Midfielders
Central Midfield: Andres Iniesta
This is a no brainer. Even at 32, Iniesta remains one of the best midfielders in game right now, and the Spaniard looks more and more elegant with age. His wizardry was for all to see at the Euros, as his deliveries into the box left opposition defences in sixes and sevens.
Remember his run against PSG from his own half to the edge of the box to lay off a beautiful assist for Neymar? Iniesta still has a lot left to offer at Camp Nou.
Iniesta is as much a feature of Barcelona as LasRamblas, the Magic Fountain of Montjuic or the Camp Nou itself. He played a key role in Barca’s La Liga triumph last season, winning his 8th league title in 14 years at the club. Iniesta still has the legs and class to make a huge impact at the biggest stage, and Rakitic and Busquets have learned a lot from the wizard.
As Barcelona’s skipper, Iniesta will look to lead his club from the front to another La Liga for the Spanish giants.
Defensive Midfield: Sergio Busquets
Busquets is a brilliant holding midfielder for Barcelona and contributes to defence more than anyone in the forward lines.
He was exceptional last season and would make huge headlines anywhere else but it’s hard to get noticed when MSN steals the show week in, week out.
His presence in midfield let the likes of Alba and Alves to push up at every opportunity last season without the threat of getting punished on the counter. Busquets always managed to put in vital interceptions and snug off threatening counters.
Central Midfield: Ivan Rakitic
Ivan Rakitic has been one of Barcelona’s best signing in recent years and has featured in 50-odd games since his move from Sevilla. The Croatian took time to settle down at Camp Nou but has been a revelation since. Rakitic had massive boots of Barca legend Xavi to fill but he lived up to the challenge.
It was always going to be hard to replace Xavi but Enrique did a brilliant job by bringing in Rakitic. He was not a Xavi-esque player but just the player Barca needed to take the team towards a different yet extremely successful direction. The Croatian can play a quick passing game and is Barca’s engine when at his best.
The Croatian remains instrumental to Barcelona’s modus operandi in the upcoming season!
