Barcelona have seriously pushed the boat out in terms of bringing in players this summer, with the Blaugrana signing a number of young stars to improve the overall quality and depth of their squad.
With Ernesto Valverde’s side shipping in stars like Arthur Melo, Malcom and Clement Lenglet this window, the club look to be preparing themselves for a long and tiresome campaign this year.
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With Valverde already having a very strong squad at his disposal last year, Barca’s side only looks to have gotten better as they look to go all the way in every competition possible this time round.
Following their activity in the transfer market, we’ve looked at just how Barca could line-up with their new look side this season coming.
Defence
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen’s displays last year showed everyone that he is capable of handling the pressure of playing for Barcelona, as well as being one the best shot-stoppers on the planet.
The German international probably should’ve started for Die Mannschaft at the World Cup this summer, as he showcased just how good he could be for the Blaugrana last season.
It would be very surprising to see the club not start the German in between the sticks this year, with Jasper Cillessen not posing much of a threat to Ter Stegen’s no.1 spot for the club.
With Sergi Roberto performing admirably at right-back last year, we could see him deputise there this season, however don’t be surprised to see Nelson Semedo claim a few start on the right-hand side of the Barca defence if Roberto is needed in midfield.
Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti were one of the best centre back pairings in the world last year, with the duo being one of the main reasons why the club only lost three matches in all competitions.
Despite Lenglet’s arrival, which cost the club €35.9M as per ESPN, we should see the pairing reunite this season at the centre of Barca’s defence as they look to replicate the fantastic form they both showcased last year.
Jordi Alba has no real threats to his starting spot at left back, which is something that most likely wouldn’t matter anyway considering just how well he performed for the club last year.
Midfield
With Andres Iniesta now going, it seems as if one of the club’s current stars are going to have to step up and help fill the void that has been left by the Spaniard.
This could easily be Philippe Coutinho, who signed for the club from Liverpool in January, however we’re pretty sure new signing Arthur may have something to say about that.
Having cost the club €40M as per the BBC, Barca fans will be wanting to see the youngster get as many chances as possible to prove that he is worth the hype and fee that the club ended up forking out for him.
Arthur has showcased a lot of similar qualities to Iniesta during his time in Brazil, so don’t be too shocked to see the Brazilian start a fair few games for the Blaugrana this year.
Sergio Busquets’ position isn’t really under any threat considering just how good he is combined with the fact that the club don’t have any other solid defensive midfielders at their disposal.
Barca’s midfielder three should be wrapped off by Ivan Rakitic, who was one of the club’s best players last season and was key to Croatia during their World Cup run this summer.
Attack
Luis Suarez, despite his shaky start to last year’s season, was overall very good and should easily claim his place in Barca’s starting XI this time round.
Lionel Messi is Lionel Messi, therefore he’s going to start.
With Ousmane Dembele struggling to hold down a first team place with the club last season, we may see new signing Malcom try and claim a place in Valverde’s side this year.
With the player setting the club back €42M (£37.3M) as per the Evening Standard, Malcom’s signing will surely get Barca fans excited for the new season.
The Brazilian was superb for Bordeaux last year, as he scored 12 and assisted seven in the league to help the club establish themselves in the top half of the table.
If given the chance, Malcom should definitely try and overthrow Dembele out of the team and claim his place in Valverde’s starting XI this year.
Barcelona’s team could easily look almost identical to last year’s, with new signing Malcom the only player who, in our view, has any real chance of claiming a starting place in Barca’s side this term.
With their ever-reliable defence still intact, and their star-studded midfield looking as strong as ever, all that’s left is to question whether or not Dembele will be made to watch on from the sidelines by Malcom this season.
On thing’s for sure, this Barca side look a real threat on paper, and one that could easily go all the way in not just the league, but the Champions League as well.