goalkeeper position is the only line where no reinforcements have arrived. German Marc Andre ter Stegen remains the number one, while the number two will be the returnee from the away game, Iñaki Pena, who embarrassed Barcelona in the Europa League in the Galatasaray jersey.

Defence

The defence has been a major pain for Barcelona in recent seasons. That’s why the Culés brought in two stoppers. From Sevilla came one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe, Jules Koundé. Andreas Christensen came for free after his contract at Chelsea ended.

In addition, Gerard Piqué, Ronald Araujo and Eric García remain in the squad. So Xavi has a rich selection indeed.

On the right side of the defence, however, it is not so glorious. Sergino Dest or Sergi Roberto can play there, but neither of them is very convincing. Xavi is often assisted by Araujo.

Jordi Alba starts his eleventh season at left-back. However, 18-year-old Alejandro Balde was crying out for a chance in preparation.

Backup

The tricky situation surrounding Frenkie de Jong will decide the centre of midfield. The Dutch midfielder doesn’t want to leave Barcelona, not least because he is owed quite a lot of money. But for now, let’s count on him staying in the squad.

Captain Sergi Busquets remains the mainstay, with the talented Pedri operating in front of them. Another big talent, Gavi, will also get a lot of game time. New signing Franck Kessie will also be waiting for his chance.

Attack

Barcelona’s offense is terrifying. Robert Lewandowski, one of the world’s top scorers, has been brought in as a top striker, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang backing him up.

Xavi has Ousmane Dembélé and Raphinha on the wings, plus Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres on the bench. A really good six players to choose from.

An ideal line-up

ter Stegen
Araujo – Kounde – Pique – Alba
Busquets – de Jong
Pedri
Dembele – Lewandowski – Raphinha

Ranking tip:: 2nd place

Source: Barcelona, La Liga