4 play-makers Barcelona should target ahead of next season

When we consider the statistics on paper, the 2017-18 season appears to be quite successful after La Blaugrana lifted La Liga and the Copa Del Rey titles. A domestic double after the departure of a world-class player like Neymar is worth appreciating, especially after knowing how his replacement Ousmane Dembele failed to have an impact due to constant injuries.

Anyone with a fine eye for detail would know that the squad quality over the years has been degrading, though. Add to this the fact that a lack of squad depth saw them crash out of the UEFA Champions League last season.

Barcelona's midfield has been the lynchpin behind their attractive style of play, however, with a number of their players under-performing in the midfield area, it's high time for the Catalans to have a major overhaul in the midfield.

Here are 4 playmakers that can help the Blaugrana regain their aura of invincibility and fight off Real Madrid's domination in Europe.

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#4 Luis Alberto (Lazio)

Luis Alberto has resuscitated his career at Lazio.

Luis Alberto's nightmarish Liverpool days seem ages ago; the Spaniard left the English club after an unsuccessful spell to resuscitate his career at Lazio in 2016 and it's safe to say he hasn't disappointed.

Functioning as a number ten for the Biancocelesti, he has registered 19 assists and 12 goals in all competitions.

Also, he has created 89 chances in Europe this season, proving that he has the required vision for setting up goals. The Spaniard has managed to make 2.3 key passes per game and is also an efficient distributor of long balls, making 2.6 long passes per game. He is also an able crosser, having made 1.8 crosses per game.

Luis Alberto's signing would definitely be an upgrade over Andre Gomes, who has failed to impress for Barcelona.

The Catalan club was rumoured to be considering a move for their ex-Barcelona B player. Looking at his performances, it's safe to say he is ready enough to handle the pressure of playing for an elite club.

#3 Christian Eriksen (Tottenham)

Christian Eriksen has gained mastery in creating chances

Perhaps the fact that he doesn't play for European giants is why Christian Eriksen isn't held in high regards by many in the football world, but at the peak of his powers, the Dane can dismantle any defence with his clever passing and ability to create chances for his teammates.

At Barcelona, Eriksen could be the perfect replacement, more importantly an upgrade for Portuguese midfielder Gomes. The Dane is a complete midfield powerhouse, who comes with a bundle of abilities. He is a deft crosser, well-adept with through passes and is also a set-piece threat.

It's his keen eye for creating chances that makes him a must-have player in any team. Eriksen created 88 chances for Tottenham this season - imagine him and Lionel Messi in the same team. With Eriksen handling the play-making duties, the Argentinian would be even more ruthless in front of goal.

Also, the 26-year-old's versatility in the center of the park could add to the squad depth at Nou Camp. He is capable of functioning as a central and an attacking midfielder according to requirements.

Barcelona are reportedly targeting Christian Eriksen as an alternative to Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann.

#2 Benjamin Bourigeaud (Rennes)

Benjamin Bourigeaud has impressed at Rennes this season

It is astonishing how Benjamin Bourigeaud hasn't yet attracted the European heavyweights following his impressive season for Rennes in the French Ligue 1. He scored 12 goals and set up 7 others in all competitions for the French outfit.

Functioning as a right midfielder, the Frenchman has averaged 2.6 key passes per game and 2.3 long balls per game. Also, he is well-adept in crossing the ball, averaging 2.4 crosses per game.

Bourigeaud has created 93 chances in Europe this season, finishing as the fifth-highest chance creator in the continent. Should Barcelona sign him, he would also boost the squad depth, given his versatility in different positions.

There appears to be no competition for the 24-year-old, which is why Barcelona should lay their hands on the midfielder as soon as possible.

#1 Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich)

Barcelona are pining for Thiago Alcantara's return

The one that got away - Barcelona seemed to have realized the error in their ways. The Catalan club is rumoured to be getting increasingly desperate to land former star Thiago Alcantara to stabilize a degrading midfield.

Coveting Thiago makes sense, considering his roots that stretch to La Masia and his quintessential style of play that focuses on passing the ball. He is one of the best passers in the world at the moment, averaging 88.4% accuracy in passing per game.

The Spanish playmaker is viewed as the heir apparent to Andres Iniesta's position at the club. He excels at providing long balls, making 5.2 successful long passes per game. He is also an exquisite tackler averaging 2.4 tackles per game. His versatility in the center of the park could help Ernesto Valverde in maintaining a smooth rotational policy.

The Catalans have been in hot pursuit of their former youngster and signing him will no doubt be a coop and a much-required upgrade in the midfield.