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Arguably the most popular derby in football, the El Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid will take place tomorrow.
The quality of the game has been diluted, with both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi now playing for different clubs. While Real Madrid have done well post-Ronaldo, the same cannot be said about Barcelona.
The club was already struggling with Messi in the squad and his departure has revealed further fractures. Barcelona are not the force they once were, and will rely heavily on their La Masia stars against their arch-rivals.
Today, we take a look at
Barcelona's possible starting XI against Real Madrid
Goalkeeper - Marc-Andre ter Stegen
It is hard to judge Marc-Andre ter Stegen's quality as a goalkeeper. He has divided opinion among the Barcelona faithful. Some regard him as world-class, while others believe that there are better goalkeepers out there.
The Germany international joined Barcelona from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2014 for nearly £11 million, initially as the second-choice goalkeeper. Ter Stegen has done well to become the preferred goalkeeper for the Spanish giants, but his consistency has often been questioned.
Of course, it is not right to place Barcelona's defensive woes solely on the feet of the goalkeeper. The 29-year-old has been linked with a move away from Barcelona a few times. But it is evident that he is now one of the leaders in the dressing room. Neto and Inaki Pena are ter Stegen's competition right now at Barcelona, but the German is clearly ahead of the duo.
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Right-back - Sergi Roberto
Sergi Roberto is a product of Barcelona's famed La Masia academy. Barcelona fans are usually proud of academy graduates who become first-team members. However, it is clear that Roberto does not enjoy a good reputation among the club's fans.
Many believe that the 29-year-old is not of the requisite quality for Barcelona. This is despite the versatile player making more than 300 appearances in all competitions for the club.
Roberto began his career as a midfielder, but in recent seasons he has become the club's first-choice right-back. The Spain international is in talks with Barcelona over a new contract and is one of the captains at the club.
Centre-back - Gerard Pique
In his prime, Gerard Pique was regarded as one of the best centre-backs in world football. It can be argued that he continues to be the best centre-back at Barcelona.
The 34-year-old is a product of La Masia, but joined Manchester United in 2004. He returned to Barcelona in 2008, and has been an integral part of the club's defense since then. A ball-playing, physically dominant centre-back, Pique is a charismatic player who is Barcelona through and through.
The Spain international scored Barcelona's only goal as they beat Dynamo Kyiv in the group stage of the Champions League a few days ago. Pique in recent years has attracted attention for his business activities, and many regard him as a future Barcelona president.
Centre-back - Eric Garcia
Eric Garcia did not play against Dynamo Kyiv in the Champions League due to a suspension, with the much-maligned Clement Lenglet taking his place.
Garcia should be back for El Clasico, though. Like Pique and Roberto, Garcia is a La Masia graduate. After four years with Manchester City, the centre-back rejoined Barcelona this summer on a free transfer. A highly-rated player, Garcia is already a regular for Luis Enrique's Spain.
The 20-year-old is still in development, and playing alongside Pique should help his cause. Garcia is a technically gifted centre-back who oozes calmness and composure and is seen as the ideal Pique replacement.
Left-back - Alejandro Balde
With Jordi Alba unlikely to play against Real Madrid, youngster Alejandro Balde looks set to start for Barcelona in one of their most important games of the season.
Balde's potential inclusion means that Barcelona will likely field a backline of La Masia graduates. The 18-year-old has been earmarked as a player with high potential. He was one of the main reasons Barcelona decided to sell Junior Firpo this summer.
Barcelona's current environment is not ideal for any youngster to develop in with their financial problems. However, if Balde flourishes during such a difficult time for the club, the Spain U19 international will be adored by the club's fans.
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Defensive midfielder - Sergio Busquets
One of the best defensive midfielders to have played the game, Sergio Busquets is now Barcelona's captain.
One of La Masia's most renowned academy graduates, Busquets has been pivotal to Barcelona's success over the years. The Spain international boasts incredible football intelligence, alongside world-class technical ability. He is not the most glamorous of players. But without his presence in midfield, it is hard to imagine Barcelona being successful in the last decade.
Unfortunately, Busquets is now slowing down. The 33-year-old still continues to perform at a good level, but it is evident that he must be rested more. Like Pique, Busquets is Barcelona through and through.
Central midfielder - Gavi
Barcelona's latest teenage sensation, Gavi, is already making waves globally. He has quickly claimed the ladders to become a first-team member.
The 17-yearold has astounded everyone with his technical quality, passing and match intelligence. Another La Masia graduate, Gavi has emerged as Barcelona's future in midfield. Given his current performances, he is also one of the club's most important midfielders.
With Pedri unavailable for the game due to an injury, Gavi looks set to start. Such is his talent that he has already made his debut for the Spanish national team. Barcelona might not be in a good position right now, but their future looks incredibly bright.
Central midfielder - Frenkie de Jong
In such a dysfunctional Barcelona side, Frenkie de Jong has been unable to display his world-class quality on a regular basis.
Barcelona paid Ajax £77.4 million for de Jong's services in 2019, as they beat Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain to his signing. The Netherlands international is one of the best players in the world in his age range, but is capable of much more.
De Jong is one of Barcelona's superstar players, and much is expected from him. The 24-year-old has shown glimpses of what he is capable of. Barcelona will be hoping that he produces an inspired performance against Real Madrid.
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Right-winger - Philippe Coutinho
It has been sad to see Philippe Coutinho's career unravel. Regarded as one of the best players in the Premier League during his time with Liverpool, he is now a squad player at Barcelona.
Considering that Barcelona paid £121.5 million for Coutinho, this deal has to go down as one of the worst deals in modern football. Coutinho has struggled for game time at the club. Though his goal in the last gameweek against Valenica will give him confidence.
He will be remembered for the two goals he scored against Barcelona during his loan spell with Bayern Munich. This was in the fixture where the Germans humiliated his parent club 8-2 in the Champions League.
The Brazil international is reportedly free to leave the club. Coutinho has attracted interest from Newcastle United recently. The 29-year-old should leave Spain for new pastures and a fresh start.
Centre forward - Memphis Depay
One has to wonder how Memphis Depay feels right now. The forward could have picked any club this summer after his contract with Lyon expired, and he would certainly not have been short of suitors.
He picked Barcelona as his next club. Soon, Lionel Messi departed, and the mess at Barcelona continues to grow on a daily basis. Memphis is now the bonafide attacking star of the team, with Sergio Aguero still not 100 percent match fit. He has scored four goals in 11 appearances in all competitions for the club so far.
The Netherlands international is a world-class player. An excellent dribbler, prolific goalscorer and a good creator, Depay has been one of Barcelona's most sensible signings in recent times. The 27-year-old will be hoping for a turn around in form soon, though.
Left-winger - Ansu Fati
Who else? The boy wonder is back, and has immediately made an impact. Ansu Fati is one of the best young players in world football.
Fati returned to Barcelona's first-team last month after more than 10 months due to a serious injury. The 18-year-old has already scored two goals for the club in five appearances in all competitions this season. He is now Barcelona's no.10, previously worn by a certain Lionel Messi.
The Spain international offers pace, directness and world-class technical qualities to Barcelona's front-line. Fati is seen as Messi's successor at Barcelona, and while no one can really replicate what Messi did with the club, Fati might come closest.
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