Barcelona Player-by-Player Guide to Their 2015/16 Liga Squad
Barcelona haven't come back from their holidays in quite the form of the end of their last campaign.
Manager Luis Enrique has certainly learned much about the squad during a pretty disastrous pre-season.
That it hasn't gone as well as perhaps might've been expected at least gives the technical team something to work with and hands the squad a massive wake-up call right at the very beginning of the La Liga season.
It might even end up being the best thing to have happened to them in the long run.
After some abysmal team performances, it will be interesting to see if Enrique begins his second season as manager the same way he started his first. Rotations arguably won Barca the treble last season with everyone fresh at the business end.
Let's take a look at the players who will make up Barca's squad in 2015/16.
Notable Mentions
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With the early stages of the Copa Del Rey being played before Christmas because of Barca's participation in the Club World Cup, it affords some of the Barca B players who aren't sent out on loan the opportunity to get some minutes under their belts.
Sergi Samper has already made his mark at senior level along with Alex Grimaldo. Both should see a significant upgrade in minutes when possible.
The reason? From a developmental perspective, playing in the third tier of Spanish football does both players and the club no good whatsoever.
Furthermore, it's about time the Catalans started bringing through their youngsters again. Sergio Busquets, who came up in 2008, is the last graduate of La Masia to make a lasting impression in the first team.
Samper, at present, is no Busquets. But he never will be if he's not allowed the chance.
Claudio Bravo
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What a year it's been for Claudio Bravo.
He was a treble winner with Barca and a Copa America winner with Chile, winning a penalty shoot out against Lionel Messi's Argentina.
Bravo has been composed and commanding throughout.
He's behind Marc-Andre ter Stegen in the fitness stakes, especially as the German returned 11 days early to get a head start on a player who normally holds the gloves for La Liga games.
With eight goals conceded in two Super Cup games, Enrique's decision on who will be his No. 1 has been made a little easier, and it'll be a surprise if the status quo from last season doesn't therefore remain.
That said, Bravo will have only been back in training for just under three weeks before Barca face Athletic Bilbao for the first time in the league.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen
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Let's be clear: Marc-Andre ter Stegen played a full part in bringing the treble to Barcelona last season.
Ten clean sheets from the games in which he was selected were on par with Bravo's 23, the latter playing almost double the young German's 1800 minutes.
But the signing from Borussia Monchengladbach needs to show a little more if he wants to be considered the No. 1 choice in all competitions by Enrique.
Good distribution, a commanding presence and a safe pair of hands are all attributes that are to his advantage.
However, as has shown in both Super Cup games, his decision-making is a feature that is letting him down at present.
Training hard is all well and good, but when the pressure's on, Ter Stegen has to deliver.
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Douglas
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Douglas played the equivalent of a couple of games during the 2014/15 campaign yet ended up as a treble winner.
In fairness to the player, he has tried his best when given the opportunity but has never looked Barcelona class.
His transfer remains a mystery given that, at the time, both Dani Alves and Martin Montoya were already at the club.
Perhaps with Alves' old contract entering its latter stages, Barca wanted to safeguard themselves, but there have to have been better quality right-backs on the market, surely?
In any event, after sustaining an injury against Chelsea in this pre-season, per FCBarcelona.com, the player won't see any action at all until at least September.
By the time he has reached peak fitness, Aleix Vidal should be ready to be unleashed.
It therefore wouldn't be a surprise to see Douglas transferred in the next window.
Gerard Pique
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He has looked a little leggy in pre-season, but there is no doubting that Gerard Pique is back to his best and is another who was a major factor in Barca's recent successes.
When someone needed to take responsibility, Pique stepped up and out of the shadows of Carles Puyol.
Only twice during the whole of last season did Barca concede from set plays, per Marca, a marked improvement on seasons past.
Much of the credit for that must fall at Pique's door given that he was partnered on the most occasions by Javier Mascherano, a player not noted for his aerial ability.
In fact, once an early-season tete-a-tete with Enrique had been forgotten about, Pique emerged to great effect and with great credit.
Both central defensive understudies have hardly covered themselves in glory since the International Champions Cup, so Pique's fitness and form are a prerequisite for another sterling start to the campaign.
Ivan Rakitic
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The signing of last summer.
Long before Xavi Hernandez had finally hung up his boots, Ivan Rakitic had won over a steady stream of admirers.
His acquisition had meant that Barca were going to be playing a little differently than over the previous few seasons, with the team no longer dancing to Xavi's tune.
