Few days remain between now and the fateful clash between FC Barcelona and PSG over in Paris. The Catalan giants, in the hunt for Champions League glory, wait to face their Ligue 1 opponents. However, the grand encounter between Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain has its complications.
Most of these complications are going to be troublesome for Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez. The Spaniard will have much of his squad healthy and fit to face PSG, and the inclusion of Frenkie De Jong has become quite likely. However, it is precisely due to the Dutchman’s return that the Barcelona coach has a massive dilemma.
As highlighted by SPORT, De Jong’s return would now force Xavi to make a huge bet in his midfield. Expected to be fully fit by the game, and having already trained with his teammates ahead of the match, the Barcelona star is a massive asset for Xavi and was considered practically untouchable before he got injured.
However, others have also risen to the occasion in his absence. Both Sergi Roberto and Fermin Lopez showcased their individual brilliance and showed what exactly they provided to Barcelona. The verticality, directness, control, and explosiveness they offered became a savior of sorts for Barcelona in key encounters.
In terms of what the final midfield could look like, there are already certain guarantees. Ilkay Gundogan, a veteran of the Champions League and Xavi’s commander in the midfield, is basically immovable. Alongside him, as the pivot, Andreas Christensen could return to take back his experimental role.
That leaves the final place in the midfield up for grabs. Both Roberto and Lopez may feel like they have earned a spot, and De Jong’s quality is already unquestionable. While SPORT claims Roberto has a bit of an edge over his fellow Spaniard, De Jong’s presence makes the final decision all the more difficult.
Other areas of the field also seem to be more or less settled for Barcelona. The defense already seems sorted with the likes of Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Ronald Araujo, and Joao Cancelo ready to take their places.
Even the attack, with Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, and possibly Raphinha, seems like a defined unit. It is perhaps only the midfield where the biggest question marks arise.
