Barcelona will be looking to build on the back of their impressive La Liga title win. Although they were unable to achieve an unbeaten record, they certainly romped their way to the title. Both Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid failed to give Ernesto Valverde’s men any sort of competition which made it quite easy for the Spanish club.
Lionel Messi topped the goalscoring charts once again with 34 goals in just 36 appearances. He is also the leading assist-provider along with Pablo Fornals of Villareal, both providing 12 each.
It has certainly proven to be a memorable and joyous campaign for the Catalans, except for the fact that one of their beloved players has now left the club.
Andres Iniesta was a Barcelona youth graduate who came through every rank to build his reputation among the best central midfielders in the world. The style and class of Don Andres will always be cherished by Barcelona, with the midfielder leading them to numerous titles during his time.
Alongside Xavi Hernandez, Iniesta was part of a terrifying midfield duo that tormented players with their slick touches and exquisite passes. The Barcelona midfielder represented the club 442 times, scoring 35 goals in the process and assisting a further 71 goals.
The veteran midfielder will now play for Japanese giants Vissel Kobe in the J-League. He will surely be missed, but football is football, and Barcelona need to find a replacement as soon as possible. In Tottenham Hotspur’s Christian Eriksen, they might find the answer.
Barcelona have been linked with the Spurs star in the wake of Andres Iniesta’s departure. The Dane is on the back of his most fruitful campaign with Spurs, scoring 10 goals in the league and laying on a further 10 assists. Eriksen is only 26 years of age, making him ideal to replace the Spanish wizard.
One could say that he has a little bit of Iniesta in himself, with his defence-splitting passes and his ability to hold the ball under pressure. Barcelona could move for Eriksen, despite the fact that the Tottenham star often operates in a relatively advanced role. Here we take a look at two formations Eriksen could be slotted into:
Barcelona midfield with Eriksen in the team
Manager: Ernesto Valverde
Formation: 4-3-3
Ivan Rakitic (CM)
The Croatian midfielder is gradually starting to run things in the middle of the park for Barcelona. He has been an integral member to this title-winning side and has displayed true potential throughout the campaign. He will now take the reigns from Andres Iniesta and aim to nail down his spot in the squad.
Sergio Busquets (CDM)
The Spanish midfielder is a towering presence and is often instrumental in Barcelona’s performances. Known to be a rather underrated and under-appreciated player, Sergio Busquets is the heart of the Tiki-Taka system. He has been a faithful servant to the Catalan club and can certainly go another year before bowing out.
Christian Eriksen (CM)
Playing a deep-lying role may be a little new to the Dane but it’s nothing he isn’t capable of. With the likes of Luis Suarez, Leo Messi and Philipe Coutinho to feed to, the Danish midfielder should have a great time.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Sergio Busquets (CDM)
This formation would see Busquets relieved of some pressure with a defensive partner alongside.
Ivan Rakitic (CDM)
The Croatian midfielder would partner Busquets. Playing a deep-lying role is nothing new to the central midfielder.
Phillipe Coutinho (LW)
Coutinho was known for his ability to cut down the left-wing and produce thunderous shots at the goal. He will be looking to produce more of the same in a similar role at the club.
Christian Eriksen (CAM)
The Dane is a specialist when it comes to picking the perfect pass and he enjoys playing in this position. His passes will surely give Luis Suarez enough opportunities to slot the ball in the back of the net.
Lionel Messi (RW)
King Messi has once again been in scintillating form for the Catalans. The Argentine winger is just unstoppable at the moment and he will be aiming for another successful season with his boyhood club.
