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Considering the preseason, FC Barcelona was one of the least clubs that anyone would expect to achieve a successful campaign. The Catalans lost one of their finest players, Neymar Junior, to PSG in a highly controversial deal before landing in a crisis that threatened the progress of the club. The humiliation they suffered at the hands of Real Madrid during the Supercopa also suggested that they were not ready for the new campaign.
As a matter of fact, the Blaugrana faced problems after problems, which was enough to tear them apart. However, instead of bowing to their challenges, the club used them as motivation as they entered into the new campaign. They worked together as a unit with great determination and incomparable loyalty, fighting hard to preserve their hard-earned reputation and fantastic legacies. Their first match wasn't very impressive, but they managed to secure a vital victory and that was the foundation which they built upon.
Slow and steady wins the race, they say. Courtesy of their incredible attitude and fantastic efforts, the Blaugrana have overcome all the problems that blighted the club initially and finally reinstated their stand as one of the most dominant clubs in Europe. From underrated to Spanish Champions, they are now the team that everyone must be wary of.
The Blaugrana have had an amazing season, winning both the La Liga title and the Copa Del Rey trophy. They are also the most impressive team in the Spanish top flight during the campaign, going 36 matches without conceding a defeat.
We cannot mention the achievements of the club without paying homage to those players who gave their all to influence the campaign for good. Those amazing superstars who worked hard, through pain and sweat to propel the Blaugrana to another successful season deserve some respect. Therefore let us look at the 5 most impressive players in the Barcelona squad this season:
#5 Samuel Umtiti
When Ernesto Valverde took over from Luis Enrique in the summer, the tactician introduced defensive rigidity in the team and that of course, rested on the shoulders of one man, Samuel Umtiti. In fact, Barcelona's 36-game unbeaten run owe so much to the presence of 24-year old in their defensive line.
The Frenchman has been rock-solid at the back, making vital blocks and interceptions to deny opposition attackers. His composure, footwork, and physicality have been great assets to the team. Umtiti played important roles in Barcelona's title charge this season, helping the Barca defense to keep 18 clean sheets in the Spanish top flight.
So far, the defender has recorded 17 blocks, 50 tackles, and 37 interceptions in La Liga this season, while in the Champions League he has 7 blocks, 12 tackles and 20 interceptions to his name.
#4 Andres Iniesta
Age is just a number and that is evident if you look at Andres Iniesta's performances this season. The Spaniard has been at an amazing level, controlling the Barcelona midfield with his incredible knack and superb abilities.
The Barca legend has been one of the stand-out performers in the Barcelona squad this term, dictating play and splitting defenses wide open with his incredible vision and fantastic passing.
He has also been pivotal in moments of pressure, picking up the ball at the vital moments, holding on to it and sending killer passes into the opposition areas. His decent passing system has helped the Blaugrana to enjoy a lot of possession this season, thereby, making the team flourish with their beautiful brand of football.
Iniesta doesn't often complete 90 minutes these days, yet the Spaniard has recorded a goal and 4 assists to his name this season. He has also completed 1941 passes and 76 dribbles for the Blaugrana in both the Champions League and La Liga. However, it is his role as the anchor of Barca's midfield that has been the biggest influence of the 34-year-old this season.
#3 Jordi Alba
If Barcelona had known how influential Jordi Alba would become in the campaign, maybe they wouldn't have signed Ousmane Dembele in the summer. In fact, the Spaniard has been the reason why Barcelona hasn't felt the departure of Neymar much in the season.
Ever since Neymar left, Alba has taken a new role in the attack, covering the huge hole that the Brazilian left behind perfectly. Offensively, he has been really brilliant, forging a perfect understanding with Lionel Messi and complementing Luis Suarez up front.
The right-back is one of the most creative players in the Barcelona squad this season, with 8 assists to his name. He also recorded 2 goals in the Spanish top flight as well as another one in the Copa Del Rey. Offensively, he has been a great asset to the team, with his incredible ability to start attacks and make dangerous moves into the opposition box.
The Spaniard has also been impressive in his defensive duties as much as he has been in attack. So far, he has made 63 clearances, 75 interceptions and 18 blocks in both the La Liga and the Champions League and has been very brilliant in stopping counter-attacks, using his incredible pace.
#2 Luis Suarez
Luis Suarez was really affected by Neymar's departure early in the campaign as he took some time to adapt to Valverde's new 4-4-2 formation. However, the striker came back to his best at the vital moment, marking his return by scoring the opener during Barca's famous El Clasico victory back in December.
Ever since then, the Uruguayan has been seeing the back of the net more consistently. He has been really influential, especially in the big games, scoring against the likes of Real Madrid, Celta Vigo and Atletico Madrid in another landmark campaign.
Suarez is one of the brightest attackers in La Liga this season with his 25 goals and 11 assists in 32 appearances. He scored a fantastic brace as Barcelona defeated Sevilla to claim the Copa Del Rey trophy last month. The Uruguayan has had a brilliant season!
#1 Lionel Messi
It is true that those who underrated Barcelona at the beginning of the season must have forgotten that the Blaugrana still have Lionel Messi at the club. The Argentine has reminded us of his extra-terrestrial abilities once again with his unbelievable performances during the campaign.
Messi took the Blaugrana from grass to grace, leading them from victory to victory and established them as one of the most dominant clubs in the world. In fact, Barcelona's success this season owe so much to the consistent brilliance of the little wizard.
The playmaker has 34 goals and 12 assists to his name in La Liga this season as well as 6 goals and 2 assists in the UEFA Champions League. He also has 4 goals and 2 assists in the Copa Del Rey, scoring a brilliant goal in the final of the tournament as the Catalans defeated Sevilla claimed the trophy.
The Argentine is currently leading the race for both the European Golden Shoe and the PIichichi in another perfect campaign.
Honorable mentions: Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique, Paulinho, Ter Stegen, Sergi Roberto
