With Messi’s departure from Barca looking more imminent by the second, here’s a list of Barca players who should be made second choice or showed the exit door for any chance for Barcelona to rebuild the club:
1. Samuel Umititi (Sold): Once France’s preferred centreback, Big asam hasn’t looked the same ever since his injury issues began to haunt him. Multiple attempts at comebacks have failed, partly because of his own rustiness in crucial games, and partly because of the consistent performances of Clement Lenglet. The French mates occupy the same position, have the same preferred foot, and Lenglet has been, if not great, moderately reliable for the blaugrana.
2. Jordi Alba (Benched): Once considered one of the best in the business, Jordi Alba has lost his prime for a while now. Apart from his pace in attack and chemistry with Messi, he offers very little in terms of defence. It’s time for Barca to invest in a promising LB and slowly ease Alba’s transition to the bench.
3. Junior Firpo (Sold): The man who earned fame courtesy his famous goal against Barca has constantly underperformed since he was bought from Real Betis. It takes merely a few matches to see that he is not fit for Barca’s style. Even after being reunited with his former manager, Setien, he failed to live up to standards.
4. Sergio Busquets (Benched): The Octopus of Badia has had a stellar career for Barca, but his age is catching up with him, and it’s time for him to pave the way for Frenkie De Jong to fill his boots.
5. Ivan Rakitic (Sold): If scoring in a Champions League final win and taking Croatia to a World Cup final are any yardsticks for success, Ivan Rakitic “The Rocket” has earned his share of it. Bought in to replace the incredible Xavi, he showed prowess in his first season at Barca after being Sevilla’s star man the previous season. Ever since, his performance has seen gradual decline, eventually giving him the title of “back-pass merchant”. Either he has lost his way at Barca, or his career is hitting a natural decline. Either way, he shouldn’t be in Koeman’s plans if Barca is to succeed.
6. Arturo Vidal (Sold): King Arturo has given Barca incredible performances, including that thumping header against Real Madrid, but there’s a very specific risk with keeping Vidal. While as a substitute he’s a fairly good player with impact, the Chilean isn’t a great fit for Barca’s playing philosophy. With a history of selling/not retaining great players whose playing styles weren’t consistent with their principles, Barcelona needs to rebuild a consistently coherent team again. Vidal is a decent add-on, but not a necessary one, especially for someone being paid more than Jordi Alba, Ter Stegen, and Clement Lenglet in wages. Moreover, there are teams like Inter Milan where he can be more valuable with his physical style of play.
7. Philippe Coutinho (Benched): The Brazilian returns to Barca a treble winner and an avenger, scoring two goals against his parent club in that 8–2 humiliation. Many argue that he always came off the bench for Bayern and couldn’t even convince them to buy him, hence should be sold as soon as possible. However, the two positions he occupies (LCM and LW) are currently dependent on youngsters Puig and Fati, and often-injured Ousmane Dembele. If any of them falter, Coutinho can occupy that space and hopefully make it his own under the leadership of Koeman, who considers the Brazilian in his plans.
With Barca looking for a complete overhaul, it will take some time for them to retrieve their former glory, but it’ll probably be a long-lasting one.
Creative Writer at HeadKick.co
About the Creator
Mastering the mind games of Mourinho..
In the bustling streets of London, amidst the roar of fans and the clash of football boots, there existed a man whose tactics transcended the pitch. José Mourinho, the mastermind behind many a football triumph, possessed a unique ability to wield not just the tactics board but also the minds of his players.Cesc Fàbregas, a gifted midfielder, found himself under Mourinho's spell during their time together at Chelsea. As he reflected on those days, he revealed the intricate web of influence Mourinho spun around him."I think with Mourinho, he played with my mind in a different way that nobody else played before," Fàbregas recounted, his voice tinged with both admiration and a hint of bewilderment.Their relationship was not merely coach and player; it was a complex dance of manipulation and inspiration. Mourinho, with his charismatic persona and keen understanding of psychology, knew exactly how to push Fàbregas to new heights."He would send me messages, he would speak to me nearly every day," Fàbregas recalled, painting a picture of relentless communication that kept him perpetually engaged, perpetually focused.Mourinho's words were not just casual chatter; they were strategic maneuvers designed to shape Fàbregas's perception of himself and his role within the team. Each conversation, each message, carried with it the weight of affirmation and importance."He would speak to me in a manner where he makes me see that I'm one of the most important players in the squad," Fàbregas revealed, the memory still vivid in his mind. Mourinho's words weren't empty praise; they were calculated strokes that bolstered Faàbregas's confidence and sense of belonging.And it worked. Under Mourinho's guidance, Fàbregas flourished, his performances on the pitch reflecting the belief instilled in him by his coach. He became a linchpin in the team, a maestro orchestrating plays with precision and finesse."That always had a really powerful message in my brain," Fàbregas admitted, acknowledging the lasting impact of Mourinho's manipulation. The coach's words weren't just fleeting encouragements; they were seeds planted in Fàbregas's mind, blossoming into a steadfast belief in his own abilities.As Fàbregas reminisced about those days, it became clear that Mourinho's influence extended far beyond the tactical realm. He wasn't just a coach; he was a mentor, a confidant, a master of the psychological game.Their time together at Chelsea may have come to an end, but the imprint Mourinho left on Fàbregas's psyche remained indelible. Even now, years later, Fàbregas found himself reflecting on those conversations, those messages, and the profound impact they had on his career.In the world of football, where physical prowess and tactical acumen reign supreme, Mourinho stood out as a master manipulator of the mind. His ability to understand his players on a deeper level, to tap into their emotions and motivations, set him apart as a coach of unparalleled skill.For Fàbregas, Mourinho's influence was a double-edged sword, simultaneously empowering and enigmatic. He had been both puppet and prodigy, a willing participant in Mourinho's intricate game of psychological chess.And yet, despite the complexities of their relationship, Fàbregas couldn't deny the role Mourinho played in shaping him as a player and as a person. The lessons learned, the confidence gained, were invaluable gifts that would stay with him long after the final whistle had blown.As Fàbregas gazed out onto the pitch, the memories of his time under Mourinho flooded back, a testament to the enduring power of the coach's voice. In the world of football, where triumph and defeat hung in the balance, Mourinho's words had been a constant, guiding Fàbregas through the highs and lows of the beautiful game.
By Eric anexis 7 days ago in Cleats
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