Barcelona went through a huge period of transition this summer as they were forced to let arguably their greatest player Lionel Messi leave and join Paris Saint-Germain after they failed to tie him down to a new contract. The Catalan club are currently trying to cope up with their growing financial concerns at the Nou Camp which has seen a lot of their star players like Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba take a pay cut.
On a positive note, the Spanish club managed to acquire the services of Memphis Depay, Sergio Aguero and Eric Garcia which should excite their fans ahead of what is set to be a long and gruelling season for them in La Liga.
4-3-3 Barcelona Strongest XI After Lionel Messi’s Departure This Summer
Defence
Marc-André ter Stegen will undoubtedly get the nod to start in goal for Barca after he returned to action in the 2-1 win over Getafe last weekend. Gerard Pique will probably start alongside Eric Garcia at the heart of Ronald Koeman’s defence as they hope to strike up a dominant partnership on the defensive end of the field.
Sergiño Dest has proven his worth as a solid option for Barca at right-back, so he should be a regular starter for them this season. On the other side, Jordi Alba remains Koeman’s first-choice left-back as he can use his experience to get the best out of his new teammates on the pitch.
Midfield
Koeman’s strongest midfield this season could be comprised of Frenkie de Jong, Sergio Busquets and Pedri. The talented trio has the perfect mix of youth and experience which should bode well for Koeman’s side throughout the remainder of this campaign.
Attack
Memphis Depay has already shown what he is capable of for Barca in recent weeks after banging in two goals and grabbing one assist in three appearances for them in La Liga. However, the in-form Dutch striker could be asked to play on the left flank to make room for Sergio Aguero, who is expected to operate as the Catalan club’s primary centre-forward.
Ansu Fati could edge out Martin Braithwaite and Ousmane Dembele in the race to secure a spot on the right-wing in Koeman’s first XI.
