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Defence
Right-back: Nelson Semedo
One of the players whose future at the club is up in the air; Nelson Semedo makes it at right-back over Sergi Roberto and Benjamin Pavard. The Portuguese right-back has acted as an outlet in attack for Barcelona, helping maintain width on the right-hand side, which allows Messi more room to drift in centrally.
Semedo has appeared six times in the UCL this year, putting in massive shifts both defensively and offensively in the competition. The 26-year-old has averaged over three tackles a game along with 2.7 dribbles, highlighting how comfortable he is in possession — a key factor for any Barcelona player.
With him likely to face off with Alphonso Davies on his side of the pitch, the duel of the attack-minded full-backs will be one to keep an eye out for.
Centre-back: Clement Lenglet
Although Gerard Pique has had a decent season for the Catalans, Clement Lenglet has most certainly been the most consistent centre-half available to Barcelona. The Frenchman has perhaps not had as many standout performances as the Spaniard, but the latter has had a handful of questionable displays in 2019/20.
Lenglet has been an uber reliable figure at the heart of Barcelona's defence and has provided the Blaugrana with a rock-solid base to build on. The 25-year-old has only scored one goal in their UCL campaign so far, which was an all-important opener against Napoli in the previous round. The left-footed centre-half has complemented Pique beautifully, and has been vital for Barcelona's backline.
The French defender will be tasked with stopping arguably the best player in the world on form, Robert Lewandowski, on Friday night.
Centre-back: David Alaba
One of Bayern Munich's longest-serving players, David Alaba established himself as one of the most complete full-backs in the game in Germany. The Austrian has played at centre-half before this season as well but has moved into the position more permanently after losing his left-back berth to Alphonso Davies.
The best of players find a way to adapt to the circumstances around them, and that is precisely what Alaba did. The 28-year-old has had a stellar season at the back for the Bavarians, helping them play a high line and press with ease. The Austria international has been particularly impressive with the ball at his feet, continually carrying it high up the field and bypassing players along the way.
Alaba will have to play a crucial role against Barcelona and will have to keep a watchful eye on Barcelona's big-name forwards.
Left-back: Alphonso Davies
Despite Jordi Alba's pedigree and experience, Alphonso Davies is arguably the best left-back in the remaining teams in the UCL. Not only that, but on current form, he is perhaps one of the most impressive left-backs in world football. The Canadian teenager was the Bundesliga's Rookie of the Year after his excellent campaign.
The 19-year-old boasts of mighty impressive numbers in the UCL, averaging 4.4 tackles and interceptions per game along with 3.8 dribbles on the offensive front. His electric pace is undoubtedly going to threaten Barcelona down their right-hand side, and Semedo could be in for a long night should he even put a foot wrong in this duel.
Davies will come up against his idol, Lionel Messi, and the battle between the two players could be one of the defining moments in the 19-year-old's blossoming career.
Also read: Top 10 players with the most assists in Europe this season (2019-20)
