Pique and Busquets gone: How Barcelona could line up without their four captains
Karan Tejwani
- 21 Oct 2022 17:40 BST
- 3 min read
Barcelona are planning for the future and have stepped up preparations for next season, although there will be four big names missing from the squad.
The Blaugrana are focusing on the future without their four captains: Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique, Sergi Roberto and Jordi Alba.
All four are expected to leave the club soon: Busquets has been linked with a move to Inter Miami; Pique isn’t in the best ranking at the club, while Alba was linked with a summer exit, and that may finally happen next year.
READ: Barcelona set to pay Pique more than €40m during 2023/24 season
Although Xavi reportedly admires Roberto’s versatility, it’s believed that Barcelona still want to sign players to make up for it in the long run and that may force his exit too. So, how could they line up without them?
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How could Barcelona line up?
Marc-Andre ter Stegen is expected to carry on, with his impressive form this season widely recognised, and he could well be club captain given he’ll be the longest-serving player in the squad.
In defence, Hector Bellerin could take up the right-back slot, with Roberto gone, and until a new player is signed, he’ll be claiming that position.
READ: Messi, Suarez and Busquets to recreate Barcelona dream team?
At the back, Jules Kounde will carry on, having signed earlier this year from Sevilla while Ronald Araujo is admired and he is currently missed because of his injury issues.
At left-back, Marcos Alonso will take the position as the number one choice, with Alejandro Balde there to deputize when needed for Xavi’s side.
🚨🚨| FC Barcelona have already asked Gerard Piqué to leave the club as soon as possible.@ferrancorreas [🎖️]
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) October 21, 2022
In midfield, Frenkie de Jong has been playing in the holding role, and is seen as Busquets’ successor, but the club are still eyeing other alternatives, including Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi.
In front of him, youngsters Pedri and Gavi will be available, while other players such as Franck Kessie are there to help out and Nico will return from loan.
In attack, Barcelona have a variety of choices to accompany Robert Lewandowski, who will continue being the centre-forward.
The likes of Raphinha, Ousmane Dembele, Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres are all available to help out on the wing, completing the side.
All of this could well change between now and next summer given there are two transfer windows for Barcelona to make changes.
