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Barcelona endured one of their worst seasons in recent memory, both on and off the pitch, despite Lionel Messi’s best efforts. The six-time Ballon d’Or winner played a part in 48% of Barcelona’s La Liga goals in the 2020-21 campaign.
In 47 appearances across all competitions last season, Lionel Messi was directly involved in 50 goals (38 goals, 12 assists). Despite a poor season, Messi and co lifted a record-31st Copa del Rey trophy but will look to stage a better showing this upcoming season.
For the first time in 20 years, Lionel Messi does not have a contract with his boyhood club and still remains a free agent. However, the Argentine is reportedly set to take a 50% pay cut and sign a new contract in the coming weeks.
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After an over-reliance in the attacking third on the Copa America winner last season, the Catalans will be hoping for more from the other world-class talent in their ranks.
On that note, let’s take a look at the five Barcelona players who can ease the burden on Lionel Messi this upcoming season.
#5 Ousmane Dembele
Barcelona’s crippling financial troubles will mean that Ronald Koeman has to depend largely on the club’s current squad for the upcoming season.
In such a scenario, Ousmane Dembele will have an important role to play for Blaugrana in the 2021-22 campaign. The Frenchman arrived at the Camp Nou on a whopping £121.5 million transfer from Borussia Dortmund but is yet to live up to the price tag.
However, the 24-year old has shown glimpses of his world-class talent in his relatively short career for Barcelona. In 118 appearances across all competitions, Dembele has been directly involved in 51 goals (30 goals, 21 assists).
The Frenchman fared decently in his last season at Camp Nou, with a return of 11 goals and five assists from 44 appearances. Barcelona are light in the wingers/wide players department and Dembele will afford more width and creative flair to Lionel Messi, Aguero and Depay.
#4 Ansu Fati
The La Masia graduate has been dubbed the heir to Barcelona great, Lionel Messi, since his breakout season in the 2019-20 campaign.
Ansu Fati is one of the most exciting prospects on the continent and has racked up 43 appearances for Barcelona in his relatively short career. The 18-year old showcased immense talent and has the pedigree to become the next big thing in world football.
Fati was exceptional in his breakthrough season at the club, registering an output of eight goals and a solitary assist from 33 appearances. The young Spaniard was off to a flying start in the 2020-21 campaign, with five goals and four assists to his name in just 10 appearances. However, his season was cut short with a horrific meniscus injury.
The wunderkind is yet to make his return from injury but is expected to feature in the upcoming 2021-22 season. If Ansu Fati can return to full fitness, we can witness a prosperous master-protegee relationship between Lionel Messi and the youngster.
#3 Frenkie De Jong
Frenkie De Jong became Barcelona’s second-most expensive transfer of all time when he made the move from Ajax, with a massive reputation behind him.
Despite an underwhelming start to life at Camp Nou, the Dutch international is undoubtedly a generational talent. With wide passing range and dribbling skills at his disposal, De Jong can control and dictate play from the middle of the park.
At just 24, De Jong will only get better with experience, and the Barcelona faithful will be hoping to witness him emerge as a truly world-class footballer this upcoming season.
The Dutchman has taken some time to settle down in a new environment and adapt to the new styles of football, but is now one of the first names on the team sheet. In the 2020-21 season, De Jong registered 51 appearances for the Blaugrana and will look to improve on his performances.
#2 Memphis Depay
Memphis Depay was one of Barcelona’s primary targets heading into the 2021 summer transfer window, and Ronald Koeman managed to snap up his main man on a free transfer.
The former Manchester United man rediscovered some of his best form in Ligue 1, where he emerged as one of Europe’s most lethal strikers. Plying his trade for Olympique Lyon, Depay tallied 76 goals and 56 assists in 178 appearances.
The Dutch international played a pivotal role in Lyon’s historic 2019-20 Champions League campaign, where he scored six goals in eight appearances to guide Les Gones to their first-ever semi-finals appearance.
The Barcelona faithful will have huge expectations from Memphis Depay to add creative flair and finishing touch, which will allow Lionel Messi more freedom in the final third.
#1 Sergio Aguero
The Manchester City legend will embark on a new challenge after 10 glorious years at the Etihad as he joins forces with his Argentine compatriot, Lionel Messi, at Camp Nou.
However, this will not be Sergio Aguero’s first time in Spanish football, as he donned the colors of Atletico Madrid for a five-year spell between 2006 and 2011. A lot has changed since, as the now-33-year old Aguero is one of modern football’s greatest goalscorers.
A proven goalscorer like Kun Aguero will relieve Lionel Messi of goalscoring duties to a large extent and also possesses skill with the ball at his feet to create chances for the likes of Depay, Dembele and Messi. His experience and presence in the Barcelona squad will certainly benefit Barcelona in the upcoming season.
After registering a staggering tally of 260 goals in 390 appearances for Manchester City, Sergio Aguero will look to enhance his legend at Barcelona.
