FC Barcelona have always been one of the lucky few to possess a depth of great quality within their team. The Catalan giants have often masterfully maneuvered and managed their depth well in previous seasons and consequently, it has led to much success for La Blaugrana.
However, at times too much depth can also be a serious problem for any club’s management to deal with. At the moment, Barcelona possess quite a few elite talents within their squad, and managing their respective game times will be a massive hurdle for Xavi to overcome.
Keeping that in mind, Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo has highlighted the four main contentions and dilemmas that Xavi Hernandez will have to tend to once the Barcelona players in question either make their return from injury or contend for their respective spots when a big game comes around.
Pedri and the midfielders
At the moment, it seems that Xavi Hernandez already has a competent midfield at his disposal. Ilkay Gundogan continues to amaze with his superior understanding of the game, Gavi remains the most active player the team has at its disposal, De Jong is undoubtedly the best bet when it comes to clashes against high-intensity opponents and Oriol Romeu presents himself as the sole natural pivot within Xavi’s Barcelona.
As such, Pedri’s return will complicate things even further. Given that it seems that Xavi has returned to the regular 3-man midfield, finding the right balance to give all his elite midfielders a chance to feature will be a tall task for the Barcelona head coach.
Gavi’s claim
Should Pedri be reintegrated within the team upon his return, it leaves behind Gavi as someone who may have to be sacrificed. For instance, even if Romeu ends up being benched, it is most likely that either of Frenkie De Jong or Ilkay Gungodan will feature as the pivot while the other plays the interior role.
This would then leave behind Gavi as a substitute still and unless Xavi opts for his 4-man midfield structure, one that he undoubtedly seems to like, Gavi will mainly see himself on the bench yet again after having just recently won his way back into the starting eleven.
Ronald Araujo’s return
The Uruguayan defender is set to return soon for Barcelona. Against Celta in the upcoming game, Araujo could potentially even feature for La Blaugrana. However, this in itself creates huge problems for Xavi Hernandez.
Given that the Uruguayan defender is a mainstay within this Barca defense and is even one of the captains, his return may force another out. Joao Cancelo and Alejandro Balde have the flanks already locked down, and consequently, only Jules Kounde or Andreas Christensen may have to make way for Araujo.
The likeliest option for Araujo to replace remains Christensen, but even the Danish defender has played quite well enough to fight for his place in the starting eleven as well.
The right winger
Robert Lewandowski and Joao Felix are clicking rather well and have been involved in the majority of goals scored by Barcelona in their recent thrashings of both Real Betis and Royal Antwerp. With the Polish striker being the team’s primary number nine and the new Portuguese arrival being the most comfortable star on the left wing, it seems those positions are already locked down.
However, the competition for the right wing remains fierce. With Ferran Torres, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal all showcasing their qualities this season, it will be a huge dilemma for Xavi to overcome. All three attackers provide unique qualities and possess great talent, and as such, the Barcelona coaching staff will need to balance their inclusions depending on their various games.
