4 weak links Barcelona need to address this summer in their squad

#1 Left-back

Ajax v SL Benfica - UEFA Champions League Group E

It would be difficult to find a left-back who has performed better than Jordi Alba over the last five years.

The 30-year-old La Masia graduate has played a massive role in all the success enjoyed by his beloved club since his return to the team in 2012, winning 15 trophies in his time at the club.

On the field, he has developed a special and almost telepathic relationship with Lionel Messi and a common sight over the years has been that of the full-back latching onto the end of a delightful Lionel Messi pass and vice-versa.

Jordi Alba is one of the most technically gifted defenders in the modern game, having honed his talents to near perfection in La Masia and Barcelona have benefited immensely from his bombarding runs forward and delightful crosses.

However, if there is one aspect where Alba falls short in, it is in his primary duties of defending. Over the years, most opponents intentionally channel attacks down his flank, with the most glaring example of this coming in last season's Champions League fixture with Liverpool where Alba was directly at fault for two goals scored by The Reds.

During his seven-year stay at the Camp Nou, Jordi Alba has very rarely faced any major competition for his starting spot and perhaps for this reason, a bit of complacency might have crept into his game.

The club sees getting a backup option to challenge Alba as a priority. An interesting alternative could be for Barcelona to look at a former La Masia prodigy in Alex Grimaldo who is currently starring for Benfica in the Portuguese league.