5 big decisions Xavi must take to revitalise Barcelona

Barcelona appointed Xavi Hernandez as their new manager shortly after dismissing Ronald Koeman in October 2021. The Spaniard left his job with Qatari outfit Al-Sadd to seal his highly anticipated return to Camp Nou, where he signed a three-year contract.

Xavi has wasted no time in making his impact felt since returning to the club. In the last few weeks, it's been clear that the legendary Barcelona midfielder is working hard to return the club to its famed roots. The Blaugrana are gradually rejuvenating their famous tiki-taka system, trying to dominate games and playing attractive football.

However, even though Xavi has brought significant improvements to the team, Barcelona's current level is still nothing to write home about. The Blaugrana have been relegated to the Europa League after failing to progress from their Champions League group. They're also currently fifth in the Liga table.

As things stand, it looks like Xavi will need to take a few big decisions to make Barcelona a strong force in European football once again. On that note, here's a look at five things he needs to do to accomplish the same:

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#5 Xavi needs to offload Barcelona's fringe players

Offloading the deadwood will lighten the wage bill, generate funds and create space to register new signings.

There are many players in the current Barcelona squad whose services are not much needed. These are players who are not reliable options in the team or simply do not fit into the club's system. Xavi must get rid of them.

The likes of Philippe Coutinho, Samuel Umtiti, Luuk de Jong, Clement Lenglet, Sergi Roberto and Yusuf Demir fall into this category. Offloading these players will not only fetch Barcelona some cash, but also reduce the Blaugrana's massive wage bill and create space to register new signings.

#4 Continue to show faith in youth

Barcelona have some exciting young talents in their ranks.

It is an open secret that young players are the ones carrying Barcelona this season. In the last few weeks, many youngsters from the club's famed La Masia academy have impressed.

The likes of Pablo Gavi, Abde Ezzalzouli, Nico Gonzalez, Ferran Jutgla and Ilias Akhomach have all shone with the senior team this term. Adding them to the likes of Ansu Fati, Pedri, Alex Balde and co, it's obvious Barcelona have an exciting generation of potential future superstars.

Xavi must continue showing faith in these prospects and allow them to grow in the team. In just a few months, the club could reap the reward of having faith in these players. Of course, that would also save Barcelona from spending insane amounts to sign players from the transfer market in the immediate future.

#3 Frenkie de Jong over Sergio Busquets in central defensive midfield

Xavi should consider making Frenkie de Jong (left) his first-choice defensive midfielder.

It's quite clear Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets isn't as sharp as he once used to be. The Spaniard has struggled to cope with the pace of opposition teams, often getting caught out and committing needless fouls.

It is high time Xavi relegates the 33-year-old to a bit-part role and returns Frenkie de Jong to his natural position in defensive midfield. During his time with Ajax and the Netherlands, the Dutchman played a key role in shielding the defence efficiently while performing the role of a deep-lying playmaker.

In fact, he was one of Barcelona's top performers last season, putting his skills on display with eye-catching performances in the centre of the pitch. Now is the time for Xavi to unleash the 24-year-old.

#2 Xavi needs to sign a reliable centre-back for Barcelona

Barcelona are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing Matthijs de Ligt.

Barcelona's options at the heart of defence leave a lot to be desired. Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti have proven to be more of liabilities than assets in recent months.

Ronald Araujo and Gerard Pique are decent options, but have become limited by injuries, while Eric Garcia hasn't fully gelled with the team.

Therefore, Xavi will need to add one or two reliable centre-backs to the squad to tighten things up at the back. Fortunately, there a many options in the transfer market who could improve Barcelona's defence right away.

The likes of Matthijs De Ligt, Aymeric Laporte and Jules Kounde have all been linked with a switch to Camp Nou. It remains to be seen who ends up getting the nod.

#1 Sign a prolific striker

Erling Haaland is Barcelona's dream target to bolster Xavi's options up front.

Certainly, Barcelona's situation would've been much better if they had someone banging in the goals consistently this season. That's why Xavi must go all out to sign a very prolific striker as soon as possible.

Borussia Dortmund's Erling Haaland is reportedly the Blaugrana's top option to take up the striker role. The Norwegian has been one of the most prolific finishers in the game in the last few seasons, and there's no doubt he would bring a lot to the team.

Fiorentina's Dusan Vlahovic and FC Basel's Arthur Cabral are other fine options who have also been linked with the club. They're both decent options who could help Xavi rejuvenate Barcelona's flagging fortunes.