For Barcelona fans, this was easily one of the worst transfer windows after probably Luis Figo’s infamous move to Real Madrid. The incompetent Barcelona board made mistake after mistake as they let Neymar go and missed out on several of their transfer targets. One silver lining in the window was the signing of Ousmane Dembele from Borussia Dortmund. The fee Barcelona paid for him was inflated but the young Frenchman has the potential to fill Neymar’s big boots. He is expected to directly replace the departed Brazilian in the left sided attacking role.
Although the 4-2-3-1 also is an option for Valverde, he ll most probably stick with the 4-3-3 due to the lack of a quality winger. Messi will continue to play in a right sided role dropping frequently into midfield to orchestrate play. Another new signing, Nelson Semedo is expected to solve Barcelona’s RB problems ever since Dani Alves left.
But Barcelona’s biggest problem area is in the center of the pitch where they needed reinforcements in the summer but signed only Paulinho. It remains to be seen where the Brazilian exactly fits in. As a defensive midfielder, he can’t offer the same qualities as Sergio Busquets and he is not good enough going forward to replace either the aging Iniesta or the out of form Rakitic. He can partner Busquets in a 4-2-3-1 formation which Valverde might turn to in the big games. Both Messi and Iniesta are yet to sign new contracts and the atmosphere around the club is already dismal. Ernesto Valverde has a tough job trying to revamp this side but with a high flying Real Madrid, it might be just impossible for Barcelona to win anything this season.
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