FC Barcelona has had an incredible transfer window. In spite of their financial shortcomings, the Barcelona board has managed to sign some excellent players. Barcelona has managed to pull off some great transfers. Firstly they brought in 2 free agents in Kessie and Christensen then went after their statement signing Raphinha from Leeds.
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“FC Barcelona is Back” were the first words of Lewandowski in his first media interaction after he was confirmed as the latest Barcelona recruit and the latest piece in the puzzle named “Complete Rebuild of Barcelona Squad”.
Barcelona started their Pre Season Preparations on a high note. They marked a resounding 6-0 victory over David Beckham’s owned Inter Miami side led by stars like Higuain. As expected, many of Barca’s new faces were included in the starting line-up for the first time. All of them played well showing better intensity and link-up play. Out of the new players –Raphinha ended the match on a high note with two assists & goal to his name.
The Attacking Trio
Following the arrival of Raphinha & Lewandowski and the renewal of Dembele, there is excitement in Camp Nou faithful. It seems like Dembele has regained his fitness and form and is in great touch, scoring Barca’s sixth goal in the first pre-season game. Another player who is keen to perform for a lengthy injury-led last season is Ansu Fati. Xavi is now no short of attacking options. Not forget Barcelona still has last season’s front 3 in their ranks too, Ferran Torres- Memphis Depay, and Aubameyang.
Barca Tactical Set up
Barca has covered all the attacking options this season be it LW or Striker/Central Forward and RW as for 4-3-3 as Xavi’s preferred position.
Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati can fill in the gap for this Left wing (LW) position. Whereas Lewandowski and Depay, and Aubameyang for Striker or Central Forward position(No.9 role). For that Rightwing (RW) it’s a decision-making time for Xavi whether to opt for Dembele or Raphinha. Both are naturally suited for this position. Both are equally capable of holding their width or cutting inside from that right-hand side with their rapid burst of pace. As the pre-season has just started. All 7 attackers will be given game-time to prepare for the season, and depending on form and fitness, Xavi will have to make a decision.
Attacking Trio Combinations
With the signings of Rpahinha and Lewandoski, Barcelona has got 7 quality attackers in their ranks and they can play with them and make out various combinations.
A) Fati – Aubamanyeng- Dembele
This combination will give Xavi his ideal balance in the front 3. Fati can cut inside from the left-hand side to support the center forward leaving out the space for Jordi Alba to exploit and put in pin-out crosses. Dembele from the right-hand side can hold his width making the field of play wider. This might lead to the RCB of opponents to drag out from their defensive setup leaving out spaces to be exploited. While Aubamanyeng can be the center point (the focal point of attack) being a poacher.
B) Ferran Torres – Aubaamanyeng- Dembele
This was Barcelona’s preferred attacking trio for last season. This trio carried Barcelona through the second half of the season. The combined can be managed to score 16 goals and 18 assists making them one of the deadliest attacks for the last season.
C) Memphis Depay- Robert Lewandoski- Raphinha
This trio also might be an option for Xavi as he loves the particular characteristics of his 3 attackers. He demands his left winger to cut inside and support the no.9 leaving space for his left back Jordi Alba to exploit. Memphis Depay can surely fit into this role perfectly.
Xavi wants his Right Winger to play a dual role. Firstly he wants him to stay wide and hold his line resulting in position defenders losing their shape and defensive line. Secondly, at times Xavi demands a dual his RW to cut inside leaving space for the right back ( Seregno Dest) to overlap and providing another dimension to his attack. Raphinha is perfectly suited for this role as he did the same on many occasions at Leeds United( his former club). Now coming to his center forward Xavi wants him to be a clinical finisher and who else can that be other than “Lewangoaski”( famously said by his former teammate Thomas Muller)
There can be many combinations like this we might see different ones being used throughout the season. But the question remains Which attacking Trio will be the Preferred one ( The First Choice one)?
Our Pick : Dembele – Lewandowski – Raphinha
Our Preferred Attacking Trio pick would be Dembele – Lewandowski – Raphinha. This trio has the much-needed explosive pace on the wings for a perfect counter-attacking football that lacked during last season. Both the wingers have excellent magical dribbling skills to exploit any defense and turn around the game. The crucial part of the attack – clinical finishing which Barca missed out on last season, will be taken up by the Polish international record goal scorer who can be the final piece in the missing jigsaw.
Write down to the comments section – who’s your preferred attacking trio for this season at FC Barcelona.
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