World Cup 2018: 3 stars at the mundial Barcelona should target

Barcelona are one of two giants of Spanish football. They hold the record jointly with Real Madrid and Athletico Bilbao of never getting relegated from the top division. Having won 25 La Liga titles, 30 Copa del Rey and 5 UEFA Champions League titles, Barcelona are truly a dominant side in Europe.

Barcelona were quite strong last season as they won the La Liga and Copa del Rey titles. They surpassed Real Sociedad's record of 38 games unbeaten, by beating Valencia 2-1.

The only disappointment for Barcelona last season was their exit from the Champions League at the hands of Roma in a dramatic 4-4 defeat on away goals. This was probably one of the most humiliating defeats for Barcelona.

Despite having a strong squad, Barcelona needs to look for players who will make them invincible and would enable them win the Champions League next year. Let us look at 3 World Cup stars Barcelona should look to sign.

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#3 Xherdan Shaqiri

Shaqiri - powerful left foot

Shaqiri is one of the most talented wingers at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Being a shrewd campaigner, he has got good pace, agility and is an excellent dribbler. Having played two Euros and the 2014 World Cup, Shaqiri is one of the most experienced players for Switzerland at a young of 26.

Having represented Switzerland in 72 matches and scored 21 goals for them, Shaqiri played quite well in Switzerland's opening World Cup fixture against Brazil. Against Serbia, Shaqiri scored the winner by making a great run behind the Serbian defense from the center of the ground and finishing with a cool head in a one-on-one situation with the Serbian goalkeeper.

He will fit perfectly in the Barcelona set up. His pace, long-range shooting, match awareness and versatility will provide Barcelona the perfect replacement for the departing Paco Alcacer. It is widely rumored that Barcelona will successfully pay his £12 million release clause.

All stats via transfermarkt

#2 Sergej Milinkovic-Savic

Savic - much sought after

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is a young talented midfielder who has played well in the first two games for Serbia at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Being physically strong, he has got good height, good passing ability and has the ability to shield the ball from the opponents till his teammates join the attack.

Being the playmaker for his club Lazio, Savic will be the perfect replacement for Andreas Iniesta. Having got the ability to control possession, his physical abilities will prove to be an asset for a side like Barcelona who haven't got those many physically gifted players in their side.

Having got 12 goals in the Serie A last season, Lazio will demand something in the region of at least €100 million as he is contracted to them until 2022.

#1 Hirving Lozano

Lozano - one to look out for

Hirving Lozano is probably the best brightest young talent to watch out for at the World Cup. His pace, stamina, match awareness and cool finishing against Germany astonished the whole world. Such great abilities at a young age of 22 are mesmerizing to watch.

Having scored the goal which guaranteed his side victory against Germany, Lozano was also instrumental in providing an assist for Javier Hernandez for the second Mexican goal against South Korea. His string of excellent performances has caught the eye of elite clubs in Europe.

Barcelona should look to sign him so as to deploy him on the left wing or the right. Having bought Dembele for an expensive fee for €105 million, he didn't live up to his expectations in his first season due to injury and was kept on the bench. Lozano will be the perfect cover for him as well as probably become the much awaited replacement for Neymar.