Barcelona’s performance: a strengthened midfield and a weakened attack. Can Xavi lead the team to further success?

Barcelona won La Liga last season, somewhat unexpectedly, mainly because of their great defensive performance, conceding only 20 goals all season. There were two reinforcements in the midfield, one in defence, but Ousmane Dembélé is leaving the attack. Let’s take a look at the whole team.

It is a bit of a problem for Barcelona to do the team introductions when they only have 13 A-team players registered at the moment. However, we’ll be counting on the Blaugranas to find the funds to add reinforcements and players with contract extensions to the roster.

Goalkeeper

Marc Andre ter Stegen remains the unshakable number one. The German goalkeeper signed off on a record-breaking season, making only 20 saves in the entire league season. The number two will continue to be Iñaki Pena. The role of third goalkeeper will most likely be filled by 19-year-old Ander Astralaga.

Defence

Barcelona’s stopper position is well occupied. The reliable pair of Ronald Araújo – Andreas Christensen has been joined by the experienced Iñigo Martínez from Athletic. The role of the fourth stopper will be played by Eric García.

Due to the overload at stopper, Jules Kounde is counted on at right-back, where Barcelona have no one else. Serginho Dest has returned from a loan spell, but he is not counted on much. Kounde will be backed up by Sergio Roberto. Culés are still trying to find a new right-back, they would like to bring Joao Cancelo from Manchester City, but finances are a problem.

Youngster Alejandro Balde should be the number one at left-back. However, Xavi also has Marcos Alonso in the rotation.

Backup

The centre of midfield has strengthened decently. Captain Ilkay Gündogan has arrived from Manchester City, plus Oriol Romeu from Girona. Xavi will also continue to rely on Pedri, Frenkie de Jong and Gavi, who will probably move to the left edge of midfield due to the high competition.

Captain Sergio Busquets has left the squad after 15 long years, and Franck Kessié is also likely to leave for Saudi Arabia. Yamine Lamal, only 16, could also get a chance. The big talent impressed a lot in the friendly against Tottenham.

Attack

Robert Lewandowski, the author of 23 goals in La Liga last season, should again lead the attack. He will be supported on the right wing by Brazilian Raphinha, with midfielder Gavi most likely on the left.

But Xavi also has Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati at his disposal. However, Ousmane Dembélé will leave the team in the next few days, who had an 8+9 record last season. This will be a big weakening for the team as no replacement has come in the attack. Only Abde Ezzalzouli has returned from a successful loan spell at Osasuna.

Source: FC Barcelona