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After claiming both the La Liga title and the Copa Del Rey trophy during the previous campaign, Catalan giants FC Barcelona have come back into action this season with greater expectations on their shoulders as they aim to achieve even more success during the term.
While they earned a brilliant start to the campaign winning their first 4 La Liga fixtures, their performances in the Spanish top flight in recent weeks have not been as impressive - with La Blaugrana failing to win any of the last 4 matches they played in the division before the Sevilla victory - although they have managed to maintain their 100% start in the UEFA Champions League.
The rise of Ousmane Dembele and Arthur Melo is part of the few positives at the Nou Camp so far this term but injury crisis and the poor form of some of their top superstars is something to worry about at the moment.
This has put the Catalans in a technical situation as they head into the decisive phase of the campaign and considering their form and injury concerns, the La Liga champions could depend on a number of their superstars to help them achieve a brilliant campaign this term.
#5 Clement Lenglet
Barcelona signed French International Clement Lenglet from fellow La Liga outfit, Sevilla during the summer transfer window and the defender has quickly become an important figure under Ernesto Valverde at the Nou Camp this season.
With Gerard Pique's inconsistent form at the moment coupled with the injury crisis that has plagued the other central-backs, Lenglet has been called upon several times by the manager this season and the 23-year-old has repaid the trust of the tactician by putting in a couple of solid performances for the Blaugrana at the heart of the defense.
As we dive into the decisive phase of the season, Barcelona will be hoping the Frenchman maintains his form and level of performance as there are no suitable options on the bench right now. This implies that If any slip up occurs from the defender, the Catalans could find themselves in a hot soup.
#4 Ousmane Dembele
Last season, Barcelona fans grew impatient to see the best of Ousmane Dembele who was signed from Borussia Dortmund as a replacement for Neymar Junior, after the Brazilian left the Nou Camp to complete a world-record deal to join French side, Paris Saint Germain during the summer of 2017.
Although Dembele never reached the expectations that accompanied his move to Barcelona last season due to a terrible injury crisis, the Camp Nou faithful are well pleased and encouraged with what they have seen from the Frenchman so far this season.
The 21-year-old has come back to shut his critics during the term, producing a couple of extraordinary performances for Barcelona and recording an impressive 5 goals to his name for the Catalan giants across all competitions as he continues with his upward trajectory.
Dembele has proved his pure class and raw talent, therefore, the Blaugrana need to monitor his development closely throughout the campaign as he could also play a decisive role in the club's campaign, just as he has shown us with his brilliant winners against the likes of Sevilla (Supercoppa de Espana) and Real Valladolid recently.
#3 Philippe Coutinho
Another player who could play a decisive role in Barcelona's campaign this season is Brazilian superstar, Philippe Coutinho. The midfielder was signed from Liverpool midway last season but he was restricted in the UEFA Champions League having represented The Reds earlier in the tournament and he spent most of the campaign adapting rapidly to the Barcelona style of play.
In his first official campaign with the Catalan giants, Coutinho will get the opportunity to prove his incredible talent at the Nou Camp and judging by his impressive performances for the La Liga champions so far, the former Liverpool playmaker could help the club to achieve a great campaign this season.
Coutinho is a typical Barcelona midfielder with immense intelligence and plenty of technical skills, capable of splitting opposition defenses apart with incisive passing and amazing vision as well as sending the ball into the back of the net from almost any angle in the attacking third. The Camp Nou faithful will be hoping to see a lot of magic from their record signing during the campaign.
#2 Arthur Melo
After starting just 3 games for Barcelona following his switch from Gremio to the Nou Camp this summer, it has become really clear that Brazilian superstar, Arthur Melo is one of the players that could play a decisive role in the Catalan capital this season.
Such is the talent of the 22-year-old that he has earned a lot of comparison with Barcelona's midfield legend, Xavi Hernandez - with his ability to control the tempo of the game, dictate play from the middle of the pitch, holding on to possession as well as distributing decent passes and unlocking opposition defenses with his fantastic vision.
The Brazilian produced one of the finest displays by any Barcelona player this season when the Catalans clashed with Tottenham Hotspur at the Wembley Stadium during a UEFA Champions League encounter recently. He followed it up with impressive performances against both Valencia and Sevilla FC, earning his place in the first team and all eyes will be on him to continue with such incredible influence at the Nou Camp throughout the campaign.
#1 Lionel Messi
Argentine maestro Lionel Messi remains the most influential superstar in the Barcelona camp at the moment, just as he has been during the past few years and there is no doubt he will carry the biggest responsibilities as the Catalans continue to chase more trophies this season.
One of the greatest players in the history of the game, Lionel Messi's talent needs not much explanation - his ability to tear opposition defenders apart is without rival and his finishing skill is quite unparalleled - making him a real nightmare to opposition goalkeepers.
The playmaker has been at an unbelievable level since the beginning of the term, bagging an incredible 12 goals and 6 assists in 12 appearances for La Blaugrana across all competitions to help the club achieve a brilliant start to the campaign, and the Catalans will be hoping he recovers as quickly as possible in order to continue with his incredible impacts.