If the conductor was leaving centre stage, whoever came in needed to be a replacement of the highest quality. Rakitic was that player—and a bargain, too.
Often running from deep, the Croatian had the knack of always being in the right place at the right time—supporting the attack with aplomb one minute, helping out defensively the next.
The best example of this came in the second leg of the Champions League game against Manchester City.
Rakitic was defending on the edge of his own box as the Citizens mounted an attack. Thirty seconds later, he was on the end of an exquisite Lionel Messi pass to score.
Another to open the Champions League final against Juventus was evidence of his ability to find space in even the tightest of situations.
He is the embodiment of the modern-day midfielder.
Sergio Busquets
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"The Snowplough," per Sid Lowe of the Guardian, is how Xavi Hernandez affectionately referred to his midfield colleague Sergio Busquets.
As reliable as ever, Busquets remains the go-to midfielder in even the tightest of situations.
He possesses that wonderful quality of understated excellence which is in evidence week-in and week-out, and his nous in the defensive midfield role is arguably what provides the platform for the more attack-minded team members to go about their business.
So well does he undertake his duties that he can often go unnoticed when in situ, but boy is he missed when he isn't playing.
The last graduate from La Masia to make an impression at first-team level, others have tried resolutely but failed to dislodge him from his position.
Still only 27, that Busi's best years might still be ahead of him must be a concern to opposition managers and players alike.
Gold standard.
Dani Alves
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As can be seen in the photo above, Dani Alves remains the joker in the pack—the clown.
But not in a footballing sense.
The right-back clearly takes his role very seriously, and though he came mightily close to leaving the club, the fact he opted to stay at the 11th hour is a real fillip for Enrique and the supporters.
When Aleix Vidal is ready to play in January, however, Alves' position could be under genuine threat.
But the Brazilian, for all of his faults, remains a consummate wing-back for the Barca style, and if he is playing at anywhere near the level that he played at during the second half of last season, then it's Vidal's place in the starting XI that is far from assured.
He has been easily beaten down that right side at times during pre-season, which could be a concern for Enrique, but with no other viable options at this stage, Alves can rest easy.
Pedro Rodriguez
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Pedro Rodriguez remains a Barcelona player—for now.
His goal against Sevilla and the muted celebrations thereafter gave rise to many thinking it was a parting gift from the player, but according to Jamie Jackson of the Guardian, he is now considering staying at the club.
Clearly, when everyone is fit, Pedro remains a bit-part player, which for someone of his talent is a waste. It's therefore perfectly understandable why he would want to move on.
Should Barcelona be doing more to keep him? Arguably yes.
He won the club it's fourth title of the year and was a whisker away from perhaps changing the course of the Spanish Super Cup against Athletic Bilbao.
He's certainly looked as lively as always when called up, and that kind of work ethic, especially when you're perceived to be a reserve, is hard to come by.
Andres Iniesta
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El Capitan. El Illusionista. Call him whatever you like.
Andres Iniesta remains one of the main cogs to oil the wheels in this Barcelona side.
Despite not being quite as prolific as seasons past, there's still no doubt that when on his game, there is no better midfielder anywhere in the world.
His slaloming run against Paris Saint-Germain in last season's Champions League to set up Neymar remains a thing of beauty.
It's how you might describe the way Iniesta plays the game. Beautiful. Elegant. Poetic.
Taking over the captain's mantle from Xavi Hernandez is a responsibility that Iniesta is likely to enjoy.
He has always led by example and remains a reference for any young player in how to conduct oneself both on and off of the pitch.
Luis Suarez
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It took Luis Suarez a while to get going last season, but once into his stride, there was absolutely no stopping him.
His excellence in the centre-forward role and his appreciation of the players around him made him one of the major success stories of Barca's season.
Probably the only player who can hold his head high in pre-season, the Uruguayan has looked sharp from the first whistle against Los Angeles Galaxy, and that can only be good news for the Catalans.
That his inflated transfer fee isn't even an issue now is the best compliment that can be paid to Suarez.
He's worth every single penny.
Lionel Messi
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Two direct free kicks in the space of a few first half minutes against Sevilla is all it took for an acknowledgement that Lionel Messi is back and hungry once again.
Although the Argentinian faded badly in the second period, that can be attributed to the Andalusians better organisation after the break.
Make no mistake, Messi will have all of the solutions to the problems that he will face throughout 2015/16.
Enrique will enjoy opposition managers stationing two or even three players around Barca's talisman, because Messi has the intelligence to take them all out of the game with one masterful flick of that left peg.
