As Xavi and the players are heading back home, we can expect a more mature and more balanced Barcelona this season.
With very young players, other at their prime and a group of veterans who still have an important role in the group despite the club trying to lower the squad’s age in recent years.
For a few years people criticized the club for extending their cycle and not renewing the team. But last season the youth players in La Masia weren’t the solution. Young players are great but they can’t do it alone.
There was a space for players who are at their prime. They can perform from day one. And Barca signed them now. Christensen, 26, Kessie, 25, Raphinha, also 25. The squad age in 2021-22 was 25.3, and now it is 25.72.
The squad age might rise little more with the possible arrivals of Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso. The middle, between the veterans like Pique, Busquets, Alba, and youngsters like Pedri, Gavi, Nico and Ansu Fati.
Still, the average age of Barcelona this season is under 26. It’s only the second time that it’s happening since 2011-12.
The bottom line is that the squad currently looks a lot more balanced as we approach the new season. Xavi got all the players that he wanted, and it will be interesting to see what he can get from them. Exciting times in Barcelona for sure.
