"Most criticism towards Hansi Flick has centered around a lack of a plan B, which has become important given the injury bug that has struck the team. To be fair, however, his plan A has never had the chance to materialize. Until now. When Raphinha, Pedri, and Joan García make it back into the fold, Flick will have almost every option at his disposal, with the exception of Gavi who seemed to be on the outside looking in over the summer."
"If you had asked which is Barcelona's best team over the summer, it would have looked a lot like the one who won La Liga a year ago, except with Joan García in goal, and a question mark about how to replace Iñigo Martínez. At the moment, the only thing that seems locked down is that Pedri and Frenkie de Jong will be the double pivot pairing. On the backline, there are questions about the form and fitness of Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde."
"For now, Balde is the one who seems like a lock for the biggest games, but it is also clear that he needs rest in order to avoid an injury relapse. Pau Cubarsí hasn't had his best season, but he will continue to be the first choice center back. After that, you have Ronald Araujo, Eric Garcia, and Jules Kounde competing for the final two spots on the backline."
Barcelona faces early-season challenges but optimism grows as Raphinha, Pedri, and Joan García near returns, coinciding with a home match at the Camp Nou. Injuries prevented Hansi Flick's preferred setup from being used, producing criticism about a lack of alternatives. Pedri and Frenkie de Jong appear set as the double pivot. Defensive questions persist regarding Alejandro Balde's fitness and Jules Kounde's form, while Eric Garcia offers versatility across full-back and center roles. Pau Cubarsí remains first-choice center back, with Ronald Araujo, Eric Garcia, and Kounde competing for the remaining defensive spots.
Read at Barca Blaugranes
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