Barcelona have endured a topsy-turvy start to the season along with most of the big clubs in La Liga. But the last couple of weeks especially have been trying for the Catalans and after the completion of the 7th game week, they find themselves in the 4th position which was unimaginable at the beginning of the season.
Luis Enrique has been plagued with injuries to and unavailability of his best players since the start of the season. Neymar was unavailable due to his participation in the Olympics where he won Gold with Brazil.
The famed trio of MSN had their momentum cut short by the news they had feared the most. Lionel Messi’s injury ruling him out for a number of weeks which has led to Barca losing a large chunk of their zing. It is a well-documented fact that the Nou Camp outfit are not the same without Messi and slowly teams are realising that attacking the creaky defence line of Barca will give them a chance to come away with wins especially now that Messi’s absence has made them less clinical at the other end.
Barcelona have dropped a staggering 8 points already from 7 games and find themselves in the immediate touching distance of teams till the 11th spot.
Although all is not lost for them yet, La Liga this season looks to be the closest one in years.
T4O’s IDEAL BARCELONA LINE-UP WHEN FULLY FIT (4-3-3)
DEFENCE
Marc-André Ter Stegen has been preferred over Claudio Bravo who left for Manchester City but the German hasn’t convinced as of yet, committing glaring errors which have led to goals. Sergi Roberto has been particularly impressive and will be looking to be the long term replacement of Dani Alves. Pique and Umtiti have so far failed to inspire confidence at centre-back with the new signing taking time to settle down but once fully fit, the pair has to be given a chance to strike up a partnership. Jordi Alba will be at left-back as usual.
MIDFIELD
The triumvirate of Busquets, Iniesta and Rakitic are too good to be playing in a disjointed manner for a long time. They will come good and eventually cut down on individual errors in the matches to come.
ATTACK
There are no doubts about the 3 players in the attacking trio with Neymar, Suarez and Messi nailed on. But Barca have to take care of Messi’s fitness and well and truly step up the search of someone who can at least fill half the boots of the best player in the world in future.
