Welcome back to TalkBarca. Our topic of discussion today is quite interesting. Today, we are going to make an Analysis of Full Squad Depth of FC Barcelona for the 2019/20 Campaign.
On paper, we have a squad of 21 players each very good at their respective positions. However, injuries and inconsistencies have been affecting our games a lot. It is about time that Valverde, sets his plans right or otherwise, we will be out of the title race sooner than expected. All of 21 players are going to represent the first team in all competitions. However, Ansu Fati, Puig, Carlos Perez, and Pena are still registered as Barca B players.
Let’s take a look at each position and see who is playing where. Which positions are the strongest for us and where do we lack, let’s see.
In-depth Analysis Of Each Position:
Goalkeeper:
Starting in goal is obviously Ter Stegen. Apart from him, we also have Neto who can play his role when Ter Stegen needs rest. However, Neto is currently out injured which takes us to our third Goalkeeping option who is Pena. Pena is less likely to enjoy much first team football in this season although he has been looking promising in training lately.
Right Back and Left Back:
Our current first option at Right Back position is Nelson Semedo. However, his performances lately have been really inconsistent. Valverde made a statement at the start of the season that Sergio Roberto will be used as a midfielder. However, if Semedo continues to be inconsistent, it will not take much time for Valverde to bring Roberto back to his original position. Furthermore, Wague is also another option in the same position. Similarly, he is not yet able to bring that spark to the defensive line and his fitness issues are also yet unsolved.
At Left Back, the first option is Jordi Alba. Our other option at this position is Junior Firpo. Firpo is an extraordinarily talented player who the fans want to see playing more football for the first team. However, it will require a lot of hardwork and special performances to challenge Jordi Alba for this position. As for now, Jordi is the ultimate starter and our first choice Right Back.
Center Backs:
The Center Back area is pretty sorted out as well. Gerrard Pique is the first choice Center Back on the right hand side. On the left side is Leglet. This duo also looks unchanged as both can assert dominance and can handle the pressure of this position better than the others.
Alternatives for the similar position are Todibo and Umtiti. Todibo really needs to elevate his footballing standards in order to prove to Valverde that he should start ahead of Pique or even Lenglet. On the other side, Umtiti is now out injured as he picked up a foot injury during the International Break. We know how good Umtiti is but recent injuries are ruining his career. For me, Umtiti can be the ultimate starter for us only if he is 100% fit and in-form. We know how good he is and what he brings to our defense.
Midfielders:
Midfield is a pretty saturated area in this squad as we have tons of options there.
Center Midfielders:
Sergio Busquests is used as a Center Midfielder by Valverde this season. However, his natural position is CDM. Frenkie De Jong plays further higher up on the pitch to participate in the attack more. However, this type of play is unnatural for the Netherlands’s midfielder.
Arturo Vidal is yet another option in the Center midfield area. Vidal can bring in much more physicality into the game and having better pace, he can participate more in the attacks instead of only dropping down to help the defense.
Right and Left Midfielders:
De Jong is operating more in attacking areas of the pitch, mainly in the left or right midfield. This is unnatural for him as he is a kind of player who holds the game and creates chances instead of availing them. Other available options available in similar position are Alena and Rakitic. Rakitic’s role in this team is very crucial. As the transfer window is over and his stay at the club is confirmed, Valverde now needs to see where will he fit in best. Rakitic is a player who can play in any area of the midfield and it is interesting to see how much football he gets this season and at what position.
Arthur is the first choice at Left Midfield. The bench for this position is pretty strong too as Sergio Roberto and Puig will also be playing at the same position. Puig, just like all other youngsters need to elevate his game in order to grab more first team playing minutes.
Attackers:
This is the only area where FC Barcelona lack depth in their squad. We have only 4 first team forwards which can hinder our attacking options in case of an injury. However, the good thing is that all our forwards are quite versatile and can play at almost all positions which gives us a little benefit. Moreover, we have B team players to come and grab their chance when we need to rest our first team players.
Wing:
On the Right Wing, the first choice to play is Lionel Messi. However, Carlos Perez is also an option at this position. We do expect to see much football from him this season as he has proven his quality in previous games. Furthermore, Ansu Fati, is another option to operate on the wings.
Dembele’s recovery is not yet confirmed. However, his return will make the Barcelona attack even lethal as he can operate on both wings and he is equally good with both feet. Moreover, if Valverde decides to play Luis Suarez and Griezmann at the same time, then Griezmann can also serve on the left wing.
Striker:
For me, the first choice Center Forward is Antoine Griezmann. Suarez is another option. However, he is currently out on injury. Valverde can even reduce a midfielder and make both Suarez and Antoine Griezmann play as Center Forwards in crucial games. We will have to wait to see what tactics Ernesto has up his sleeves.
Verdict:
The squad looks decent on paper. However, Right Back is a place of worry. Furthermore, we are also lacking in wider areas of the pitch. Malcom and Rafinha are gone now. This puts pressure on attackers as they know that there is not much backup and it is mandatory for them to perform in every game.
Lastly, Valverde’s choices in the midfield will count a lot heading into the crucial fixtures ahead. According to me, Sergio, Arthur and Frenkie should start in the midfield. This midfield trio is quite press resistant and really hold the midfield while bringing authority and creativity into the game.
What are your thoughts on this Full Squad Depth analysis of FC Barcelona? What are your picks to start the game in every position? Do you think this is the best possible lineup to handle the pressure of upcoming tough games? Let us know in the comments section. Until the very next time, Visca El Barca!
