While the current international break has made FC Barcelona fans wait a while longer to see their team in action, this period has definitely not been as lacking in action for the Barcelona players themselves.
Several players of the Catalan team, particularly the forwards, have played a prominent part in this international break. Their performances provide Xavi with a good problem, as he will have to think more about whom to start once they return to the club and Barcelona prepare to face Real Betis.
Lewandowski likely to start
As SPORT has reported, almost all the members of the Barcelona attacking line got on the score sheet with their respective national teams during this break. Lewandowski scored two for Poland, Torres scored twice for Spain last night, and Joao Felix, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha scored one goal for their teams.
Among these players, Lewandowski is almost guaranteed a spot in the forward line, despite him not starting the season in his best form. However, his goals during this break will further strengthen his claim for a continued presence in Barcelona starting eleven.
Competition for the wings
The rest of the forward spots will be more tightly contested. Lamine Yamal will be coming back to Barcelona after a historic week with Spain, in which he became the youngest player to debut and the youngest player to score with the senior national team. He has also been preferred by Xavi for the right wing since Dembele’s departure.
Yamal’s main competitor for the right-wing starting position will be Raphinha, who also had an eventful outing with Brazil against Bolivia, in which he scored a goal and gave an assist. However, fatigue will be a problem for him as he has had to travel more than his teammates.
Another player who can be considered for this position is Ferran Torres, who is in blazing form right now, having scored seven goals in his last eight games. He can play in any of the three forward positions.
The fate of the left wing is also not clear. With Gundogan’s injury, Gavi is expected to move to the German’s position, leaving a spot empty on the left wing. Joao Felix, who scored a great goal from this position with Portugal, can fill this, while Torres can also start in this position.
