There is probably not a membership on this planet that’s as profitable whereas being on the verge of disaster as Barcelona are. From opening the offseason with their clear switch goal in assault being Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao to needing to decide on a transfer for Marcus Rashford — who cannot at present be registered, even their transfer again to the Camp Nou has been delayed and their pleasant going through Vissel Kobe on Sunday appeared like it will be off, solely to be again on.
These registration points, attributable to years of poor monetary administration, appear to solely be a formality; but when Barcelona do one factor, they lead an eventful existence. That is not restricted to off the pitch both as Hansi Flick led Barcelona again to the La Liga and Copa Del Rey titles however fell quick in Champions League play. The semifinal tie with Inter will go down as the most effective knockout stage clashes in UCL historical past, nevertheless it was Barcelona that ended up lacking out on the ultimate because of permitting seven objectives throughout two legs of soccer.
Now, protection must the main focus for Barcelona, as they will be with out goalkeeper Marc Andre ter Stegen for no less than three months, however even his future is unsure on the membership with Wojciech Szczesny and Joan Garcia each being there. If it’s the finish of the German’s time at Barcelona, it makes the efficiency of the middle backs much more vital, as a result of whereas Szczesny generally is a good shot stopper, he’s not as well-rounded as ter Stegen at his finest. It isn’t a problem in La Liga, the place Barcelona solely allowed 39 objectives in 38 matches, however once they come up towards groups who can sustain with their attackers in UCL play, issues have to be tighter on the again.
Having a wholesome Ronald Araujo again will assist, however for Flick, Barcelona are in a troublesome place the place the one means they’ll enhance on final season is by profitable the Champions League. With younger gamers equivalent to Pau Cubarci, Alejandro Balde, Hector Fort, Marc Bernal, and Lamine Yamal all getting extra expertise beneath their belts, key positions will enhance on the membership. The return of Oriol Romeu may also carry a much-needed defensive presence to the midfield when Barcelona look to lock down video games.
Contributions might be wanted from everybody in such a protracted season, however what are some things to stay up for with Barcelona within the upcoming marketing campaign?
Lamine Yamal: New quantity, larger expectations
After an age 17 season the place Yamal scored 16 objectives and assisted 16 extra in all competitions for Barcelona, he now will start the brand new marketing campaign after turning 18 and with a brand new quantity in Lionel Messi’s outdated quantity 10. Expectations could not get larger for him, and to date in his younger profession, Yamal has not solely risen to satisfy them however he has additionally exceeded them.
Barcelona have been good about guaranteeing that he will get relaxation and correct safety, and having Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres, and Rashford within the lineup will assist ensure that not an excessive amount of is anticipated from him directly. Capable of create off the dribble and see passes that others cannot, it is past spectacular what Yamal can do, and we have by no means seen one thing like this from somebody so younger, tremendously surpassing the output of each Messi and Ronaldo at this age.
What does Marcus Rashford have left?
The Englishman has had a curler coaster profession, additionally breaking onto the scene at 17, nevertheless it took till his age 20 season for Rashford to turn into a daily starter at United earlier than coming into a rut the place he’d fail to internet 10 Premier League objectives in a season throughout three of the final 4 seasons with the membership. He appeared revitalized by a mortgage transfer to Aston Villa, and the objective is that point at Barcelona will carry the same jolt. Flick has already had success discovering one of the best position for Ferran Torres, and if he can do the identical with Rashford, Barcelona might be spoiled for selection in assault.
A defensive carousel
The addition of Romeu may carry much less of Andreas Christensen and Eric Garcia in defensive midfield, whereas Marc Casado’s return to well being will increase issues too. There’s additionally the chance that any of those gamers find yourself being bought in the course of the preseason to steadiness the books in what might be a essential time for Flick. Barcelona president Joan Laporta has already dominated out new main signings, however there’ll nonetheless be departures to return, which may shake up rotations. Between Araujo and Jules Kound, the highest degree of the protection might be set this season, however when going through the PSGs of the world, Flick might want to discover a steadiness between going all out assault and protecting issues in examine in order that Barcelona does not lose these video games 4-3 sooner or later. It is one of many greatest issues that must be mounted this season nevertheless it’ll even be the toughest to present till they’re in large matches.
