Barcelona's predicted XI for the 2018/19 season

Central Attacking Midfielder: Lionel Messi

FC Barcelona v Juventus - UEFA Champions League — Lionel Messi

With Valverde at the helm, Lionel Messi is expected to fill the playmaker-cum-goalscorer role just like he did last season.

The Argentine will most likely empower Barcelona's attacking play with everything flowing through him. Needless to say, he is an exceptional passer of the ball and can also slalom past defenders with consummate ease.

Centre-forward: Luis Suárez

FC Barcelona v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - UEFA Champions League — Luis Suárez

Luis Suarez will start as the lone striker in his preferred centre-forward position, which he ideally fits by virtue of his archetypal qualities.

A prolific goalscorer, the Uruguayan possesses an eye for goal, physical strength, ability to hold on to the ball and execute a key pass and magnificent finishing skills. As such, he will retain his lead the line for a star-studded squad.

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Edited by Amar Anand