Outside90’s Kieran Sobels casts his eye over Barcelona’s chances of repeating the treble this season.
Summer Transfers
Barcelona might have just become the first club in history to win a second treble last season, but question marks do remain over whether the club is adequately prepared for life under their transfer ban.
Luis Enrique’s squad could be considered ‘thin’, but due credit must be given for signing two players—Aleix Vidal (Sevilla) and Arda Turan (Atletico)—despite the fact that they knew they would not be able to play until January.
Vidal, one of the stars of Sevilla’s victorious Europa League campaign last year, can cover a number of positions on the right flank. Logically, the 25-year-old Catalan has been brought in as a long-term successor to Dani Alves, but his defensive ability is yet to be tested at the highest level.
Arda Turan’s €34 million price tag raised a few eye-brows and while the Turk is proven quality in Spain and Europe, where he fits into Luis Enrique’s plans is yet to be seen. He certainly fits the technical and hard-working player profile that Enrique prefers. Turan will provide much needed competition in midfield and attack—a luxury you can afford when you are the European champions.
Club legend Xavi is the most notable departure and does leave the team short of quality depth in midfield. Martin Montoya was loaned to Inter Milan for two seasons with an option to buy and promising wingers Gerard Deulofeu (Everton) and Adama Traore (Aston Villa) will try their luck in the Premier League. Both are well worth following given the Catalans retained a buy-back option for both players.
Last Season
A 3-1 victory over Juventus in the Champions League Final meant the Catalan giants celebrated an unprecedented second treble in just seven years, returning to football’s pinnacle.
It is easy to forget, however, that Barça were virtually on the edge of catastrophe in January with President Josep Maria Bartomeu and manager Luis Enrique’s futures seriously in doubt.
The turnaround was spectacular, led by their talented attacking trident of Messi, Suarez and Neymar. Barcelona scored 62 goals in the second half of the La Liga season, an all-time record.
The Blaugrana also managed to solve defensive problems that have plagued them in recent years. They finished the 2014-2015 La Liga campaign as the best defensive outfit, conceding only 21 goals and also incredibly only conceded two headers all season, fewer than any other team in Europe’s top five leagues.
The Manager
For a man who achieved such incredible success, Luis Enrique has endured a lot of criticism during his first year as Barcelona manager.
His approach was criticised for betraying the club’s philosophy and Pep Guardiola’s institutionalised possession-based style of play. The players certainly seemed to struggle to adapt to their new boss for a time, but they are now clearly convinced by his project and that is a huge advantage going into a new campaign.
‘Lucho’ impressively solved the majority of his squad’s issues by the end of the season. Barcelona is now a far more balanced team with a sturdy defence; certainly helped by the fact that Enrique has managed to bring back the team’s disciplined pressing game.
That Pep Guardiola himself has claimed that this Barcelona is now the “best counter-attacking team in the world” is testament to the tactical versatility and rapid ball movement Luis Enrique has been able to introduce.
Strengths
‘MSN’. Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar make up perhaps the most devastating attacking trio football has ever seen. Between them they scored 122 goals last season. If they manage to all stay fit, it will certainly take some stopping Barcelona from winning a treble all over again. They are simply that good.
[interaction id=”55d52fd75323c30959eecade”]
Ivan Rakitic has returned to Barcelona in fine pre-season form and having now settled in his new surroundings, the Croat is certainly poised for a big season. Coupled with the return to top form of Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets, the Barça midfield has seemingly recovered its ability to dominate other teams.
Weakness
Depth could certainly prove enough of a weakness to cost Barcelona their league title.
A 0-4 drubbing at the San Mames in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup exposed the difference in quality between Barcelona’s starting eleven and their substitutes. Players like Sergi Roberto, Thomas Vermaelen and Douglas are yet to prove their worth to this team.
Pedro Rodriguez’s imminent departure to England would leave Barça with very little cover in attack. With Aleix Vidal and Arda Turan unable to play until January, an injury to one of the ‘MSN’ trident would leave Luis Enrique dependent on inconsistent Rafinha and unproven youngsters Sandro Ramirez and Munir El-Haddadi.
Best XI
(4-3-3): Bravo; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta; Messi, Suarez, Neymar.
Player to Watch – Luis Suarez
It is easy to forget that the Uruguayan only really turned up for Barcelona in the second half of last season. Despite this he still managed 25 goals in all competitions and another 14 league assists to boot.
Suarez is the complete modern forward, a powerful and clinical finisher who also boasts superb linkup play.
He has proven the perfect companion to Leo Messi and Neymar. Imagine what he can do in a whole season.
Prediction: First
The competition for Spain’s big two looks even stiffer this season, with Valencia, Atletico and Sevilla all recruiting particularly well over the summer.
Real Madrid, however, have not noticeably improved their starting eleven and Rafa Benitez appears a downgrade on Carlo Ancelotti, leaving Barcelona as favourites to defend their title.
Their inconsistency in pre-season belies the fact that Luis Enrique’s players look particularly sharp and far better prepared than last season. If anything, expect an improved Barcelona this season.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
