With Xavi looking set to lose his star French winger Ousmane Dembele to Ligue 1 outfit Paris Saint-Germain for a reported figure of around €50 million as per several sources, the Catalan manager faces a particular dilemma as the consequence.
The 26-year-old winger was Xavi Hernandez’s most trusted lieutenant to helm the position of the right-wing courtesy of his specific set of skills and abilities having attracted the Barcelona coach and leading him to hail the Frenchman as one of his most crucial pieces.
However, his departure entails the need of adequate replacements to take his place and fill the void he would be leaving behind at Barcelona. As per Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Xavi Hernandez currently has five stars he can turn towards to attempt to replicate the impact that Dembele used to have:
- Raphinha
The Brazilian winger was essentially brought in to provide depth to a position on the right flank of the attack that was consistently left unprotected whenever Dembele would be absent due to injury, a common occurrence, and thus came the man from English side Leeds United to aid Barcelona.
His performances last season demonstrated that the Brazilian does indeed possess both talent and drive that can help Barcelona overcome various hurdles and opponents when he is at his best. Xavi will be hoping that he is able to bring out the most effective version of the former Leeds man.
- Ferran Torres
Currently the top scorer for FC Barcelona during the pre-season tour of the United States of America, the Spaniard has reportedly been heavily motivated to prove his worth to both Xavi and Barcelona.
The upcoming season could potentially give him his best chance yet to prove his quality and integrity to Barca’s cause.
- Ez Abde
The Moroccan international returned from his last season loan to CA Osasuna brimming with both confidence and new-found self-belief. His performances last season have surely left a promising mark on the image both Barcelona and other clubs have of him.
Now showing promise even during the pre-season, Abde could be one of the biggest beneficiaries of Dembele’s departure as he could potentially end up staying at Barcelona and earning his stripes under Xavi Hernandez.
- Ansu Fati
Donning the now-famous number 10 was always going to be a daunting task with huge expectations. Young Ansu Fati definitely had the potential to live up to these expectations, but unexpected injuries kept him away from hitting the highs that were always expected of him.
However, he seems to soon be getting back into his grove and finding his feet again, and should the player manage to revert to his former best self, the youngster could definitely provide Barcelona with an elite winger within their ranks
- Lamine Yamal
The upcoming jewel of La Masia that almost every Barcelona fan is keeping an eye on, Lamine Yamal has huge expectations piling on his shoulders as he prepares to one day truly become a part of Barca’s first team.
As of now, he remains a primary part of the subsidiary and his main contributions to the Barcelona first team primarily remain limited to cameo appearances. However, with the trajectory that he continues to follow, it would not be a surprise to see much more of him next season particularly as Dembele is set to now leave Barcelona.
