How Barcelona will line up in 2023-24

Updated: 12 Aug 2023 16:13 BST
4 min read

Barcelona will again be contending for a LaLiga title under Xavi, following their success last campaign. However, it will be a harder task given their minimal activity in the transfer window this time around.

Franck Kessie left to the Pro League. Club legend Sergio Busquets was replaced by Oriol Romeu after their main targets for that position, including Martin Zubimendi and Ruben Neves, were deemed too expensive to pursue. They did manage to acquire Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan, while the rumors of Neymar’s return to Barcelona continue to persist.

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Ousmane Dembele has departed to Paris Saint-Germain, meanwhile, so there is a need to boost that area of attack, too.

Last season, Pique left halfway through the season, and Jordi Alba exited in the summer. The team needs further reinforcements in all areas of the pitch.

Attack

Leading the line will be Robert Lewandowski. The striker was brought in from Bayern Munich last summer and had a successful campaign for the Catalans. The Polish forward netted 33 goals in 46 competitions. He is also the only out-and-out No.9 among the squad. The club has several wingers who could play in the forward line, but if Lewandowski is fit, he will start.

Midfield

Xavi changes his system regularly, but here we have gone for the 4-1-4-1 formation, using Oriol Romeu as the holding midfielder. Gundogan can certainly play as a No.6, as can Frenkie de Jong, but both are best suited for the No.8 role, distributing to the flanks and the striker.

Gavi has played on the left for some games and will be positioned there. Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati are other options for the wing, though both have been linked with a move away this window.

© ProShots - Barcelona's probable line-up

Next to him is Pedri, if he can stay fit, with De Jong dictating the tempo. Former Leeds player Raphinha will operate on the right side, using his ability to cut inside and utilise his left foot. The Brazilian is best positioned in the half-space, similar to Gavi.

Defence

Alejandro Balde will start on the left side of the defence. The centre-back pairing of Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia is likely to be in the starting XI, with Ronald Araujo on the right.

In goal, veteran Marc-Andre ter Stegen will be positioned between the sticks.