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For over a decade, Spanish giants Barcelona have been a force to be reckoned with, especially in La Liga. Thanks to the genius of Lionel Messi, some smart transfers, and a virtually endless supply of youth talent through La Masia, Barcelona managed to nick eight league titles in the last 13 years, which goes on to show how superior the Blaugrana were in their heyday.
Now, the equation has changed, and for the worse. The two Madrid clubs — Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid — bagged the last two titles as they threaten to edge Barcelona out for the third year running.
The Catalonian club are also struggling with finances. They currently have a huge wage bill and will be forced to sell off some of their most revered assets to lighten the burden. Will external circumstances dampen their ambitions, or will the usual suspects and new signings lead them to a brighter future?
Read on to learn about our predictions for Barcelona’s upcoming La Liga campaign.
#5 Frenkie de Jong could get the recognition he deserves
When Barcelona signed Frenkie de Jong from Ajax in 2019, many expected the Dutchman to carry over his scintillating form to La Liga. Naturally and unfortunately, he took some time to adjust to new surroundings, which was enough for his doubters to write him off.
In his second season, De Jong put on a stronger show, commanding the middle of the park with conviction and authority. He put on a show against some of the most revered sides in the business but could not save Barcelona from a disappointing finish in both La Liga and the Champions League.
This season, the Netherlands international will have the perfect opportunity to prove his mettle. He has enough La Liga experience under his belt and ball-playing skills that very few can match. The stage seems set for a Frenkie de Jong masterclass.
#4 Barcelona skipper could be protected for tougher fixtures
Barcelona captain Lionel Messi has been dominating La Liga leaderboards in every applicable category, pretty much from the dawn of time. The top scorer in the history of the competition would once again be the man to look out for in La Liga.
He won the Golden Boot with 30 goals in La Liga in 2020-21, and is a firm favorite for the upcoming season as well. Unfortunately, repeating the feat might be easier said than done.
Messi, who is on the wrong side of 30, does not have biology on his side, which could come into play in the 2021-22 season. He was part of Argentina’s successful Copa America campaign in the summer, which forced him to expose himself to harsh playing conditions and rough challenges.
The 34-year-old can still ride challenges in his sleep, but Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman might not be too eager to test his luck. We could see reduced appearances from Messi this season, but he is certain to be a starter in the biggest clashes.
#3 Memphis Depay could vie with Ansu Fati for minutes
PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United, Lyon and now Barcelona - Memphis Depay has created quite a resume for himself. He has always been rated as a fine talent, but never managed to live up to his billing. Signed as a free agent for Barcelona, he has earned himself a fresh start, but here, too, he will have his fair share of challenges.
Depay, who prefers to play either as a centre-forward or on the left side of the pitch, might clash with Barcelona’s wonder kid, Ansu Fati, for playing time. Although still only 18, Fati has created quite the fanfare for himself at the Camp Nou, and Depay will not have an easy time stealing minutes off the Spaniard.
Barcelona, however, are only likely to benefit from this tussle — as very few teams can boast of having two players of this quality battling for a position.
#2 Barcelona’s defensive woes might persist
Last season, Barcelona somehow managed to beat the odds to bring the respected Copa del Rey to the Camp Nou. Yes, they did not secure either La Liga or the Champions League, but they still overachieved considering the state of the team, considering their wobbly backline.
Right-back Sergino Dest was signed from Ajax to bring some zing down the flanks. And while the youngster did manage to put in some impressive shifts, he could not help with the shaky heart of defense.
Barcelona have already signed Eric Garcia from Manchester City and are likely to pair him up with Gerard Pique in the middle of their defensive line. The pairing, despite being talented, does not seem to be better than the competition and is likely to cause some worry throughout the 2021-22 La Liga season.
Ronald Araujo is also fit and raring to go for Barcelona and it would be interesting to see if the coach counts on the young defender ahead of the club's stalwart, Gerard Pique.
#1 Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi could form a formidable partnership
Ask any Argentina supporter and they will write you essays about the friendship of Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi. The two have been inseparable both on and off the pitch since their debut, and, now, they are finally getting the opportunity to feature for the same club.
Sergio Aguero, who has etched his name in Premier League and Manchester City history, is in the twilight of his career. But that should not take anything away from the threat he still possesses. Powered by the telepathic connection he shares with Messi, he could score a boatload of goals, and we would not be surprised with a Pichichi run as well.
Aguero is also quite a generous teammate, which would work in Messi’s favor. Their little exchanges and synchronized runs could be one of the highlights of Barcelona’s season, and we cannot wait to see them line up side by side in Catalonian colors.
