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#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.
