Barcelona’s lineup without Messi, what could it look like?

Already during last summer, it was hotly debated what the future of Lionel Messi would be and whether Barcelona would decide to monetise and sell him or risk leaving without adequate compensation. At the moment, there is essentially nothing happening as the Argentina captain is now without a commitment. It is thus pertinent to reflect on what Barcelona’s ideal line-up without their biggest star might look like.

Money always comes first

The financial situation of the Catalan big club has already been discussed from all sides. Although, of course, nobody knows the exact figures except the club’s directors themselves, it is clear that money is a huge problem at Barcelona. Finances are the biggest stone in the shoe.

According to the latest information, it even looks like president Joan Laporta will have to choose between having Messi or his colleague Griezmann in the squad, as both of them are on staggeringly high salaries.

There are several suitors circling around the Frenchman, such as his former employer Atlético Madrid, but it seems more than clear that Barcelona’s wallet cannot support both left-footed chiclets.

The new arrivals

Forwards Memphis Depay from Lyon and Sergio Agüero from Manchester City have arrived at Camp Nou after their contracts expired. The latter was followed on the same route by Barcelona’s Eric García. Right-back Emerson from Real Betis also moved to the aforementioned sanctuary for a very affordable sum of 9 million euros.

If we look at all the strikers Barcelona now have at their disposal, we get to number six (Fati, Dembelé, Griezmann, Depay, Agüero, Braithwaite).

One can assume that Agüero should be given a lot of space, which is also true for Depay, who also has a very good relationship with coach Koeman, who managed him in the Dutch national team. Another of the category of players with the most minutes should be young Ansu Fati, from whom the Catalans are expecting big things.

Koeman’s favourite formation

The problem for all strikers, however, remains the Dutch pilot’s preference for the 3-5-2 or 5-3-2 formation. In both, there is only room for two of the six footballers listed. It’s not that Koeman is afraid to bet on the tried and tested 4-3-3, but when he was running in his boots during the last edition, he chose one of the first two formations.

Depay certainly has the advantage due to his flexibility. He can play as a top striker, on the wing and as an offensive midfielder. Fati, Agüero and Braithwaite have a fairly strictly reserved position.

While Dembelé and Griezmann are slightly more flexible, the experiments at the tip and on the wing, respectively, haven’t worked out well for either of the Frenchmen.

It will definitely be very interesting to watch coach Koeman’s coaching chess. All the more so if the club management manages to extend the contract of the current captain Messi.

Source: Transfermarkt