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FC Barcelona are enjoying an eventful run in the 2018-19 season as Ernesto Valverde’s side are at the top of the league table with 51 points. Barcelona has once again shown why they are considered one of the best clubs in LaLiga by producing some sparkling performances.
The Catalans will be eager to finish the season on a high by winning the title and at the moment Valverde's side are looking like a strong contender. Madrid are in second place in the table with 45 points and as the season goes ahead it could be a fascinating contest among the finest clubs of European football.
Ernesto Valverde has made some very interesting changes in the team’s formations depending upon the opponents, which has benefitted his side. The players too have responded in a positive manner by playing to their capabilities.
The players have also enjoyed Valverde’s confidence and have looked at ease under his guidance. Ernesto Valverde and team management have allowed the players to play freely.
Barcelona has looked convincing in every department but the most important aspect would be consistency. Valverde has expressed confidence about the Catalans chances in the upcoming Champions League match against Lyon.
Ernesto Valverde has also expressed satisfaction on the performances of some of the younger players. Their current form can surely act as a morale booster ahead of the upcoming Champions League games. Barcelona need to keep up the good work so as to be on par with the other teams. The team needs to be resolute in their approach during challenging situations.
Altogether, Barcelona have some very exceptional talents in their camp who have played an important role in the team’ success in the ongoing season. We take a look at 5 such players who impressed the most this LaLiga season.
#1 Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi has been the core of Barcelona’s forward line. The Argentine has formed a deadly combo with Luis Suarez and the duo has outperformed the best opponents with their aggressive runs.
Many thought that maybe after the departure of Neymar, the balance of their forward line might get affected, but the 31-year-old has teamed up quite well with Suarez in the forward line while his coordination with the midfield has been sharp as ever.
Lionel Messi has scored 21 goals in 21 games this LaLiga season with 12 assists to his name. Messi has deceived the opposition’s defense with his accelerating runs and creative dribbles.
The Argentine holds a commanding position in Barcelona’s forward line who has decided the outcome of a game with his individual brilliance. Lionel Messi has scored 6 goals in 4 Champions League games this season and will be hoping to continue with his form.
Messi's form will surely be a big factor for the Catalans in the season going ahead. The striker has had a huge impact on the team's success over the years and Barcelona fans at Camp Nou will be hoping the charismatic forward takes the team over the line.
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#2 Luis Suarez
The Uruguayan has dominated the opposition's defense with his aggressive style of play. Lionel Messi should consider himself lucky as he has an able partner in the form of Luis Suarez in the forward line who he can bank upon for support during critical situations of a game.
Together the duo has outlasted the best defenses with their attacking runs. Luis Suarez has been a revelation for the Catalans since his arrival at Camp Nou, as the 32-year-old has threatened every opposition with his electrifying pace and brilliant counter-attacks.
The striker has operated quite well on the flanks too. Though Luis Suarez had slowed down a bit mid-season because of fitness issues, it looks as if he has recaptured his rhythm. His intensity on the field tends to lift the morale of his teammates.
Luis Suarez has scored 15 goals in 22 games in the current La Liga season with 5 assists to his name. Luis Suarez has been a key figure in Barcelona’s line up in the ongoing La Liga season. The striker will surely be a crucial factor for the Catalans in their Champions League encounters.
#3 Ousmane Dembele
The Frenchman has been the pillar of the Barcelona forward line since his arrival at Camp Nou and has kept on improving with every passing game. His ability to play both offensively and defensively has been a boon for Barcelona.
The 21-year-old can also double up as an attacking midfielder which is one of his biggest strengths. Dembele also offers Barcelona options in the midfield. Like Luis Suarez, Dembele has been quite influential at the flanks as the striker has shown tremendous resistance when it comes to his ability to hold the possession for a long time.
Dembele has been exceptional during set pieces and winning aerial duels. He has this knack of creating chances with his unorthodox moves through which he tends to outfox the best defenses. The striker has also registered 8 goals in 20 La Liga games this season.
Dembele has linked up well with midfielders like Sergio Busquets, Arturo Vidal, and Ivan Rakitic. He has also scored 2 goals in 4 Champions League games this season.
#4 Jordi Alba
Jordi Alba has been an instrumental figure in Barcelona's defense and has looked solid with his solid tackles. Jordi Alba has also been a smart operator at the flanks and has looked quite sharp during set pieces too.
The Spaniard can also be used as an attacking option because of his ability to create the space in the opposition's territory with his precise passes. The 29-year-old has also worked well with the midfield and can counter the best attacks with his intelligent interceptions.
The former Valencia player has held a commanding position in the defensive set up and has played a vital role during pressure situations. Alba has been a busy player on the field manning Barcelona's defense with authority.
Alba has got this unique ability to keep the ball in possession with his skillful moves. Alba's role will be crucial in Barcelona's upcoming Champions League encounters especially against teams who are quick on counter attacks.
#5 Gerard Pique
The Spaniard has been like a rock of Barcelona’s defense who has stood firm for the Catalans during crucial situations. The 31-year-old has manned Barcelona’s with his resolute approach since the last ten and a half seasons.
Though in the ongoing season the defender had some issues relating to his form, Gerard Pique is slowly showing signs of his class. He has been quite good in winning Aerial dual and long crosses, while he has used his physicality to great use by making some smart tackles.
The defender is known to be technically strong and has been an intelligent mover on the field. Pique has shown his ability to counter the best attacks with his strong tackles and his ability to win the ball from the opposition.
Pique has also showcased his ability to circulate the ball with his smart moves and fin passes. He has also contributed with 3 goals in 20 La Liga games this season.
