After the summer market closed its doors, FC Barcelona still has some folders to resolve within the squad. Aubameyang’s departure to Chelsea has left a void behind Robert Lewandowskisince it was the Gabonese who was emerging as his replacement of guarantees following the good feelings he left last year.
That is why Xavi Hernández will have to resort to the depth of his ‘new’ squad to replace him. The one best suited to play the role is Memphis Depayalthough in the past he has already shown poor performance when he plays as a reference in the area, which might lead him to act on the wings and give up the position to other teammates.
The other two firm candidates would be Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres. Both remain in the coach’s rotation in the face of the good start that both Ousmane Dembélé and Raphinha have had, which considerably reduces their minutes in the starting lineup. Ansu has a nose for goalscorer and would have to start training as a ‘9’ for his adaptation to be complete during the seasonwhile the Valencian has already played that role under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
an escape route
Barcelona has played in the past with a false ‘9’, that it would be nothing more than a footballer oblivious to the position that in certain bars ends up inside the area finishing the attacking plays. Lionel Messiwho worked on the left flank, has fulfilled this function perfectly with Guardiola, while Cesc Fàbregas has also done it correctly from midfield.
So much Gavi like Pedri might be included in this type of dynamic, reaching the area with the complicity of the wingers to finish off the goal in case Lewandowski is not available. In any case, It would be an alternative if the Pole becomes absent during the campaignsomething that seems complicated due to his good history with injuries.
