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FC Barcelona are in a little crisis right now. The Catalan giants are winless in the last four La Liga games but most importantly, their game isn't on the highest level.
It looks like Barcelona are losing their identity under the guidance of Ernesto Valverde. They don't play their recognizable possession-based football. It's quite unbelievable that Barcelona's midfield is the weakest link in their squad. The midfield players aren't creative enough to provide enough services for the attacking line. Instead, Lionel Messi drops very deep and it looks like he is the only creative force they have in their squad.
Ernesto Valverde must find a way to get the team back on the winning ways. The title race in Spain will be very tough because Atletico Madrid and Sevilla look like very serious contenders. In Europe, it's even worse situation for Barcelona as many people don't see them as real candidates for the glory.
Ernesto Valverde must realise that some players don't deserve to be in the starting lineup anymore. It's time for some new faces and fresh blood. Take a look at how Barcelona should lineup to get back on the winning ways.
Goalkeeper
Marc Andre Ter Stegen is Barcelona's best goalkeeper at the moment. He is also one of the best goalkeepers in the world. He signed for FC Barcelona in the summer of 2014 from Borussia Mönchengladbach. He is in a very good form and there is no doubt that he will remain as Valverde's first choice for this position.
The German international is a big game performer and he can pull off some excellent saves. Ter Stegen is exceptional with the ball at his feet. He is also very reliable and has good reflexes.
Also, Ter Stegen should also play over Manuel Neuer for Germany National Team. Manuel Neuer is in a decline since his last injury and it's up to Joachin Low to realise this. Ter Stegen definitely deserves a chance to prove himself.
Defenders
Barcelona's defensive line should ideally be: Right back - Sergio Roberto, Centre-backs - Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti, Left-back: Jordi Alba.
Sergi Roberto is currently injured and because of that, he missed the last few games. Nelson Semedo was his substitute at this position. Right-back isn't Roberto's natural position but he is definitely a better option. He can contribute in building from the back and when he plays, the right side of their attack looks alive.
Umtiti and Lenglet should be the first choices for the two positions in the heart of the defence. Gerard Pique is a true legend of the club but he isn't as reliable as he has been in the past. He constantly makes errors which cause big problems for Barcelona's goals.
Umtiti is injured and his absence is a big hit for Barcelona's defence. When he returns, his partner should be Lenglet.
The left-back position is reserved for one man: Jordi Alba. Alba is one of the best players in this positions and his attacking contribution is tremendous. Also, his connection with Messi is too good.
Midfielders
Barcelona's midfield should ideally be: Defensive Midfielder - Sergio Busquets, Left Attacking Midfielder - Phillipe Coutinho, Right Attacking Midfielder - Arthur.
Barcelona have had their golden days with Busquets, Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta bossing their midfield. This midfield has been Barcelona's trademark for many years. However, Barcelona's main problem now is in that area.
They are so predictable in midfield and the players lack the creativity to break the opposition lines. Because of that, Messi constantly drops deep to organise their play.
Coutinho usually plays on the left wing. He is useless on this position and Valverde should drop him deeper in the midfield and play him as a No.8. This position is very similar to him because he has played there under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp.
Also, Coutinho's playing style is very similar to Iniesta's and he could play his role very well. The Brazilian wonder kid, Arthur should play from the start. He is a very good player with great passing skills and most importantly he is very press resistant. Many fans think that Arthur is the successor of Xavi. Busquets should be there to protect their back. Simply, this squad is unimaginable without him.
Forwards
Barcelona's attacking trio should ideally be: Right Winger - Lionel Messi, Left Winger - Ousmane Dembele, Centre forward - Luis Suarez.
Messi is a special player who has the freedom to roam wherever he chooses. He usually starts the games as the right winger but he isn't a real winger anymore. Instead of playing down the flank, Messi loves to position himself between the opposition lines. We can say that Barcelona don't have a real winger in their starting lineup.
Because of that, they miss the speed and pace on the wings. Dembele is a very fast player who can cause big problems for opposition defenders with his dribbling and one-on-one play.
Valverde must use Dembele's services much more. Suarez isn't at his best level currently, however, with more services from the flanks, he would surely play better.
