Aubameyang, Ferran & Traore in: How Barcelona will line up
Carlo Garganese
- Updated: 23 May 2023 08:55 CDT
- 3 min read
Barcelona completed the signings of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ferran Torres and Adama Trarore in the January transfer window.
The Blaugrana had been on the lookout for additions all month, with Champions League qualification vital for the club's long-term future.
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La Blaugrana's key focus was on improving head coach Xavi's attacking options, with Juventus' Alvaro Morata the number one target for the striker position.
However, when it became clear that signing the Spaniard was impossible due to the difficulty of negotiating with both Juventus and Atletico Madrid, Barca turned their attention to Aubameyang instead.
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The former Arsenal man became Barca’s third signing of January, on deadline day, following on from the €65million buy of Ferran Torres from Manchester City and the loan purchase of Adama Traore from Wolves.
This suddenly gives Xavi a plethora of options to choose from in attack as he plans to not only take Barcelona back to the glory days but, more importantly for now, ensure they qualify for Europe's elite competition next season.
So how will Barcelona line up with Aubameyang, Ferran and Traore?
Barcelona probable XI with Aubameyang
Marc-Andre ter Stegen will start in goal in behind a likely back four of Dani Alves, Ronald Araujo, Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba.
Alves was recently brought back to the club after a few years away to bring some much-needed experience to the squad.
He may be 38, but he was brought back for a reason and will be chosen ahead of Sergino Dest in the right-back spot.
The midfield is where Xavi actually does have decent options, with Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Nico, Sergio Busquets, Pedri and Riqui Puig all available.
De Jong, Busquets and Pedri are first choice when all fit for now but Gavi will certainly challenge the Dutchman in the right centre midfield role.
Barcelona’s attack has been a big problem this season but Xavi is now blessed with an abundance of options.
The preferred trident in the 4-3-3 will probably be Ferran Torres on the right, Ansu Fati on the left and Aubameyang through the middle.
But with Fati suffering from injury, Ferran could be switched to the left and Adama Traore on the right.
As Ousmane Dembele wasn't released as had been rumoured, he could return to the fold on either side.
Then, of course, there is forgotten man Memphis Depay – not to mention Luuk De Jong, Martin Braithwaite and youngster Abdessamad Ezzalzouli.
It won’t be easy for Xavi to find his strongest trio but with Aubameyang he now does possess a natural striker who can score goals.
