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It’s fair to say that these days are very happy for us Barcelona fans. The last weeked was filled with news: First Dembele renewed, and Raphinha signed. Then, came the biggest news of the summer: Barcelona officially signed Robert Lewandowski.
Despite his age, the Pole striker didn’t lose any of his sharpness. Therefore, he’ll give Barca some real presence in the penalty box.
Lewandowski and Raphinha aren’t likely to have sign to then play second fiddle. Furthermore, Dembele was already a starter under Xavi. An assumption that the trio would be Xavi’s front three of choice probably isn’t too wide of the mark.
The potential ‘losers’ of this situation might be Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ferran Torres. Both of them joined the team only few months ago, in the January transfer window.
The latter still has a lot to prove and some time out of the firing line may be of long-term benefit. However, it was mentioned more than once last season that through the middle would likely be Ferran’s preferred position.
He simply isn’t going to play there for a while with the two strikers ahead of him.
As for Auba, the striker earned a fresh start in Barcelona, and he did very well.
What about Ansu?
We are still not factoring in when and where Xavi sees Ansu Fati – Barca’s golden boy – playing- on the wing or as a striker. Same goes for Memphis Depay, that we still don’t know if he’ll be at the Camp Nou by the start of the 2022/23 campaign.
Martin Braithwaite might just as well pack his bags and move on now. Only an unprecedented injury crisis is likely to see the Dane get another first team game under his belt. According to recent reports, both Brentford and Real Sociedad want him. Reports also mentioned Valencia. But his salary would be the biggest obsticle there.
Bottom line
Only few months ago, Barcelona had to start a game with Barcelona B level players. Now, the squad seems to be packed with great options at the front. It’s going to be a long season, with a World Cup in the middle of it. It will be important for Xavi to rotate the squad properly. All players should remain fresh and part of the rotation.
It’s a major task for the young coach. Hopefully he’ll be able to divide the minutes in a smart way.
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