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Centre-Backs
The defensive pairing of Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti has been quite excellent for the Catalans, so much so that Javier Mascherano, who has been a constant in the line-up for the side from Barcelona, under a string of managers, has been discarded from the squad. Even, Thomas Vermaelen hasn't got a look-in, despite his good form.
Despite marquee signings coming in for Barcelona - in the shape of Ousmane Dembélé and Philippe Coutinho, the Nou Camp faithful will be most delighted by the contribution on Umtiti who has been staggering in defence, as well as on the ball, with a passing accuracy better than that of a certain Toni Kroos.
Meanwhile, Gerard Pique has been having another terrific season for his boyhood club and was pivotal in prolonging Barcelona's unbeaten run in the league with a vital goal against arch rivals Espanyol, the week before last.
Catalonian love for the hunsband of the Colombian pop star, is evident in any coverage, of any match, done by the the locals in which he features, or doesn't. You know.
The Spanish and French pairing at the back has worked wonders for Ernesto Valverde who doesn't tinker much with his defence. So we decided to do the same. If it ain't broke, why fix it? Right?
The fact that Chelsea players (known for their defensive solidity and cohesiveness) don't feature in this section of the team should worry their fans, considering they will be up against the most formidable attack in Spain.
