Forwards
Left Winger: Neymar
A key component of MSN, the Brazillian has been sensational since his move from Santos and has proved himself at the biggest stage of world football. Neymar has been regularly in the spotlight since his move in 2013 and is beginning to realise his full potential under the guidance of Messi.
Just like Ronaldinho mentored Messi in his early years to carry on his legacy, the Argentine is doing the same to develop Neymar into one of the greats. Judging by his development at Barcelona in the last 3 years, Neymar is one of the world’s most valuable forwards. And, all this at just 23!
New signing, Denis Suarez will give Neymar some much-needed competition in the forward line.
Right Winger: Lionel Messi
Another no brainer. One of the best of all times, Messi is a pivotal part of the Barcelona set up. He missed much of the last season due to injury but came back strong to score 26 goals.
However, this summer has been heartbreak for Messi after losing out on another final in the blue and white shirt of Argentina. He retired right after Argentina’s loss to Chile in the penalty shoot-out to lose their 2nd consecutive Copa final against the same opposition and in the same way, but changed his decision and is set to feature for Argentina again.
Can Messi bounce back after such a traumatic summer?
Striker: Luis Suarez
The holder of the Pichichi, Luis Suarez was at his outstanding best last season as he scored 40 goals. The defences found him impossible to stop and was further aided by the brilliance of Messi and Neymar.
He recorded a ridiculous 59 goals in all competitions last season to power Barca to the La Liga title. Suarez has surely proved worth all the risks that came along with him to Camp Nou two seasons back.
His prolific season confirmed his status as one of Europe’s best strikers. He’s surely going to be a regular starter for Barca, but Enrique will look to rotate his strikers around to give them sufficient rest before big match. Barca’s forwards tired at the end of the season and it clearly showed as they were knocked out of the Champions League.
Suarez, too, was left disappointed at Copa Centenario after Uruguay crashed out in the group stages. The La Liga defenders should get ready to bear the brunt of it.
