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Barcelona's lack of depth up front is quite glaring. The Blaugrana parted ways with many attackers during the summer transfer window, including Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann and Francisco Trincao.
The likes of Sergio Aguero, Ousmane Dembele, Philippe Coutinho and Ansu Fati have all entered the new season with injury concerns. Considering the same, Ronald Koeman was forced to add a striker to his options, and Luuk de Jong was signed on loan from Sevilla.
The Dutch forward has, however, had an unconvincing start to life in Catalonia. Although he has a goal to his name in four games, his performances have been nothing to write home about. De Jong appears too sluggish and lacks the technical ability to be a Barcelona striker.
Other than being Ronald Koeman's countryman, it is difficult to see any reason why the 31-year-old was given the nod. In fact, Barcelona could've done better by signing five other strikers as mentioned below:
#5 Alexandre Lacazette
Alexandre Lacazette was one of the few players who were linked with a switch to Barcelona during the summer transfer window before the club signed Luuk de Jong. The Arsenal forward has been on Barcelona's radar for quite some time, and he's surely a better option than his Dutch counterpart.
Lacazette is a striker with impressive technical skills. He can link up with his teammates well, and is a good user of the ball. He also has a good eye for goal, scoring 17 times for the Gunners in 43 games across competitions last season.
The Frenchman has begun the new campaign on an impressive note, with two goals and an assist to his name in four appearances across competitions.
#4 Iago Aspas
Iago Aspas has been one of the finest attackers in La Liga over the last few years. His role as a ball-playing striker, and ability to score and create means he would've been a better addition to Barcelona ahead of Luuk de Jong.
The Celta Vigo forward bagged an impressive 14 goals and 13 assists in 33 appearances in the Spanish top flight last season. He is quick, connects well with the ball, and can also play in multiple positions in attack. Most importantly, the Spaniard wouldn't have cost much, with his transfer value standing at a meagre €9 million, as per Transfermarkt.
#3 Mauro Icardi
Barcelona parted ways with Lionel Messi during the summer transfer window. The Argentine signed a two-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain, where he has linked up with Neymar and Kylian Mbappe to form a deadly attacking trio.
Messi's arrival has forced Mauro Icardi to lose his spot in the starting lineup. According to reports, the striker considered quitting the Parc des Princes in the summer. It was an opportunity Barcelona failed to capitalise on, though.
It would've been wise for Barcelona to sign the Argentine on loan from PSG. Given his situation at the club, Icardi would've likely hopped on the chance to join the Blaugrana. Instead, Barcelona signed De Jong, who has so far failed to step up at the club.
#2 Dani Olmo
As per multiple reports, Barcelona made a late effort to sign Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig during the summer transfer window. Had they succeeded, the Spaniard would've been a better signing for the club than Luuk de Jong.
A product of the Blaugrana's famous La Masia academy, Dani Olmo already has a deep knowledge of the club's system. He has been a shining light for club and country over the years.
Apart from his young age and technical brilliance, the 23-year-old's versatility also deserves praise. Olmo can play anywhere across midfield and attack.
Since joining RB Leipzig midway through last season, the Spaniard has bagged 12 goals and 14 assists in 64 appearances across competitions. It is worth noting that he played in deeper positions in many of those games.
#1 Edinson Cavani
Laike Dani Olmo, Barcelona made a late attempt to lure Edinson Cavani to Camp Nou on loan during the summer transfer window. For reasons best known to the club, the transfer never materialised, and they snapped up Luuk de Jong instead.
The Uruguayan has been one of the best strikers in Europe over the last few years, with a lot of experience and goalscoring instincts. He bagged 17 goals and six assists in 39 games for Manchester United in all competitions last term.
There's no doubt Cavani would've liked to join Barcelona, considering his situation at Old Trafford. The Uruguayan has lost his spot in the starting lineup following the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo. He has started just one game for the Red Devils across competitions so far this season.
