Without Lionel Messi and Other Teammates Barcelona Alternative 11 Is a New Team

What if there were a world where Lionel Messi, Xavi, Iniesta and the rest of the Barcelona superstars failed to exist?  What would the Blaugrana starting 11 look like while still trying to maintain the Guardiola-Cryuff playing style?

Make sure to leave your ideas in the comment section below to make your voice heard.

Keep in mind anyone on the current Barcelona roster is not eligible!

Here are the options:

Goalie: Wilfredo Caballero, Malaga

Who He Replaces in the Line: Victor Valdes

Age: 30

Why he works

Wilfredo Caballero would provide a veteran presence anchoring the back four.  This season he has broken Malaga's record for consecutive minutes without conceding a goal, keeping the ball out of the net for 480 minutes.

Caballero is not an outstanding goalie, but with the right defense in front of him, he would provide a consistent option between the sticks.

Left-Back: Juan Manuel Vargas, Fiorentina

Who He Replaces in the Line: Eric Abidal

Age: 28

Why he works

Juan Vargas is a winger that has been deployed as a wing-back and attacking midfielder for Fiorentina.  His versatility is an extremely useful trait, as he can fill almost every role on the team and has the potential to score goals from wherever he is playing.  He is known for his set-piece ability, dribbling, impeccably accurate crossing and remarkable shots on goal.

Center-Back: Thiago Silva, AC Milan

Who He Replaces in the Line: Carles Puyol

Age: 27

Why he works

Thiago Silva has been connected with Barcelona in recent times, and he would be the perfect replacement for the veteran Puyol.  Silva is one of the top center-backs in the world and would add a steadfast presence in the back four.  In his arsenal of talent, he has the ability to play a ball forward with precision and add a goal scoring threat from set pieces.

Center-Back: David Luiz, Chelsea

Who He Replaces in the Line: Gerard Pique

Age: 24

Why he works

David Luiz is the same age as Pique but does not quite play at the level of his Spanish counterpart.

Under the correct coach—with the correct team—Luiz should be able to round out his game and become a more consistent player.

Luiz plays with a great degree of flair, which he is often criticized for as it sometimes leaves him exposed.  He has fantastic ball control for a defender, can shoot from long range, is a constant threat from set pieces, and displays sharp reading of the game.  Once he can get his rash tackling under control, he could become a world-class defender.

Right-Back: Gregory Van Der Wiel, Ajax

Who He Replaces in the Line: Dani Alves

Age: 23

Why he works

Gregory Van Der Wiel is a proven performer for Ajax as well as for the Netherlands.  He would provide a commanding presence at the right-back.  He is sound defensively, dangerous with his crosses and can provide sweeping runs up the field.

Center-Midfield: Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid

Who He Replaces in the Line: Sergio Busquets

Age: 30

Why he works

Xabi Alonso is the player most likely able to replicate Sergio Busquets' role in the starting eleven.

Alonso is a more complete player than Busquets; being able to offer the same array of simple and short passing, while also having the ability to shoot from distance as well as play a long ball with deadly accuracy.

Like Busquets, Alonso can play the the extremely important role of providing his fellow play makers the ball from the defensive four. He can also make sure he is an available outlet of support slightly behind the midfield.

Alonso is the best option to anchor his midfield trident.

Center-Midfield: Wesley Sneijder, Inter Milan

Who He Replaces in the Line: Andres Iniesta

Age: 27

Why he works

Sneijder has tremendous talent and would do well to fill the boots left vacant by Iniesta.  The Dutchman is known for his tremendous free-kick ability and link-up play with the rest of the team.  Like Iniesta, Sneijder can make driving runs into the offensive third from his midfield position and find the deadly final pass in preparation for a goal.

Center-Midfield: Luka Modrić, Tottenham

Who He Replaces in the Line: Xavi

Age: 26

Why he works

Luka Modrić is perhaps the closest player to Xavi in terms of midfield ability in world football. 

Modrić can play equally well with both feet and always places himself in the perfect position. He is a playmaker, attacking midfielder, defensive midfielder and he even likes to play on the left wing.  He can track back to win the ball in preparation for a counter-attack, while at the same time provide the link from midfield to forward.  He is the only player who would come close to replicating Xavi.

Right-Wing: Jesús Navas, Sevilla

Who He Replaces in the Line: Pedro/Sanchez

Age: 26

Why he works

Jesús Navas is a very underrated winger.  He does not get much of the spotlight because he lives in the constant shadow of Spain's incredible midfield talent.

Navas can play on the left or right, has incredible pace, quick-dribbling skill and the ability to beat a opposing defender.  Like Pedro and Sanchez, Navas can get in behind the defense to provide quick crosses and goal-scoring opportunities.

Center-Forward: Robin Van Persie, Arsenal

Who He Replaces in the Line: Lionel Messi

Age: 28

Why he works

There are only two players in the world right now who have the scoring touch of Lionel Messi.  One is Robin Van Persie and the other is Cristiano Ronaldo.

Robin Van Persie has the personality and style that would make him a capable replacement for Messi.  Like the Argentinian, RVP is more reliant on his lethal left foot and is not particularly known for his heading ability.  The Dutchman is able to make his own scoring chances as well as be in the right place in the right time to tap in other goals. 

Left-Wing: Santi Cazorla, Malaga

Who He Replaces in the Line: David Villa/Fabregas

Age: 26

Why he works

Santi Cazorla is a greatly underestimated player.  He can play on the wing and in the midfield similar to Fabregas with incredible close control and dribbling ability.  He can pass and shoot with both feet—making him more deadly in the penalty box—and play on a more multi-dimensional level than single footed playmakers.

Honorable Mentions

Average Age of New Squad: 26.8

Average Age of Current Squad: 27.1

Honorable Mentions

David Silva - Manchester City

Kun Aguero - Manchester City

Marko Marin - Werder Bremen

Jack Wilshere - Arsenal

Who else could slot into a completely restructured Barcelona team?

Share your ideas in the comments below.

Keep in mind anyone on the current Barcelona roster is not eligible!