FC Barcelona have been given a massive reality check by the recent thrashing they received courtesy of Real Madrid. Despite reinforcing the squad last season, it continues to find deficiencies in terms of quality depth, and as injuries pile up, it becomes even more evident.
The likes of players such as Marcos Alonso and Sergi Roberto being the primary replacements to the rather mercurial talents in contrast of Andreas Christensen and Pedri is a testament to this lack of quality depth. While experience remains an identifiable and helpful factor at times, it simply cannot compete against the quality oppositions.
Time after time, game after game, when Barcelona have relied on fringe players and veterans due to a lack of squad depth, it has backfired. The losses and undesirable results against the likes of Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, and now Real Madrid are examples of this lack of reliable depth that the club needs to urgently work on to reinforce.
Defense:
While the starting backline of Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen, and Alejandro Balde remain crucial to the Catalans being as good as they’d been this season, the absence of even one amongst them can cause the structure to falter.
In order to curb this issue, Barcelona need reliable center backs even on the bench to compensate for the starters’ unavailability should it arise. The likes of Marcos Alonso and Eric Garcia just do not fit the bill when it comes to being quality alternatives. This is why Barcelona are hedging their bets on the arrival of LaLiga-proved, Athletic Bilbao defender Inigo Martinez. They believe his arrival could substantially bolster their defense.
Creativite outlet in the midfield:
When the likes of Pedri and De Jong are gone, the team seems rather aimless. They lack their two most crucial creators aside from perhaps Sergio Busquets. Now the demand for a top player and more importantly, a top chance creator is at an all-time high.
The chants of “Messi” in Camp Nou seem to agree with recent takes and accompanying reports, that Lionel Messi is the man for Barcelona. The Argentine Barcelona legend, and current player for Paris Saint-Germain would be an ideal fit for Xavi Hernandez. The manager also reportedly has plans in place should Messi arrive that would allow him to fit into his system.
The World Cup winner and former Blaugrana number 10 would add both creativity and a goal-scoring edge which the team has desperately lacked at some points. Moreover, the contract renewal of Sergio Busquets remains a work in progress. Should the Spaniard not renew, it would also need to consequently pave the way to look for a suitable replacement.
Goals:
Lastly, and arguably the most vital reinforcement in terms of allowing the Catalans to win games would be the addition of more firepower in the attack. While Lionel Messi adds undoubtable creativity as well as goals, a pure finisher such as the young Vitor Roque also remains on Barcelona’s agenda for the season. The Brazilian would be fairly costly but offers both quality and more years of service courtesy of his young age.
Another possible addition could be Yannick Carrasco of Atletico Madrid, who would also offer reliable quality on the wing. This could be coupled with the return of Barcelona loanee Ez Abde, currently plying his trade at Osasuna and is expected to be recalled by Xavi to Camp Nou following the end of his loan spell.
FC Barcelona will be aiming to try their level best to adhere to the restrictions imposed by Financial Fair Play, while simultaneously attempting to gather reinforcements of a high enough caliber to enable them to compete for more silverware and titles next season as per the latest reports from Mundo Deportivo.
