The Camp Nou conundrum

A lot of work needed for Barcelona to get back to where they belong

Frank de BoerFrank is the second Dutch person from whom Barca must seek help. De Boer will be the best replacement for Tata Martino for four reasons. He has been a student of Johan Cruyff. He has played for Barcelona, thus he perfectly knows what is what. He has played with Xavi, Iniesta, Puyol and Valdes and thus the coach-player chemistry will tend to be good. He has defeated Barca twice with Ajax and thus basically, he will give Barca, a pressing mentality combined with Tiki-Taka – an enhanced version of what Guardiola provided.

Marc Andre Ter StegenProbably, the best decision made by Zubizarreta. He has been scouting Marc for the past one year and reports say that a deal has already been struck between Barcelona and Borussia Monchengladbach for 10 million euros. Marc is good on the ball with the feet which is an important part of Barca’s Tiki-Taka style and he has also proved that he’s a terrific keeper on many occasions.

Jordi MasipHe must be promoted from the B team where he doesn’t deserve to be. Oier must be sent back to the B team in return or must be loaned out to some La Liga team. Ter Stegen and Jordi Masip can form a partnership till the former grows familiar with the club and atmosphere of La Liga. Jordi Masip is a top keeper who Victor Valdes himself said once that he would love to see the homegrown Masip becoming his successor.

Patricio GabarronThe young B team right back was a part of the main team during the pre-season and it must be said that he was pretty good, showing off his worth. He would be a good addition to the squad if Dani Alves leaves. Martin Montoya can permanently seal the right back position for himself and Patric can be an effective second right back for the team.

Mats HummelsThe bulky German Centre Back has time and again proved why he is one of the best in the business. With Puyol leaving and a defensive midfielder occupying the spot, acquiring the services of the Borussia Dortmund Centre Back will be absolutely imperative for the club. And the fact that he is German will make both him and Ter Stegen feel important at the club. Furthermore, Hummels has always showcased excellent football against Real Mardrid. What more does Barca need?

Matheus Dória MacedoTwo Centre Backs are essential as effectively only two Center Backs will be there in the team in Pique and Bartra. The 6’2” Centre Back who plays for Botafogo in Brazil will be just the right fit at Barca because he is good with the ball in his feet. He is a passer which will suit the Barca style. Being just nineteen years of age, he can go on to guard the defense for a very long time in the club.

Rafinha AlcantaraThe quick footed ever bubbling younger brother of Thiago Alcantara will prove to be a quality long term replacement for Iniesta. He was loaned out to Celta Vigo during the 2013-14 season where he showed signs of absolute brilliance. Being just twenty one, he can provide some quality cover to the ageing Iniesta.

Gerard DeulofeuRegarded as one of the best players in his age group, Gerard was loaned out to Everton for the 2013-14 season. He needs to be brought back to provide the much required new dimension to the Barca attack which is showing no signs of creativity at the moment. Gerard’s ability to make defenders chase his shadows combined with exquisite passing makes him appear right on top of the wanted list in Barcelona.

Bojan KrkicThe Pacey attacker who was loaned out to several clubs owning to lack of space at the club has impressed in his latest spell with Ajax where he has been working with Frank De Boer and close attention from Johan Cruyff. He is desperate to make a comeback in Camp Nou. Lionel Messi will be 27 next year and Bojan will be a very good substitute for Messi, whose game time is expected to dip next season. Bringing in Bojan will also prevent the usage of Fabregas in the false 9 position.

Special Mentions/Reminders:

Josep Fabrice OndoaThe Cameroonian international was inducted into the La Masia from the Samuel Eto’o academy in Cameroon. He is regarded as one of the best goalkeeping prospects in the youth leagues and has been impressing hands down, at various competitions. So the question is, should Barca go a short term prospect or a long term prospect?
Denis SuarezDenis was signed by Barca from Manchester City during the 2013-14 season. As per the signing, a clause says that he must be promoted to the first team after spending one year in the B team. If he too gets promoted, Barca must consider loaning out Sergi Roberto.
Sergi SamperThe 19 year old B team wonder-kid has been a revelation. Widely regarded as the next Busquets, the diminutive defensive mid-fielder is having a solid season with the B team. Samper is a long term replacement for Sergio Busquets and until he gains some experience, Mascherano can provide cover to Busquets.

If all these changes are made, a good twenty three member squad can be formulated and put to work slowly and steadily. The squad will read:

GOALKEEPERS: Marc Andre Ter Stegen, Jordi Masip

DEFENDERS: Martin Montoya, Patric Gabarron, Gerard Pique, Marc Bartra, Mats Hummels, Doria, Jordi Alba, Adriano Correia

MIDFIELDERS: Xavi Hernandez Cesc Fabregas, Sergi Roberto, Andres Iniesta, Rafinha Alcantara, Sergio Busquets, Javier Mascherano

FORWARDS: Alexis Sanchez, Pedro Rodriguez, Gerard Deulofeu, Neymar Jr, Lionel Messi, Bojan Krkic

COACH: Frank De Boer

The sad part is, there is a transfer ban on Barca that FIFA has imposed, for inducting players less than 18 years of age. Only if a proper valid appeal is made will the ban be lifted and all these changes (transfers) can be made possible. If not, it is safe to say that Barca’s form will further worsen in the coming year.