'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
At one point in the 2018/19 season, Barcelona were cruising to a dream treble. In Copa del Rey, they had booked a place in the final against Valencia. In Champions League, they had delivered a 3-0 drubbing to Liverpool in the first leg of the semi-final. In La Liga, they had already established themselves as clear victors.
However, things went haywire in a matter of days. Liverpool made one of the most heroic comebacks as they hammered the Blaugrana 4-0 in the second leg to knock them out of the tournament. Even in Copa del Rey, Valencia scraped past Valverde's men to clinch the title, leaving Barcelona only with La Liga. Thus, in the end, it turned out to be a bitter end to an epic roller coaster of a season.
In the ongoing transfer window, they have welcomed leading lights Frenkie de Jong, Antoine Griezmann and Neto. Simultaneously, to clear up some space for the arrivals, they have parted ways with Jasper Cillessen, Andre Gomes, Denis Suarez, Emerson and a couple of others.
Having said that, let us take a look at the most likely starting XI the Catalan giants can field in the 2019/20 season.
Also read: Top 10 highest-paid footballers in the world
Marc-André ter Stegen - Goalkeeper
When he made the switch from Borussia Mönchengladbach to Barcelona in 2014, ter Stegen generated headlines for how talented he was. In the last two seasons at Barcelona, the German shot-stopper has translated that talent into consistent performances to stamp his authority as one of the best goalkeepers among Europe's elite clubs.
The 27-year-old is still struggling to make his mark on the international stage, though that's largely due to Neuer's scintillating displays during his glory days. In the 2018/19 season, he remained Valverde's preferred choice between the sticks and managed 23 clean sheets across all competitions.
Centre-back: Gerard Piqué
If you're not a Barcelona fan, you may not like him for his vocal nature, but it would be criminal to not give Gerard Pique due praise for his performances for both club and country. He has been a permanent fixture in Barca's rearguard for quite some time now.
Although he has shown some signs of age catching up with him in recent past (much like any other human footballer), there is still gas left in him to last at least another season.
Centre-back: Clément Lenglet
Seeing Barcelona had a reliable backup to the Samuel Umtiti-Pique duo in Vermaelen, Clement Lenglet's signing last summer did raise a few questions. However, as things panned out last season, the questions were subsequently answered.
Samuel Umtiti's persistent knee problem gave the Frenchman a new lease of life as he went on to make 45 appearances in total in the entire season and will perhaps hold on to his berth for the foreseeable future.
Left-back: Jordi Alba
As it stands, Jordi Alba is undoubtedly among the best full-backs in the world, let alone in La Liga. In the years gone by, he has established himself as a regular in the starting lineup at Camp Nou.
Alba averaged 1.2 tackles, 1.7 interceptions, 1.6 clearances and 0.8 dribbles per match having made 36 appearances in La Liga in the 2018/19 season. He has been an instrumental presence further up as well, registering 2 goals and 8 assists.
Right-back: Nélson Semedo
When Dani Alves bid adieu to Barcelona, it was a topsy-turvy scenario at the club. Sergi Roberto filled in for the Brazilian and though he did an excellent job, he isn't a natural right-back after all.
Now Nelson Semedo has not exactly taken Alves' place, but the right-back berth is not the greatest of concerns at Barcelona. The Portuguese has indeed made great strides so far and will continue to improve with time and guidance.
Central Defensive Midfielder: Sergio Busquets
Barcelona's midfield will undergo numerous changes as the season progresses, but one constant in that department is Sergio Busquets. The manager can simply not afford his exclusion.
Over the years, Busquets has established himself among the best in his position in the world. As such, he will have to anchor the play in the middle for La Blaugrana.
Central Midfielder: Frenkie de Jong
Frenkie de Jong established himself as one of the most sought-after players following his heroics for Ajax. Many high-profile clubs, including Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, had been keeping tabs on him until Barcelona secured his services in January this year.
He is expected to be a starter once the season commences. He might turn out to be another Barcelona stalwart in the long run.
Central Midfielder: Arthur Melo
Arthur has made no bones about the fact that he is at Barcelona to make a name for himself and leave behind a legacy for many to cherish. For quite a while, he has been touted as Xavi's heir thanks to his pyrotechnics in the midfield.
Nevertheless, there have been reports that the former Gremio ace has had difficulty acclimatizing to the rhythm of the Spanish league, and will probably have to work on his body if he wishes to excel here.
Winger: Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi hasn't had quite the summer he had wished for, with the Argentine once again falling short of international glory and then going on to make some controversial remarks to add insult to injury.
Hopefully, his failures on the international front won't blight his headspace as the club football gets underway. Needless to say, he is a guaranteed starter under Valverde.
Winger: Antoine Griezmann
After interminable twists and turns to an unabating transfer saga, Antoine Griezmann has eventually been signed by Barcelona for a fee of €120 million, becoming the second marquee signing of the window after Frenkie de Jong.
In an uber-talented squad such as that of Barca, it is arduous to waltz one's way into the starting XI from the word go. Griezmann, however, courtesy of his immense quality, is most likely to achieve just that as he partners the talismanic Lionel Messi on the flanks.
Centre-forward: Luis Suárez
Granted that Luis Suarez isn't getting any younger as days pass by, Barcelona have not shown any real intent of bringing in a new No. 9 and it appears improbable owing to the time left.
Ergo, Valverde will have to stick with Suarez leading the line for his star-studded squad. Incidentally, it isn't that bad a scenario as the 32-year-old notched up 25 goals and 13 assists across all competitions last season.
