Top 5 replacements for Lionel Messi at Barcelona

Lionel Messi - A King who has held sway in the world of football, breaking every record, winning every trophy within the realms of possibility and craving to add the ultimate prize to his bag in the summer of 2014. Having been considered the best of the current generation, the Argentine might as well become the best the game has ever seen.However, as the saying goes Everyone becomes a story that cannot be told anymore. And it is no different even with the legends of the sport. Can anyone possibly replace him, isnt it impossible?Well, to muster a handful of prodigies who can do so is just as hard a task. Here are the 5 privileged youngsters, who could be the potential replacements.

#5 Gerard Deulofeu

Hailing from Catalonia, Deulofeu is one of the most exciting prospects in Europe today. Owing to his blistering pace and exquisite dribbling skills, the 20-year-old shares a great deal of similarities to Lionel Messi. He is also known to have an eye-for-goal and has portrayed no.9 abilities on numerous occasions.

If there is anything he lacks, then it is the need to acculturate to the Tiki-Taka passing which makes him a brilliant addition to the Catalan giants.

After a string of impressive performances at Everton (where he is on loan this season), the Blaugranas have reportedly decided to bring him back next season for first-team action. Under the guidance of the man himself, it would only be a matter of time before Deulofeu blooms to become the heir of Lionel Messis throne.

#4 Angel Correa

The highly-talented prodigy hailing from Buenos Aires is not a prominent name in the world of football but has already drawn comparisons to fellow countrymen Lionel Messi & Sergio Aguero. Recently completed a transfer to Atletico Madrid from Argentinian side San Lorenzo, the 19-year-old is an excellent play-maker possessing quick feet, has sublime dribbling abilities and could be a nightmare for the defenders to deal with.

#3 Alen Halilovic

The youngest player ever to don the Croatian jersey and the youngest scorer ever in the Croatian League - both records were broken recently by this lad. Akin to Messi, Halilovic is a left-footed forward who excels anywhere up front but typically on the right or as a centre forward. The 17-year-old playing for Dinamo Zagreb is dubbed as the Next Modric and could prove to be a real bargain for the Blaugranas owing to his extraordinary technical finishing and play-making abilities.In the event that the deal goes through, (despite the ban) the Croatian will spend the first season in Barcelona's B team which would help him attune to the traditional Tiki-Taka. However, being an excellent passer himself, adapting wouldnt be an impediment to a flourishing career at the Camp Nou. The stage is set to show that hes got it all to be thrust into limelight and do the impossible of replacing the worlds best.

#2 Mario Gotze

Alright folks, sit back and relax. I have tipped Mario Gotze to replace Lionel Messi and yes, a candidate based on wishful thinking. Well, why not? I'm sure it wouldn't be a bigger surprise than his move from Borussia Dortmund. The German Superstar needs no introduction and probably is the hottest property in Europe today. Possessing high speed, excellent technique and dribbling skills; Mario is capable of playing on both flanks or as a forward and is considered to be one of the best German talents in the current lot.

In the earlier days, Gotze was dubbed as the “German Messi” and remained a favorite of Pep Guardiola who was desirous to join hands with him at the Camp Nou. However, the alliance at the Allianz Arena has worked wonders for Bayern and a move away is not on the cards. But Mario remains an inevitable candidate to succeed the 4-time Ballon D’or winner as the best in the business.

#1 Neymar Jr

The Brazilian wonderkid is potentially the best surrogate for the reigning superstar, Lionel Messi. The blistering acceleration and the sublime technical dribbling skills that the Samba boy possesses have drawn comparisons to South American greats like Ronaldinho, Pele and Messi himself.

However, Neymar has provoked questions regarding his potential owing to a jittery start at the Camp Nou but the Catalans must sing his praises for having risen to the occasion in games of utmost importance (the El Clasico, Supercopa and Champions League come to mind).

He edges every potential candidate out of the list for one simple reason, he is already in FC Barcelona. This only implies that the shackles (Messi-Neymar) would become stronger over the years and the Brazilian could go on to become an indispensable force for the Blaugranas.Without an iota of doubt, the current state of affairs is tailor-made for the Brazilian to replace his national rival, not only at the Camp Nou, but possibly at the Ballon Dor Gala.