Winning the treble might be hard, but what follows is even harder. You not only have to maintain what you achieved, but as unlikely as it sounds also try to improve where possible. This is why Barcelona and Pep Guardiola will have a tough summer ahead of them in terms of signing players. So I’ll just give my opinion on the changes I think would be suitable to improve the squad.
First of all it’s an almost certainty that Samuel Eto’o will leave the club this summer. His destination is still unknown, but he’ll likely be residing Manchester or Milan next season. City is the likeliest of destinations, but there are also rumors linking him with United, Milan, and Inter. So basically a striker will be needed, it’s an easy choice for most people as only one name comes to mind: David Villa. One of the top strikers in the world currently, settled and proven in Spain, with Valencia willing to sell, and Madrid having ended their pursuit of him. So there’s nothing left except for Eto’o to leave to make way for El Guaje.
Now the weakest spot in Barca’s attack (although it’s difficult to call it weak given their amazing goals tally last season) was Henry, he was great for sure, but at 31 his best years are behind him and I think his form in the previous campaign is probably the best he will ever offer to Barca. Another name that is no longer linked with the Galacticos is Franck Ribery. There is hardly a better winger in the market than the Frenchman, at 26 he’s just what Barca are looking for: talent, speed, technique, and experience. Just imagine an attack with Ribery on the left, Villa in the center, and Messi on the right. With such players Barcelona would definitely have something capable of rivaling the Real Madrid trio of Kaka, Ronaldo and Benzema.
We all know how Hleb failed last season. He couldn’t settle after his move from Arsenal and it’s quite likely that he will want to leave, and Barca would want him to leave as well. Bayern are reported to be interested, so he could be included in the deal that would see Ribery come to the Blaugrana. Another name on the way out is the Icelandic Eidur Gudjohnsen. The former Chelsea forward is surplus to requirements at the club and is reported to be seeking first team football which some clubs in England might be willing to offer him. So, if Hleb and Gudjohnsen leave, Barca will certainly need an understudy for Iniesta, a player with an attacking flair. No one better springs to my mind other than the player who Arsenal signed to replace Hleb, Andrei Arshavin. Linked with Barcelona all the time, has the talent and mentality to do well. Could be used as the super sub, the role that Pep intended for Hleb last season; he’d add something new to the Barca attack and could certainly cause trouble to any defense. However, unless the Russian really wants to cause unrest by forcing a move away from the Emirates, he’ll remain in North London next season.
Once the attack has been taken care of, it will be time to reinforce the defence, one area where one can see room for improvement for the treble winning side. Regular left back Abidal is good defensively but average going forward. He’s not bad but to be the best you only have to keep on improving, and that’s what Barca have to do. Ashley Cole would be a decent addition in my opinion, he’s better than other names in the market like Riise and Aly Cissokho, and he’s been linked with Barca. Has great experience and could fly all down the left wing the same way Dani Alves does it on the right side.
The only spot left is the center back, if Milito and Marquez return, along with Puyol, Pique and Cáceres, and they all stay fit, I don’t see a need to buy or sell any center back. Things are fine as they are, at least the way I see it.
So basically my theory is:
In:
Villa
Ribery
Arshavin
Ashley Cole
Out:
Eto’o
Hleb
Gudjohnsen
Silvinho already left
Some might think I’m asking too much spending, as Barcelona is already a fine squad as it is. But I think to improve on the ‘treble’ they have to spend big, and with a squad like this they can realistically win 6 tournaments, which is the only feasible thing for them to aim for after such a terrific year.
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