He played every single minute of Barca's treble-winning campaign but showed no signs of the fatigue that had beset him the previous season.
He is the key that unpicks the lock—every single time.
Neymar
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Scorer of the goal that won the Super Cup during former manager Tata Martino's tenure, Neymar's presence in this season's variant has been sorely missed.
The Brazilian looked completely at home alongside Messi and Suarez last season, and 39 goals in all competitions serve as a record of just how dangerous he was in an attacking sense.
Indeed, the Neymar we saw for Barca throughout the last campaign was much more akin to the player who now proudly captains his country.
Thoughtful in possession and incisive when necessary, Barca will hope that he can recover from illness quickly.
His speed of thought and transition through the gears has left many defences for dead, and Barca need that outlet again in order to be able to stretch defences and open up the spaces from which his colleagues can profit.
He is a player who has the world at his feet and who, on the evidence of the last 12 months, is the heir to Messi in this side.
Rafinha Alcantara
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Thiago's younger sibling Rafinha Alcantara daren't suffer the same fate as his brother.
Barca's loss was Bayern Munich's gain when Thiago decided to sign for the German champions.
Rafinha has begun to carve a niche for himself in this Barca side and has been used more regularly by Enrique.
He does have work to do, however, to convince the technical team that he should be a first choice in the midfield.
That area of the squad is heavily congested with world-class exponents, but the Catalans can do without the tough-tackling and marauding youngster taking a well-worn route out of the exit door.
Javier Mascherano
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Javier Mascherano is called "El Jefe" or "The Chief" with good reason.
Small in stature but big in heart and desire, Masche is a natural defensive midfielder who is keeping guard in the centre of the defence at the expense of players who are more suited to the role.
It says everything about the Argentinian's adaptability and readiness to step into the breach that he remains first choice alongside Gerard Pique.
Still the only first-teamer not to score for the Catalans, it is a rarity to see Mascherano break forward. Not for him is the glory that comes with adding his name to the score sheet.
Moreover, a 30-yard dash to make a game-saving tackle is far more his preserve.
Much like Busquets, the player goes about his job with the minimum of fuss but maximum effort and commitment.
Every team should have a Mascherano.
Marc Bartra
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Now is the time for Marc Bartra to stop knocking on the door.
He needs to open it and stroll right through it, but he isn't going to do so with subpar performances such as the one at San Mames alongside Thomas Vermaelen.
Everyone is entitled to a bad game, but if Bartra genuinely believes he has a future at the club of his life, then he has to step up and provide the proof that he is good enough for a regular starting spot.
Such a dismal start against Athletic Club—WhoScored.com noted him as one of the worst players on the pitch—will have done nothing for his confidence, but when on his game, Bartra can be the consummate central defender.
"When on his game."
It highlights the issue of consistency, which the youngster must overcome to give Enrique the kind of headache every manager enjoys.
Sandro Ramirez
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Sandro Ramirez can offer something a little different when the Blaugrana need it.
Physical, direct and no-nonsense, the striker is a modern take on the old-fashioned centre-forward.
With the trident of Messi, Neymar and Suarez ahead of him, the youngster's chances to impress remain limited, which is a shame for a player who has reasonable numbers from whenever he has played, per WhoScored.com.
The run of fixtures at the end of 2015 could see Sandro make a dent in the first-team picture, although like so many others at present, he needs to content himself by working hard and taking advantage of fleeting opportunities when they present themselves.
Munir El-Haddadi
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Munir El-Haddadi has suffered from the weight of expectation.
After scoring from inside his own half for Barca's U19 side against Benfica in the UEFA Youth League final, his immediate elevation to the first team pricked the consciousness of the locale.
A goal on debut against Elche did nothing to dispel the notion that Barca had unearthed another gem.
Sadly for the youngster, he's never quite hit the heights since.
Sharp, willing and ready to learn, El-Haddadi needs to work on his finishing and take his chance when it comes if he wants any sort of longevity in this team.
Snatching at the easiest of chances speaks of a player who is trying just a little too hard to impress.
Jordi Alba
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An injury right at the beginning of Barca's tilt for more silverware hasn't helped Jordi Alba.
He offers an outlet down the left side that is unmatched and has been missed while he's been out with hamstring problems.
He could do better from a defensive perspective but, like Dani Alves, has the verve and effervescence in an attacking support role that Barca desire.
He is a shoo-in for the slot as soon as he is fit again, and with at least two players now in reserve should he dip below his usual good form, Alba knows he needs to make his presence count each and every week.
