There was a lot of drama in the final two weeks of the transfer window with all the transfer drama surrounding Neymar’s return to Camp Nou. However, Neymar stayed put at PSG in the end. Even without the Brazilian attacker, Barcelona have one of the most fearsome squads in all of Europe.
Despite the star-studded line-up with the likes of Ter Stegen, Messi, Suarez, Busquets, Pique and more; Barcelona still have a few players are who still trying to establish themselves at the very top level of football.
The 4th Official has a look at a list of players who need to be watched in the 2019-20 season from the Barcelona squad.
Carles Alena
Carles Alena is a complete La Masia product having joined the Barcelona academy at the age of seven. The player was officially promoted to the senior squad in December 2018. Things have taken a drastic turn for Alena ever since.
Alena has been chosen to stay at the club over the experienced Rafinha Alcantara. The latter was loaned out to Celta Vigo in the closing days of the transfer window. Alena has been seemingly trusted with a huge responsibility at the club which he will have to fulfil in the coming season.
Frenkie de Jong
De Jong’s transfer to Barcelona was announced officially in the initial month of 2019. The player has joined for a reported fee of €75 million plus add ons. That’s a lot of money Barcelona have flexed for a 22-year-old Dutch midfielder in the making.
The player has already made his competitive debut for the Catalan side and does not seem to be in his natural habitat. Ernesto Valverde has faced immense criticism for his deployment of Frenkie. The player certainly seemed in his zone when Netherlands played in the international break. It will be interesting to see how Frenkie plays in his initial season in Spain.
Ousmane Dembele
Dembele has started his third season in the Primera Divison, and it will be a make it or break it season for the French attacker. The player’s playing time at Camp Nou has been cut short with prolonged injuries.
Dembele has found the net only on 11 occasions in the Barcelona shirt. The player has found it hard to justify the €105 million price tag along with €40 million in add-ons which Barcelona spent on him. Time could be running out for Dembele just like it did for Philipe Coutinho.
