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FC Barcelona have had a mixed 2020-21 season so far. The Blaugrana struggled to adapt to Lionel Messi's absence and found themselves in muddy waters at the start of the season. Head coach Ronald Koeman was sacked in October 2021 and replaced by former legend Xavi Hernandez.
Since Xavi's appointment, the side have improved leaps and bounds. The side seem to have found their footing once again and operate with a structure they had previously lacked.
Boasting an extremely young and talented core, the Blaugrana have made some serious progress in La Liga over the past couple of months. They now sit fifth in the table, only a point behind UEFA Champions League spots.
While several youngsters have stepped up to the fore, there have been a few players who have underperformed this season. Let's take a look at five players who have underperformed for the Catalan giants this season.
#5. Marc-Andre ter Stegen
Marc-Andre ter Stegen is admittedly a surprise name on the list of underperforming players for Barcelona.
The German goalkeeper has been with the club since 2014 and has been one of their most consistent performers over the years. An excellent shot stopper, Ter Stegen has offered a sense of stability and calmness to the side's backline.
The German has had an underwhelming season so far. He has often made errors, allowing opponents to grab easy goals against the Blaugrana. The German seems to have lost the temperament that he is widely known for.
With the business end of the season fast approaching, the club will need their number one to be in top form as they aim to finish in the top four.
#4. Memphis Depay
Memphis Depay joined the Catalan giants in June 2021 for a reported €25 million. The Dutchman had come off an excellent UEFA Euro 2020 with the Netherlands and was expected to carry his form into La Liga with the Blaugrana.
Depay is an extremely quick and creative player who offers an attacking threat from the wing.
Depay has had a decent season to be fair; in terms of goalscoring output, he still has a reasonable record. His finishing has been criticized of late as the Dutchman often finds himself in goalscoring situations but has lacked the finishing touch.
With eight league goals to his name, Depay will be hoping to add more goals and help the Blaugrana challenge for a top four spot.
#3. Sergino Dest
Sergino Dest was signed in October 2020 for a reported €21 million. The youngster came bearing great promise and got off to an excellent start with the Camp Nou outfit.
Dest displays excellent pace from the right-back position.
The American full-back was a mainstay in Barcelona's defense last year, featuring in 30 league games. He has experienced a dip in form this year and is currently struggling to break into the first-team.
Dest now finds himself fighting for a starting spot with 38-year-old Dani Alves. With the return of the Brazilian, the youngster will need to work even harder to earn his spot back in the starting lineup.
#2. Eric Garcia
Eric Garcia rejoined Barcelona last year on a free transfer. The Spaniard spent three years with English heavyweights Manchester City prior to his return to the Camp Nou. He even rejected a contract extension offer from City to return to Spain.
Garcia is usually a reliable face in the backline. He possesses excellent distribution abilities and has been a key part of Manchester City's defensive success over the past couple of years.
Garcia has looked off the pace so far this season, lacking the composure he is known to have. He has also been sent off twice already, despite just being at the midway point of the season.
Still only 21, there is no doubt Xavi can help groom Garcia to become one of the league's best defenders.
#1. Frenkie de Jong
Frenkie de Jong has arguably been Barcelona's biggest underperformer this season.
Having made his name with Ajax as one of the most promising talents in Europe, he earned a move to the Catalan giants in 2019. Costing a reported €75 million, De Jong came with great potential and was seen as the next big Barcelona midfielder.
De Jong had a brilliant couple of seasons in La Liga initially. The Dutchman is an extremely versatile midfielder with brilliant vision and passing ability. He also displays commendable defensive prowess and has been Barcelona's rock in midfield over the past two seasons.
Despite his excellent start, De Jong's season so far has been underwhelming to say the least. He looks like a shadow of his former self and has failed to offer the stability he generally provides. With the final third of the season in sight, De Jong will have to be at his very best if Barcelona are to challenge for the much sought-after European spots.
