Barcelona opinion: How should Barca line-up next season?
In the wake of the 2018/19 Champions League slump followed by the Copa del Rey defeat, Barcelona have strengthened their squad with some lucrative signings.
Ranging from the young and exciting Firpo to a marquee name like Antoine Griezmann, Ernesto Valverde has now a great chance at redemption.
Now, how should Barca line-up next season to re-establish their reign in Europe?
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Marc-Andre ter Stegen
Defenders: Nelson Semedo (RB), Jean-Clair Todibo (CB), Clement Lenglet (CB), Junior Firpo (LB)
One of the exceptional things we witnessed in the previous season was the stability in the defence provided by Nelson Semedo, Jordi Alba, Lenglet and Gerard Pique.
With Pique edging towards his twilight, young French defender Todibo should take the mantle of the Spaniard centre-back. The 19-year-old has already shown a glimpse of his potential in the pre-season friendlies.
At the same time, the recently-acquired Junior Firpo should start over the ageing Jordi Alba.
Midfielders: De Jong (CM), Arthur (CM), Sergio Busquets (CDM)
Valverde has a wide array of options in the midfield and yet, De Jong and Arthur should be teamed up with veteran midfielder Busquets in the middle of the park.
Earlier, Valverde had a crack at using De Jong as a pivot in the friendlies but the Dutch star is more free-flowing as a central midfielder.
It has to be Busquets who takes the role of the anchor and acts as the fulcrum in the midfield.
Forwards: Ousmane Dembele (LW), Griezmann (striker), Lionel Messi ( RW)
This is where the Blaugrana tend to be fierce, having a stockpile of world-class attackers. While the right-wing position will be occupied by Lionel Messi, Dembele should play on the other side of the flank. And finally, the striker void should be filled by French World Cup man Antoine Griezmann.
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Though the ex-Atletico Madrid man can play several positions, he should replace the ageing Luis Suarez as the focal point in the attack, which would also be in everyone’s best interests.
