How Barcelona could line up with Jules Kounde v Valladolid
James Shearman
- 26 Aug 2022 18:25 BST
- 3 min read
Barcelona have been one of the main players in the transfer window, with the Camp Nou side enjoying an incredible summer in which they have defied critics to make a string of impressive signings.
Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie arrived at the club on free transfers before upwards of €150 million was splashed out on Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Jules Kounde in quick succession.
There may be more to come, too. Barcelona are still interested in signing Marcos Alonso from Chelsea and Bernardo Silva from Manchester City.
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A surprise to many, Barca were able to register four of their new signings plus Ousmane Dembele and Sergi Roberto, who signed new contracts in the summer, for the La Liga opener against Rayo Vallecano.
Jules Kounde was the unfortunate one to miss out, but he could make his Barca debut this weekend against Vallaldolid.
How Barcelona could line up with Jules Kounde
As it stands, then, this is how they are likely to line up when at full strength, with a 4-3-3 Xavi’s preferred formation in the build up to the 2022/23 campaign.
Lewandowski, of course, will lead the line. Ousmane Dembele and Raphinha look good bets to flank him, with both in impressive form during the pre-season period, although Ansu Fati will surely come into the conversation when up to full speed after missing so much of last season.
As it stands, the midfield is likely to be anchored by Sergio Busquets, but he faces stern competition from Kessie, who will stake a major claim for the spot when he gets up to full fitness.
Flanking him will be Gavi and Pedri, although Bernardo Silva will necessarily come into the rotation should he arrive from City. Meanwhile, there is no room for Frenkie de Jong, who has also been used as a centre-back in pre-season.
Jules Kounde and Christensen are liable to start at centre-back this season, with Gerard Pique, Ronald Araujo and Eric Garcia acting as back-up options, while Sergi Roberto, Araujo and Sergino Dest are set to battle over the right-back berth. Veteran Jordi Alba will start on the left.
