Barcelona vs. Real Madrid: Grading Both Teams' Squads Ahead of the New Season

Barcelona and Real Madrid have combined for very little action during this summer's transfer window. Arguably, neither side needs major surgery, and both squads are well-placed to launch another attack on the La Liga crown.

Barcelona have addressed a potentially problematic area of the pitch via the signing of Jordi Alba.

The health concerns over Eric Abidal and the departure of Maxwell to PSG has left the Catalans in need of further depth at left-back this season.

Alba was nothing short of excellent throughout the Euros, capping his and his team's championship-winning performance with a wonderfully taken goal in the final.

The youngster, a product of the Barcelona youth academy, looks to be the complete attacking package for his new side. His defending may not be as glowing as his attacking prowess, but Barcelona's strength is in their ability to keep the ball in the opposition half.

Alba may only be one player, one who admittedly doesn't have much experience playing in high-pressure games, but he has given something new to Barcelona's attack.

The former Valencia attacker is filled with vitality and desire. His game almost mirrors the style of Dani Alves on the opposite flank, and his rapport with Andres Iniesta was extremely telling during their summer duty with Spain.

The return of David Villa will also be a huge boost to Barcelona, who greatly missed his exploits in front of goal last season.

The burden will be eased off Lionel Messi to produce, and Villa's experience will also be a plus for players like Cristian Tello.

There's not too much that Barcelona need in order to be considered the best once again. Depth is hardly an issue considering their wealth of talent from La Masia. But a problem is experience, where the centre-back position has missed the consistent presence of Carles Puyol over the season.

An experienced figure in the defence is needed, and the club should not have to rely on Javier Mascherano and Sergio Busquets to fill in. It works, but it's not ideal. Gifting Gerard Pique a permanent centre-back partner for the duration of the season will be a great lift for both he and the team.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, are also looking to ignite the engines once again. The club are attempting to boost their midfield options via the acquisition of Luka Modric,a transfer that will be a positive for the squad, but one where the club's expenditure for the summer will take a real hit.

Disappointingly, Kaka seems to be on his way out. The Brazilian has struggled in recent seasons at the Bernabeu, but his talent and ability still has a place at the club. There are not too many clubs who'd be willing to part with a former Ballon d'Or winner.

Like Barcelona, Madrid could also use another body in the defence.

Sergio Ramos' move to centre-back means there is room at right-back, where Alvaro Arbeloa does a job for the side. And while hardly as flashy or as talented as his team-mates, he offers a steady reliability in Ramos' old position.

But depth is needed, and the club were perhaps foolish to let Daniel Carvajal go to Bayer Leverkusen this summer.

A criticism of Real Madrid is that they do not make as much use of their youth academy as their rivals to the north do. But opting to promote Carvajal instead of letting him go would have been a step in the right position.

Buying a galaxy of stars is great, but there is equal satisfaction in seeing the products of the youth system do well.

As for the rest of the squad, there is certainly no concern over the attacking options. Comfortably the best in the league, there's nothing stopping Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain reaching triple scoring figures between them again.

Real Madrid may be going into this season with a little more confidence than Barcelona. The defending champions know it can be done, and the hurdle preventing them from reaching the La Liga title against this Barcelona side has now been overcome.

Confidence combined with ability from both sides should equate to an exciting title race, and both squads are in fantastic shape.

Barcelona grade: A-

They'll be sitting even more comfortable if they can bring in another centre-back. But for now, they are a little short in that position.

Real Madrid grade: A

Not quite an "A+" as Real Madrid are light in certain areas. However the quality throughout the side will more than compensate.