How Barcelona could lineup in the 2020-21 season

Defence

Right-back: Nelson Semedo

Nelson Semedo could be a key player for Barcelona in the forthcoming season

Nelson Semedo was amongst a handful of players who improved his game under Quique Setien. The Portuguese defender is set to start at right-back and has proved that he is a reliable member of a Barcelona backline that was uncharacteristically sloppy last season.

The former Benfica man leaves a lot to be desired in the final third, but his defensive abilities make him the obvious choice over La Masia graduate Sergi Roberto. Earlier this summer, Semedo was linked with moves to Juventus and Manchester City, but those rumours have died down in recent weeks.

The 26-year-old is at the right age to establish himself as a key player in Barcelona's new project and is set to be a key player for Koeman.

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Centre-back: Gerard Pique

Gerard Pique is one of the leaders in the Barcelona squad

Gerard Pique is a modern-day Barcelona legend and is sure to carry on with the club for another season at least. The Spaniard, who retired from international football after the 2018 World Cup to prolong his club career, pulled no punches with his assessment of Barcelona's disastrous 2019-20 season.

After the club's embarrassing defeat against Bayern Munich, Pique admitted that the Catalans need fresh ideas and even offered to walk away from the club to make way for younger players. However, the fact of the matter is that the former Manchester United man is still the club's defender, while his leadership qualities are of paramount importance for a squad that lacks personality and fight.

The 33-year-old is expected to lead the Barcelona rearguard once again and still has a few years left in him before hanging up his boots.

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Centre-back: Clement Lenglet

Clement Lenglet is set to start alongside Pique

Clement Lenglet enjoyed a successful 2019-20 season on a personal level, as he established himself as Pique's partner at the heart of the defence. The Frenchman produced a string of reliable displays and pipped Samuel Umtiti to the spot, with the latter struggling with injuries and poor form in recent seasons.

The former Sevilla man is confident on the ball and complements Pique perfectly, while he has also proved his fitness over a prolonged period. Lenglet is also a regular for the French national team these days, where he has once again moved ahead of Umtiti in the pecking order.

The 25-year-old is expected to be chosen as Pique's partner for the forthcoming season, while Barcelona are also believed to be in the running for Manchester City's Eric Garcia to add more depth to their backline.

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Left-back: Jordi Alba

Jordi Alba will look to return to his best under Ronald Koeman

Jordi Alba's performances have dipped in recent seasons, but the Spaniard is still an excellent performer on his day and is expected to keep his spot at left-back for the time being. Known for his electric pace, linkup play and crossing ability, the diminutive defender has combined well with Lionel Messi from the left side over the years.

However, in the past 12 months, Alba's defensive frailties have been exposed several times and he seems to be approaching the twilight years of his Barcelona career. Due to a lack of competition in his position — with Junior Firpo not really setting the world on fire in his short Barcelona career so far — the former Valencia man is set to start the season for Barcelona.

The club have been linked with Valencia's Jose Gaya, but Koeman could have other areas of concern to address this summer.

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