Right now, Xavi has ten players to select from for each of his three starting positions. Lewandowski, Aubamayang, Braithwaite, Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres, Memphis Depay, Dembele, Raphina, Abde, and Collado are the names of these players.
The ST Player:
If Xavi has demonstrated anything, it's that Braithwaite is not in his plans. The Danish striker won't participate in another match for the Blaugrana while Xavi is manager, even if he stays a member of Barcelona when the transfer market closes.
Mephis was tested as a striker, but it is obvious that this isn't where he feels most at home. The most likely scenario for Memphis is an exit,
if he stays, Xavi will likely use him as a left winger. Another unlikely scenario is that we see Fati utilized in this position. It is definitely a scenario that has been talked about, and personally, I would be curious to test it out, as Fati could be a long term solution as opposed to Lewandowski. It could happen towards the end of the season, or during some Copa del Rey matches, but for the most part, expect to see Fati on the left wing.
Could Happen:Aubamayang played well in his first six months as a Barcelona player. Lewandowski has yet to adapt to Barcelona's style of play, while Aubamayang has already had six months to do so. As long as the goals keep coming, I don't see why Aubamayang couldn't keep his spot in the starting eleven.
Most Likely Scenario: Barcelona just signed a world class striker in Lewandowski, and it's hard to imagine Xavi using him as a bench warmer. As long as he stays fit and in form, no one in the current squad stands a chance at taking the starting spot away from him.
Who will play LW?
Unlikely: While if he stays Xavi will count on him, all signs point to the fact that Memphis will leave before the transfer window closes. If he stays it will be hard to imagine him getting much game time, if any, as Dembele, Ferran, and Fati are all above him in the pecking order.
Could Happen: While Dembele feels more comfortable on the right wing, Raphinha's arrival could see the Frenchman move to the left wing to accommodate both players. Dembele plays well with both feet, so this wouldn't be beyond the realm of possibilities. Ferran had a shaky first six months; his finishing was poor, but his positioning and passing were second to none. If his finishing improved over the break, Ferran will be a deadly asset to have on the left wing. Xavi clearly trusts the winger, so even if the player isn't an undisputed starter, he will at least be regularly rotated.
Most Likely Scenario: A product of la masia, and Barcelona's newest #10, Fati will most likely start on the left wing. If the player returns with the same form prior to his injury and remains fit, it will be hard to imagine Xavi handing the starting spot to anyone else. However, it is expected that the spot will be partially shared with Ferran, who will sub in on a rotational basis.
Who will play RW?
Unlikely: Both Collado and Abde have alot of talent, but there is no denying that next season Barcelona will have a stacked attack. That being said, the duo is likely to leave on loan, and if they stay, Xavi will likely give them minimal playing time. Ferran can also play on the right, but Barcelona have extended Dembele's contract and signed Raphinha, two top quality right wingers. We can expect Ferran to play most of his matches on the left wing.
Could Happen:Raphinha may just surprise everyone and seal the starting spot right from under everyone's nose. If the Brazilian hits the ground ground running at the Camp Nou, Xavi might just have to hand him the starting spot on the right wing. Plus, Laporte recently revealed that it was Xavi who did the most to make sure Raphinha ended up in Blaugrana colors.
Most Likely Scenario: Having renewed for two more seasons, and already familiar with Xavi Ball, it will most likely be Dembele who claims the starting spot on the right wing. Dembele was La Liga's assist leader last season with Aubamayang as our striker. Swap Aubamayang for Lewandowski who is a much deadlier finisher, and Dembele might have as many assists as Lewandowski has goals. However, Raphinha didn't sign for the Blaugrana to be a bench warmer, so you can expect him to be regularly rotated with the Frenchman on the right wing.
Conclusion:
If everyone remains healthy and in form, I could only imagine that Robert Lewandowski, Ansu Fati, and Dembele will be our starting attacking trident in the 2022/2023 season. Raphinha and Ferran will likely be regularly rotated into the squad, while Aubamayang may see his minutes heavily reduced. Everything points to Braithwaite and Memphis leaving on permanent deals, while Collado and Abde will be sent out on loan. But the season is long, everyone will be fighting for minutes, and surprises may still yet happen. Xavi has alot of options up front, and I for one, am excited to see how he'll use them.
