FC Barcelona have just lost their main man in Lionel Messi after months of speculation. The Argentine has been at the services of the club for over two decades since joining the Catalan side aged 13. Ronald Koeman would be scratching his head trying to find ways to replace his club captain. The Dutch manager will be hoping for his summer arrivals to fill the void left by the Argentine sooner rather than later.
Now as the season opener against a rigid Sociedad side looms closer, let us look at how the Blaugrana might line up.
Barcelona’s Predicted 4-1-2-1-2 Line Up to Face Real Sociedad
Defence
With German keeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen out injured till October, Koeman will have to start Norberto Neto between the sticks. The Brazilian custodian will be hoping to impress the manager by challenging for the first team keeper spot, which has been unrivalled for long now.
Jordi Alba has occupied the La Liga outfits’ left flank for nearly a decade and will remain Koeman’s top pick at left-back. American Sergino Dest will be hoping to get the nod ahead of Sergi Roberto at the right-back spot. Newly acquired Eric Garcia from Manchester City will be handed his debut in the season opener. He will be partnered with veteran Gerard Pique in the centre back spot, who seems to get finer with age.
Ronald Araujo has also put in impressive performances for the club last season and will certainly find a spot on the bench.
Midfield
Sergio Busquets will be the first name on the team sheet after being declared the captain of the Spanish club. The Spaniard is the only La Masia graduate from the golden generation who is still at the club.
Spanish youngster Pedri was part of Spain’s Euro campaign and their Olympic run. While he is expected to start in place of injured De Jong, Koeman would have to be cautious with his approach to play Pedri. He was involved in all of his national side’s matches and the gaffer should think twice about putting any more burden on him. Miralem Pjanic will be the last piece of the diamond and will be hoping for a better season at Camp Nou.
French talisman Antoine Griezmann will be in search of his form and is expected to play at the centre attacking midfield. He will be looking forward to linking the midfield and attack as Lionel Messi did.
Attack
Barcelona will be looking towards a new face in their attack ahead of the first outing.
Memphis Depay will get the start as the forward after his sublime season in Lyon. Depay looked sharp during the pre-season and found himself on the score-sheet against Juventus in Joan Gamper Trophy.
Depay will be partnered with Martin Braithwaite who was also impressive in the pre-season games.
Ansu Fati will be hoping to make the bench after recovering from his injury. While former Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero is set to miss the game with an injury he picked up in training.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup:-
Neto, Alba, Garcia, Pique, Dest, Busquets, Pedri, Griezmann, Pjanic, Depay, Braithwaite.
