FC Barcelona will finally get to go full throttle for once before the official season kicks off in the coming days. This time around, Barça are facing off against Ligue 1 side AS Monaco for the annual Joan Gamper trophy. For this specific encounter, Hansi Flick will likely field a strong Barcelona side.
With the German coach now being given the full liberty to deploy his squad as per his own wishes for this game, it would be surprising to see too many youngsters taking the pitch from the subsidiary. However, a few of those exceptional standouts will likely be given another chance by Barcelona as well perhaps.
This is how FC Barcelona could line up against AS Monaco for the encounter.
Expected Line-up:
Goalkeeper: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen
Still, the first-choice goalkeeper for FC Barcelona and now the first captain as well, Marc-Andre Ter Stegen will have a lot of responsibility this season. However, he is more than accustomed to it and it will be his job to keep Barça secure at the back.
Left-back: Alejandro Balde
The electric and pacey left-back remains a secret weapon of sorts for Barcelona on that left flank. His blitzing speed can turn the tides of a game at any given moment and all he needs is the space to exploit. It will be interesting to see how Flick makes use of him, however.
Centre-back: Inigo Martinez
A rock at the back and a more than capable distributor of the ball, Inigo Martinez combines technique with experience. With other defenders still injured or simply fatigued, it becomes the duty of the veteran Spaniard to hold the back line for the team.
Centre-back: Andreas Christensen
While there may be a chance that Pau Cubarsi will start alongside Martinez in the back line, it seems rather unlikely given that the youngster just returned from the Olympics. His performances over there were great, but he may need some time to recover his fitness and be at full strength again.
Right-back: Jules Kounde
No other player apart from Jules Kounde will likely get the chance to start as the right-back for the team in this game. After a superb European Championship with France, while playing as a right-back, Kounde now has the chance to kick things off the right way at the club level as well.
CDM: Marc Casado
Unlike Marc Bernal, Marc Casado possesses much more experience playing as a defensive pivot. Given that much of Barça’s midfield prowess tends to focus on the offensive actions of the game, Casado could provide a good balance to Flick’s team.
CDM: Ilkay Gundogan
Alongside Casado, German veteran Ilkay Gundogan could be given the start. His composure, experience, and quality would be great assets to have alongside such a talented youngster, and they could form a formidable partnership in the heart of the midfield.
LAM: Pau Victor
While there could be a chance that Lamine Yamal ends up starting this game, it would be a disservice to Pau Victor to not reward his efforts during the preseason tour of the United States. He has shown himself to be a more than capable player and he will possibly get more chances to continue proving that.
CAM: Pablo Torre
Many would like to get a glimpse of Dani Olmo as the starting attacking midfielder for Barcelona, but it would perhaps be best to let him have a cameo at some point rather than start from the get-go. However, nothing seems to be predictable at Barcelona these days.
RAM: Raphinha
The Brazilian winger has shown a lot of courage and motivation to keep his place at Barcelona. His goal remains to succeed at the club and the South American forward will do whatever it takes to earn himself a place in Flick’s team.
Centre-forward: Robert Lewandowski
There is little to no doubt that Robert Lewandowski will be the man that Hansi Flick will entrust to lead the Barcelona frontline. This is his season to shine under a familiar coach, and it would be great for him to get off to a good start back at the Montjuic Stadium.