Three Up Front for Barcelona
Right now, Xavi has ten players to select from for each of his three starting positions. Lewandowski, Aubamayang, Braithwaite, Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres, Memphis Depay, Dembele, Raphina, Abde, and Collado are the names of these players.
The ST Player:
If Xavi has demonstrated anything, it's that Braithwaite is not in his plans. The Danish striker won't participate in another match for the Blaugrana while Xavi is manager, even if he stays a member of Barcelona when the transfer market closes.
Mephis was tested as a striker, but it is obvious that this isn't where he feels most at home. The most likely scenario for Memphis is an exit,
if he stays, Xavi will likely use him as a left winger. Another unlikely scenario is that we see Fati utilized in this position. It is definitely a scenario that has been talked about, and personally, I would be curious to test it out, as Fati could be a long term solution as opposed to Lewandowski. It could happen towards the end of the season, or during some Copa del Rey matches, but for the most part, expect to see Fati on the left wing.
Could Happen: Aubamayang played well in his first six months as a Barcelona player. Lewandowski has yet to adapt to Barcelona's style of play, while Aubamayang has already had six months to do so. As long as the goals keep coming, I don't see why Aubamayang couldn't keep his spot in the starting eleven.
Most Likely Scenario: Barcelona just signed a world class striker in Lewandowski, and it's hard to imagine Xavi using him as a bench warmer. As long as he stays fit and in form, no one in the current squad stands a chance at taking the starting spot away from him.
Who will play LW?
Unlikely: While if he stays Xavi will count on him, all signs point to the fact that Memphis will leave before the transfer window closes. If he stays it will be hard to imagine him getting much game time, if any, as Dembele, Ferran, and Fati are all above him in the pecking order.
Could Happen: While Dembele feels more comfortable on the right wing, Raphinha's arrival could see the Frenchman move to the left wing to accommodate both players. Dembele plays well with both feet, so this wouldn't be beyond the realm of possibilities. Ferran had a shaky first six months; his finishing was poor, but his positioning and passing were second to none. If his finishing improved over the break, Ferran will be a deadly asset to have on the left wing. Xavi clearly trusts the winger, so even if the player isn't an undisputed starter, he will at least be regularly rotated.
Most Likely Scenario: A product of la masia, and Barcelona's newest #10, Fati will most likely start on the left wing. If the player returns with the same form prior to his injury and remains fit, it will be hard to imagine Xavi handing the starting spot to anyone else. However, it is expected that the spot will be partially shared with Ferran, who will sub in on a rotational basis.
Who will play RW?
Unlikely: Both Collado and Abde have alot of talent, but there is no denying that next season Barcelona will have a stacked attack. That being said, the duo is likely to leave on loan, and if they stay, Xavi will likely give them minimal playing time. Ferran can also play on the right, but Barcelona have extended Dembele's contract and signed Raphinha, two top quality right wingers. We can expect Ferran to play most of his matches on the left wing.
Could Happen: Raphinha may just surprise everyone and seal the starting spot right from under everyone's nose. If the Brazilian hits the ground ground running at the Camp Nou, Xavi might just have to hand him the starting spot on the right wing. Plus, Laporte recently revealed that it was Xavi who did the most to make sure Raphinha ended up in Blaugrana colors.
Most Likely Scenario: Having renewed for two more seasons, and already familiar with Xavi Ball, it will most likely be Dembele who claims the starting spot on the right wing. Dembele was La Liga's assist leader last season with Aubamayang as our striker. Swap Aubamayang for Lewandowski who is a much deadlier finisher, and Dembele might have as many assists as Lewandowski has goals. However, Raphinha didn't sign for the Blaugrana to be a bench warmer, so you can expect him to be regularly rotated with the Frenchman on the right wing.
Conclusion:
If everyone remains healthy and in form, I could only imagine that Robert Lewandowski, Ansu Fati, and Dembele will be our starting attacking trident in the 2022/2023 season. Raphinha and Ferran will likely be regularly rotated into the squad, while Aubamayang may see his minutes heavily reduced. Everything points to Braithwaite and Memphis leaving on permanent deals, while Collado and Abde will be sent out on loan. But the season is long, everyone will be fighting for minutes, and surprises may still yet happen. Xavi has alot of options up front, and I for one, am excited to see how he'll use them.
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