3 Barcelona players who don't deserve to be starters anymore

A real revolution is going on in Barcelona. It looks like they are losing their identity under the guidance of Ernesto Valverde. They don't play their recognizable possession-based football and it's quite unbelievable that their midfield can't establish a full dominance on the pitch. The midfield players aren't creative enough to provide enough services for the attacking line. Instead, Lionel Messi drops very deep and it looks like he is the only creative force they have in their squad.

The title race in Spain will be very tough because Atletico Madrid and Sevilla look like very serious contenders. In Europe, it's even worse situation for Barcelona as many people don't see them as real candidates for the glory.

Ernesto Valverde must realise that some players don't deserve to be in the starting lineup anymore. It's time for some new faces and fresh blood. Take a look at 3 Barcelona players who don't deserve to be in the starting lineup anymore.

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#1 Gerard Pique

The first player on this list definitely must be Gerard Pique. The Catalan centre-back is the weakest spot in this squad. He has been terrible for a while now and every time Samuel Umtiti doesn't play, Barcelona's defence suffers a lot.

Right now he can't be trusted in a high defensive line or a team with a lot of space at the back. He is very slow and he is always and that is unacceptable especially in Barcelona's system where defenders don't have much protection from midfield players.

It seems like Valverde refuses to acknowledge the issue and keeps persisting on using him despite not being in good shape right now. Valverde must realise that this situation with Pique needs to be solved. He is a real Barcelona legend, but that fact must be set aside.

This summer, Barcelona bought French centre-back, Clement Lenglet from Sevilla. Lenglet is a very good player who could be a solution for Barcelona's defensive problems. Lenglet and Umtiti could form a real French wall in front of Marc Andre Ter Stegen.

Gerard Piqué: Has committed more errors leading to an opposition goal (3) than any other outfield player in Europe's top five leagues this seasonFor more player stats -- https://t.co/sydqpPqbwa pic.twitter.com/WI8E9rL7Qn

— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) October 11, 2018

#2 Luis Suarez

Luis Suarez: It might be his age causing the lack of form

There is no doubt that Luis Suarez is one of the best strikers in Europe in the past decade. He has reached his peak level at Barcelona by winning 3 La Liga titles, 4 Copa del Rey titles and one UEFA Champions League title. For all these titles, Suarez has played a massive role by constantly being on the scoresheet.

However, he is in a strong decline in the past year and lacks the goals Barcelona need. Also, his contribution to the game is woeful and it is a big question is he still capable of some moments of magic.

He is in the starting lineup purely because of his name and reputation. He is very lucky because Barcelona management aren't brave enough to put him under the same treatment Deco and Ronaldinho got when Pep Guardiola arrived.

#3 Sergio Busquets

Sergio Busquets: Are his days at Barcelona numbered?

Sergio Busquets has been the best holding midfielder for years. He has been an integral part of Barcelona's most successful periods. In recent years, Barcelona's way of playing has changed significantly.

Nowadays, they often struggle to dominate the ball possession. Busquets is still very good on the ball but he is very slow and his defensive duties suffer because of that. In these conditions, it would be much more useful to have a player who is faster in transition and can contribute more in the attack and defence.

Less than a month ago, Busquets signed a new contract with Barcelona which will keep him at the club until 2023. Sergio Busquets is definitely a Barcelona legend but now, he is a bench material. In the next transfer windows, the Barcelona board should look for a long-term replacement at his position.