Despite early signs of a crisis during the previous campaign, LaLiga giants, FC Barcelona managed to overturn the odds and achieve a successful season. The Catalans were one of the most dominant sides in Europe last term and special thanks go to one man – Lionel Messi, who was at the heart of everything in the Catalan capital. The playmaker was quite unstoppable during the campaign, tearing opposition defenses apart and leading La Blaugrana from victory to victory. He bagged an incredible 44 goals and 18 assists in all competitions as well as helping the Catalans to claim both the LaLiga title and the Copa Del Rey trophy. Lionel Messi was indispensable in Barcelona’s squad last season, carrying the burden of the team on his shoulder and handling it perfectly.
He contributed heavily in scoring goals, producing assists, creating chances as well dropping deep in midfield to orchestrate team play. His influence was so large that Barcelona was a different team without him. During the latter stages of the season, it appeared evident that the Argentine was overworked. He lost sharpness and couldn’t inspire the team in the UEFA Champions League, which eventually cost Barcelona as they were sent packing from the tournament in the quarterfinals. In a bid to reduce to burden on the playmaker, Barcelona has made some incredible signings this summer, with the likes of Arthur Melo, Malcolm and Arturo Vidal joining the club while other recent acquisitions are settling down perfectly. Therefore, let us take a look at 5 superstars that will reduce the workload on the playmaker this season:
#5. Malcolm
Barcelona acted very fast in their approach to sign Malcolm from Bordeaux this summer, with the Brazilian appearing set for a move towards the Italian side, Roma, initially. In the end, he completed a £36.5 million move to the Nou Camp instead, where he has represented the Catalans in a couple of games. Only a few matches in the preseason and the attacker has already shown us what he is capable of. Malcolm is a highly talented winger, able to beat opposition defenders with his sheer pace and incredible dribbling skills.
#4. Arthur Melo
It took few years but it seems Barcelona have now found the perfect replacement for their departed legend, Xavi Hernandez, with their capture of Brazilian midfield maestro, Arthur Melo this summer.
After agreeing on a deal with Gremio over the purchase of the youngster last season, the Catalans have finally executed his transfer this summer.
#3. Arturo Vidal
Former Juventus and Bayern Munich superstar, Arturo Vidal is one of the fantastic players that switched to Camp Nou this summer. The midfielder was signed as a replacement for Paulinho Bezerra, who returned to the Chinese Super League recently.
Vidal’s success under Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich is proof that the midfielder will adapt to Barcelona’s possession-based and pro-attacking system.
#2. Ousmane Dembele
Following a difficult campaign last season amidst injury crisis, former Borussia Dortmund winger, Ousmane Dembele is now ready to prove himself at Barcelona.
The attacker was part of the French squad that won the FIFA World Cup in Russia and he has returned to the Catalan capital in good shape and with great confidence.
A pacy winger with incredible dribbling skills, Dembele will play a huge role in Barcelona’s progress this season.
#1. Philippe Coutinho
Philippe Coutinho joined Barcelona from Liverpool in January but he could not represent the Catalans in the UEFA Champions League, having represented the Reds earlier in the tournament.
Despite that, the Brazilian still managed to bag an incredible 10 goals and 6 assists to help the Catalans claim both the La Liga title and the Copa Del Rey trophy.
In his first full season at the Nou Camp, there is no doubt Coutinho will have a huge impact. The midfielder will control Barcelona’s midfield, holding possession, dictating play and distributing decent passes – which will also reduce Lionel Messi’s involvement in building up plays.