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After a convincing start to the season, Barcelona have failed to keep up with the consistency, failing to impress in league games.
The Catalans have suffered to display efficiency in domestic games, whereas they have been on a different level altogether when it comes to playing in the Champions League.
Well, Barcelona's squad finally looks vivacious, as they have got quality players in abundance. Rotating the squad has become easier for the boss, though he still refrains from resting his key players.
Barcelona displayed an undefeated run in the league last term, in the very first year with Ernesto Valverde. There are a handful of players who have improved their game tremendously under their new gaffer Ernesto Valverde, so let's get straight into discussing more about them.
#4 Nelson Semedo
The departure of Dani Alves to Juventus sent shockwaves across the world, as he was one of the most important and successful players for the Catalans. He has been a huge part in Barcelona's success in recent years and shares a very charming relationship with Leo Messi.
As a matter of fact, Dani Alves is the second highest assist-provider to Messi, with Suarez lately surpassing the Brazilian.
Questions were asked on who will be the perfect replacement for Dani. Sergi Roberto looked comfortable playing as a right back but his intent to play as a midfielder was crystal clear.
Personally, for me, Nelson Semedo was the signing of the summer for Barcelona. Barcelona's fullbacks are probably the fastest across Europe, as the likes of Jordi Alba and Semedo are clearly on an elite-level when it comes to sprinting down the wings.
Nelson has shown confidence in his skills, and deservingly so, he has been starting ahead of Sergi Roberto for a few games now.
Valverde, after benching him for almost every game last season, has commenced giving him the starts he deserved. The Spanish boss has shown trust in his new signing, and Nelson has certainly not disappointed.
He is the one for the future, undoubtedly, and the heir to Dani Alves.
#3 Phillipe Coutinho
Words struggle to describe how immensely happy the Cules are to see Coutinho playing for the Blaugrana. His talents are unmatched, and his love for the club is unbelievable.
Phillipe Coutinho was titled as 'The heir to Iniesta', and he has not failed to keep up to the expectations, not at all. From scoring stunning long-range goals to playing breath-taking passes, Coutinho does it all. The Brazilian has bagged four goals and an assist for Barcelona this term.
His exorbitant price tag did not pressurize him to perform well, the way most people expected. Instead, it helped him even better to prove himself to the Camp Nou crowd, and he has certainly won plenty of hearts.
His abilities to create as well as score is only improving under Ernesto Valverde and the Spanish manager has placed faith in his signing by starting him ahead of the likes of Dembele and Munir.
The last season, he looked a bit uncomfortable playing at Iniesta's position, because the defensive duties he had were significant. However, he now plays as a left winger and is a proven destroyer.
His understanding with Messi and Suarez helps him perform even better, and the Brazilian is drastically improving with time.
#2 Marc-Andre Ter Stegen
Marc-Andre 'Wall' Stegen is one of the few nicknames he has got since he commenced playing for the Spanish side.
The consistency he displays is incredible, and unlike most of the goalkeepers, his confidence in playing with his feet gives him a spot above every goalkeeper there is.
Week in week out, he never fails to impress. The German is probably the best at what he does and is the perfect keeper for Barcelona. The possession-based football Barcelona prefer to play would not be possible without a keeper like Marc.
Goalkeepers rush to clear out the ball from play, whereas Ter Stegen takes his time and keeps the ball in possession, clearly demonstrating himself as more of a midfielder than a goalkeeper.
Ernesto has successfully managed to get the best out of MATS, as his side clearly prefers starting attacks from the back.
The German is a gem of a player and the competition Jasper Cillesen provides from the bench only forces Ter Stegen to go one way; forward.
#1 Ivan Rakitic
Rakitic has been a blessing to the Catalans. He is one of the few players who score goals with a certain degree of flair and that makes him one of a kind.
You won't see him waiting for tap-ins, instead, long rangers and volleys are his favorite type. He does not get many chances, but he makes sure he doesn't miss any of the chances he gets.
Rakitic's biggest compliment is when he is taken off the pitch, it is noticeable. He is such a selfless football, does the dirty work, and protects the backline over and over.
But only when things go sideways, he is noticed by the Cules and criticism come in at full speed, but when he does his job perfectly, more times, others are the beneficiary.
Under Ernesto, he has played a key role in protecting the back line and at the same time, starting off attacks by playing wide or through the center.
Extraordinary work rate, perfect positioning, interceptions, tackles, blocks in every minute of the game, and rare but beautiful goals; that sums up everything about Rakitic.
