Up ahead for FC Barcelona is a month of football that will see the Catalan giants adapt. The upcoming clash against Granada and then subsequent outings against the likes of Athletic Bilbao, Shakhtar Donetsk and the ever-important El Clasico test against Real Madrid will all be games to wrap up within October taking into account the many absentees.
For Barcelona, four key players are already injured and currently recovering. Brazilian winger Raphinha had to be taken off against Sevilla, Robert Lewandowski against FC Porto just recently, Frenkie De Jong against Celta Vigo, and Pedri was injured all the way back in August.
However, while most of these positions have been covered in one way or another, Lewandowski’s is one that needs to be tended to. A recent injury in itself, the Polish striker’s position is one of absolute importance. For Xavi, there are certain players to rely upon to take over in the first team.
Despite that, additional depth is never a bad idea. Currently, there are only three fit forwards in the first team: Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, and Joao Felix. As a result, it will have to be the subsidiary that Barcelona would ideally turn to according to SPORT.
The case of Angel Alarcon
The most natural of introductions to the first team would have been Angel Alarcon. However, the forward has just recently returned from injury and Barca are thus going to be careful. In his stead, there are three others that La Blaugrana could look towards.
Marc Guiu (17 years)
Marc Guiu is essentially anything but a traditional La Masia forward. Not particularly known for being a technical genius or a hybrid striker, Guiu is rather a traditional target man.
Standing at 1.90m tall, he has the physique to compete against most defenders and comes charging in like a bull. Possessing a knack for scoring and for sniffing out dangerous areas to attack, Guiu could be Barca’s answer to bringing in a player of traditional attacking values at the tip of the offensive trident.
Pau Victor (21 years)
A player with not much flair but instead absolute effectiveness. Trained with Girona and having previously played for Sabadell, he has a great record in terms of goal contributions already to his name.
The player is able to operate both as a center-forward as well as a left-winger. His abilities are more focused on being an efficient attacking outlet rather than a flashy one. His ability to take over at a moment’s notice may entice Xavi to count on him.
Dani Rodriquez (18 years)
Originally from Real Sociedad, Dani Rodriquez has earned his way up within Barcelona. Having started with the Under-16s and now having climbed up the ladder, he is considered by SPORT as the quintessential technical winger.
Possessing a left foot of great quality, he couples it with his sublime dribbling and ability to progress the ball. Fast, powerful, and unsettling for defenders to deal with, he provides another great outlet that Xavi could possibly count on.
For Xavi, the decision to count on these youngsters will showcase where his faith lies. An entire month could be at stake, so the Catalan coach will need to make decisions very carefully for the sake of Barcelona.
