The ongoing drama in Barcelona has been a dramatic one for the Catalan giants. With the change of coaching staff, Abidal’s departure, the Messi saga, and players allowed to leave for free, Barcelona have been on the front page of the news for a while now. Meanwhile, two new players have been introduced at the Camp Nou – Trincao and Pedri. Despite so much happening around the club, Ansu Fati is the player who has had a record-breaking season. He also broke Spain’s more than 80-year-old record by becoming the youngest to debut for Spain’s senior team.
Koeman’s statements after his arrival have been sending waves around the world as he expressed his thoughts on utilizing players like De Jong and Griezmann in their original positions. So, how would Barcelona line up next season? Let’s check out without further ado.
Barcelona have been heavily linked with Memphis Depay and Georginio Wijnaldum to replace Suarez and Rakitic, who will not be a part of Koeman’s plans. Rumours to sign Lautaro have died and Depay is seen as the new arrival to bolster Barcelona’s attack. Wijnaldum has just one year left in his contract at Liverpool and could come cheap as Liverpool pursue Thiago. Coutinho is back from loan and it would be interesting to see how Koeman plays him.
If we analyze Koeman’s tenure for the Netherlands National Team, he prefers a 4-3-3 formation but sometimes tweaks it into 4-2-3-1 and 3-5-2. So, it’s quite sure that Koeman will deploy a similar 4-3-3 in Barcelona in the coming season. How would the starting line up look like next season?
Goalkeeper
Ter Stegen remains the number one choice for the GK spot with Neto and Inaki Pena as a backup.
Defenders
Semedo and Alba will remain the starting full-backs under Koeman. Barcelona needs upgrades in the fullback positions as players have been struggling to perform in these positions. But no player has Ronal been linked with Barcelona for these positions and it looks like Alba and Semedo will start again next season.
Pique and Lenglet will also be the preferred choice as the CB duo. Eric Garcia has been linked with a move to Barcelona but he will not be an instant starter and could make substitute appearances in the beginning. Roberto could also get some games in the RB position. Umtiti is being offered to some clubs and he may leave the club in the coming weeks.
Midfielders
Wijnaldum’s arrival would mean that he slots in the midfield as soon as he joins the club. There have been reports suggesting that he is essential for Koeman’s plans for next season and could don the number 8 jersey. Busquets will be challenged by Pjanic for the number 6 role but Busquets will be the starter for the first few games at least. Frenkie remains the undisputed choice for the third midfield spot. Puig could also bag substitute appearances and may rest one of the midfielders before important fixtures. Wijnaldum and Frenkie could play a similar role that they did with the Netherlands.
Attackers
Messi will obviously be the starter on the right-wing and could be given the independence to roam around as he used to get earlier. Dembele is fit and if he remains fit, he gets the nod on the left-wing. His pace will be essential for Barcelona. Koeman has previously expressed his disagreement with Griezmann playing on the wings. Griezmann could be the new striker for Barcelona next season and Depay may be used as a substitute. Depay is also good on the left-wing. Depay, Coutinho, and Ansu Fati could provide Barca a much-needed depth as they prepare to challenge for all trophies next season.
This is how the line up looks like:
Ter Stegen
Semedo Pique Lenglet Alba
Frenkie Busquets Wijnaldum
Messi Griezmann Dembele
Also Read |
