Ernesto Valverde is still trying to find his perfect formula.
But with the squad he has at his disposal, it really shouldn’t be that difficult. Barcelona truly are full of talented and world-class players but their coach is still experimenting with his preferred lineup.
Some worked well and some backfired but looking at their pool of talent, there should be no question about who should be starting from the get-go and who should be left on the bench.
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It all revolves around merit and if you’re playing for a team as big as Barcelona, just having a good reputation should not be enough to warrant you an untouchable role.
With all of that in mind, here’s what we think Barcelona’s gala XI should look like in the future fixtures:
Marc-Andre ter Stegen should not be vacating his spot any time soon. He’s their undisputed first-choice goalkeeper.
The centre-back pairing should get the same treatment, too. Clement Lenglet on the left and Gerard Pique on the right pick themselves and Valverde should stick with this tandem going forward. Nelson Semedo should definitely be their number one right-back, ahead of Sergi Roberto, and once he returns from his injury, Jordi Alba should slot into that left-back position ahead of Junior Firpo.
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In the middle of the park, there’s absolutely no debate – Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong and Arthur Melo are the heart of this team and their engine. Picking these three together with no exceptions should be a no-brainer for the coach.
Finally, the forward line, which is where the fun begins.
Even though Luis Suarez has been a faithful servant to the Blaugrana ever since he arrived from Liverpool, it is time he makes way for the younger and more skilled crop of players.
Antoine Griezmann should, therefore, be Barcelona’s centre-forward, flanked by Lionel Messi on the right and Ousmane Dembele on the left.
Of course, the 16-year-old Ansu Fati should not be disregarded but they should still take their time with the prodigy and slowly integrate him into the lineup.
For that reason, if he can stay fit, Dembele should be the other winger for the squad, starting against Inter Milan on Wednesday.