Sergi Roberto
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Like Bartra, this simply has to be Sergi Roberto's breakout season.
At 23, the midfielder has nowhere else to go at the club if he is unable to command a first-team place during the forthcoming campaign.
Unfortunately, his performance against Athletic Bilbao showed just why he continues to be overlooked.
He is too easily shrugged off the ball when in possession. His passing accuracy just wasn't there, nor was an ability to link play as well as his colleagues vying for the position.
TV cameras caught his reaction to being substituted in the Super Cup match. The player evidently knew he hadn't made quite the impression intended.
Adriano Correia
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Although it appears that Enrique doesn't want any players who are under contract to leave, Adriano's situation mirrors that of Pedro's.
When Jordi Alba is fit, Adriano doesn't get a look in. Even in his absence, Jeremy Mathieu can provide adequate cover there if necessary.
Barca B left-back Alex Grimaldo needs to be in and around the first-team picture now for obvious reasons, but four into one obviously doesn't go.
At 30 years of age, time is not on Adriano's side, but his ability to play on either flank just may see him surprise a few people over the course of the season.
Thomas Vermaelen
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Unfortunately for Thomas Vermaelen, you'd have to say that his signing has been an unmitigated disaster to this point.
The ex-Arsenal captain has only featured in a handful of games and looked particularly out of his depth alongside Marc Bartra in the Spanish Super Cup.
On the basis of that sort of performance, there is no future for him at the club, and only the most optimistic of supporters would expect that the Belgian will play any significant part in Barca's 2015/16 campaign.
Jordi Grau of TV3 Esport Club (h/t Rhys Turrell of the Daily Star) noted that former sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta ignored the advice of Barca's medical staff at the point of Vermaelen's capture.
An injury was identified, but Zubi instructed the club to proceed with the transfer.
It's all been downhill since then, and there has been nothing since to indicate Vermaelen is anything like the player he was when injury-free at Arsenal.
Jeremy Mathieu
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Although he is on the wrong side of 30 (he's 31), Jeremy Mathieu has shown his experience while in Blaugrana.
A game-saving tackle in the last moments of extra time helped the Catalans overcome a spirited fightback from Sevilla in the European Super Cup.
His presence in the back line last season also shored up the defence when it was most needed.
An aerial ability at both ends of the pitch came in handy, too. Who can forget the goals against Real Madrid and Celta Vigo as a start point?
While unlikely to break up the pairing of Pique and Mascherano, Mathieu is certainly the first reserve in central defence and will do a job in Jordi Alba's absence on the left side if required.
He is a steady and reliable member of the squad.
Jordi Masip
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You have to feel sorry for Jordi Masip.
He played only two games in the treble-winning season, and only in the most insignificant of matches.
Unless both Bravo and Ter Stegen are injured, ill or woefully out of form, Masip isn't going to get a look in.
Training hard only to be overlooked time and again is the toughest of situations to have to deal with.
He did at least get a run out against Chelsea during the International Champions Cup, but he failed to impress.
Fair play to the goalkeeper for remaining motivated and ready.
Aleix Vidal
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Aleix Vidal was signed before Dani Alves had committed to a new deal at Barca, and at that stage, it seemed a foregone conclusion that he would become the new right-back once FIFA's transfer ban had elapsed in January.
Now that the landscape has changed, Enrique would be a brave man indeed to remove the Brazilian from the position if he happens to be enjoying some good form by the turn of the year.
Vidal's signing does at least mean that Alves finally has some genuine competition for his slot, and he has always been up for a challenge.
A marauder of a right-back, Vidal can provide Barca with much the same skill set as Alves and with no drop-off in quality.
Quick, sharp and dynamic, his role would mirror that of Jordi Alba.
Arda Turan
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A dynamic midfielder who will change the status quo again, it's a shame that Arda Turan will also have to wait until January at the earliest before having a crack at breaking into the starting line up.
The Turk made an incredibly brave—though some would say stupid—move to join a club where he couldn't play for six months.
But looking at the situation objectively, you'd have to say that the player must have the utmost confidence in his own ability to believe that he can force his way into the side at such a late stage.
Barca need players with such desire and hunger in their ranks—players who are prepared to shake things up a bit and not allow colleagues to rest on their laurels.
They need genuine competition for places where the Catalans lack in other areas.
Assuming that he gets an early chance to impress, it's highly likely that this combative exponent will quickly become a fan favourite at Camp Nou.
Official squad list supplied by FCBarcelona.com.
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