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The 2018-19 football campaign has begun across several leagues in Europe, causing a lot of excitement among football fans all over the world. Once again, we are set to witness entertainment in it's purest form, with our favorite teams and superstars gearing up to mesmerize us with their incredible abilities.
Just as every club is keen to achieve success this term, Catalan giants FC Barcelona are looking forward to reaching greater heights, so also is their star player - Lionel Messi. An ambitious superstar who never tires of challenges, Messi will be keen to break more records and add more honors to his amazing catalogue during the campaign.
After leading La Blaugrana to claim a domestic double, bagging 44 goals and 18 assists during the campaign, the Argentine has started the new season in great form, scoring a brilliant brace in Barcelona's opening fixture against Deportivo Alaves last weekend.
He can even perform at a greater level if he gets adequate support from his teammates during the campaign. Therefore lets quickly take a look at 5 superstars who can help him reach his best this term.
#5 Arthur Melo
Barcelona achieved a big coup with their capturing of Brazilian playmaker Arthur Melo this summer. The midfielder was signed from Gremio in a deal worth €40 million after both clubs had initially reached an agreement during the winter.
Arthur is a typical Barcelona player whose style of play has earned him a lot of comparisons with two of the finest midfielders in history - Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta. Judging by his performances in the Blaugrana shirt so far, it is evident the playmaker will bring a lot to the Nou Camp, and as well help Lionel Messi reach his best this season.
By holding possession and dictating play from the middle of the pitch, the Brazilian will restrain Messi from dropping deep too often, and allow him concentrate on his attacking duties. Melo will also help in creating chances for the Argentine, this will eventually improve his goal tally during the campaign.
All stats via transfermarkt
#4 Jordi Alba
The departure of Neymar in the summer of 2017 brought an end to the popular 'MSN' trio at Barcelona, this meant that Lionel Messi lost his incredible partnership with the Brazilian winger. In the absence of the attacker, the Argentine was able to build a perfect relationship with Jordi Alba, and the duo excelled incredibly during the previous campaign.
Alba was a prominent figure at Camp Nou last season, with his bursting runs down the left flank, and his ability to linkup perfectly with Lionel Messi taking opposition defenders by storm in the Spanish top flight. He had a good relationship with the playmaker and helped him with a host of assists during the campaign.
Once again, the Spaniard will line up with his partner this season, and so much is expected to come from them. With his spectacular link up, amazing creativity, and telepathic understanding with the playmaker, there is no doubt the defender will help in getting the best out of the Argentine this season.
#3 Ousmane Dembele
Following a turbulent campaign at Barcelona amidst an injury crisis last term, French winger Ousmane Dembele finally looks set to establish himself in the Catalan capital. The Frenchman is already looking forward to helping his team progress this season, and he could actually contribute to Lionel Messi's success as well.
Filled with fantastic skills and undeniable talent, the 21 year old will torment opposition defenders in LaLiga this season. A pacey winger with electrifying dribbling skills, he will definitely be a great revelation in the Spanish top flight.
Dembele will join Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez up front to strengthen Barcelona's attack. With his incredible passing and creativity, the former Borussia Dortmund superstar will also help in creating chances for his fellow attackers. The Argentine will certainly benefit.
#2 Arturo Vidal
Former Juventus and Bayern Munich ace Arturo Vidal is one of the fantastic superstars who could actually help in getting the best out of Lionel Messi this season. The Chilean landed at Camp Nou this summer after completing a £27 million move from the German top flight, and he will be looking forward to having an immediate impact in the Catalan capital.
Vidal is a strong warrior with physical advantages and technical abilities. He has been one of the best midfielders in the world for the past few years, and there is no doubt he will actually bring a lot to the LaLiga champions this season.
Since Barcelona is a club that prides itself on possession, Vidal will help in holding on to the ball, and also win it back whenever it is lost - using his incredible tackling and warrior-like attitude.
With his ability to move the ball forward into offensive areas, the midfielder will also help in feeding Lionel Messi and enable the Argentine concentrate on his attacking duties without dropping too deep in order to get possession.
#1 Philippe Coutinho
We have already seen glimpses of what Philippe Coutinho is capable of doing last season. The Brazilian had an instant impact at the Nou Camp after joining Barcelona from Liverpool during the winter, bagging a whopping 10 goals, and creating 6 assists during the campaign.
He has shown us several times that he is capable of forming a perfect chemistry with Lionel Messi on the pitch. With his incredible attacking skills, the Brazilian could form a perfect attacking trio alongside the Argentine and Luis Suarez up front, or serve as a creative pivot behind the attackers.
Coutinho could help Lionel Messi raise his goal tally this season with his incredible ability to create clear-cut chances almost from nothing. His perfect link up and amazing passing will also help the 5 time Ballon d'Or winner concentrate on his attacking exploits and avoid dropping deep in midfield to orchestrate team play too often.
