5 players who have benefited from Lionel Messi's Barcelona departure

#3 Ferran Torres

Ferran Torres in action for the Catalan giants

Barcelona completed the signing of Ferran Torres from Manchester City in December last year to bolster their attacking options, following the departure of Lionel Messi. The Spaniard joined the Blaugrana on a deal worth €55 million, committing to a five-year contract at Camp Nou.

The 22-year-old has made 11 appearances for the Blaugrana across all competitions so far this season, recording three goals and three assists to his name. Xavi is a big fan of the attacker as he personally requested his transfer.

The manager apparently has high hopes for Ferran Torres, seeing him as one of the young guns who will define the post-Lionel Messi era. The youngster is gradually blending into Barca's system and it looks like he only needs time to repay the faith of his manager.

---

#2 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

The Gabonese is silencing critics following his Barca switch

It goes without saying that Barcelona simply signed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang because they were desperately in need of a top-class striker who could score goals consistently. The fact that even Xavi once said that the Gabonese wouldn't fit into the club's system throws more weight behind this claim.

It is safe to believe that the Catalan giants wouldn't have signed the former Arsenal striker if Lionel Messi was still at the club. Either way, the deal was struck in the Argentine's absense and it has proven to be a masterstroke so far.

Since switching to Camp Nou this winter, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has made eight appearances in the Blaugrana colors, scoring five goals. Thanks to that effort, the striker has put every doubt about his usefulness to bed and is expected to play a vital role for the club going forward.

---

#1 Adama Traore

The attacker primarily features in Lionel Messi's favorite position on the right flank

Another winter arrival, Adama Traore, returned to Barcelona from Wolves on a loan deal that included a purchase option set for the end of the campaign. Since joining the Catalan giants, the attacker has primarily featured in Lionel Messi's favorite spot on the right flank.

It is needless to say that this wouldn't have happened if the Argentine was still at the club. In fact, Traore's chances of securing the transfer would've been almost non-existent in Leo's presence.

Meanwhile, the former Wolves winger is proving to be a useful addition for Xavi. So far, he's made eight appearances for the Blaugrana across all competitions, contributing one goal and five assists. It remains to be seen if he'll continue going in that direction in the coming weeks.