5 reasons why Barcelona will win the UEFA Champions League 2018-19

#3 The midfield maze of Barcelona

Busquets and Rakitic - The heart of Barcelona's midfield

The best thing about Barcelona over the years has always been its midfield, but the days of Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta are long gone. While many expected that not many would be able to fill the void left by these two veterans, the present midfield looks solid with crisp passing, and is very much capable of turning the game on its head.

Sergio Busquets is one of the oldest surviving players in the current Barcelona team, and he has been through all the glory and bad phases of the team over the years. He is the pivot that used to sit behind Xavi and Iniesta, and even today, is the driving forced behind the team alongside Messi.

Ivan Rakitic has blossomed into a complete midfielder ever since he joined from Sevilla, and his linkup with the forward line is vital for the team to function. Arthur Melo is very much a Xavi-esque type of player, and can perform at high levels whenever required. Rafinha's versatility is a blessing to the team, and he filled in Messi's attacking role very ably when he was injured.

Arturo Vidal has no comparisons. The Chilean beast is almost impossible to shake off the ball, and he commands the midfield with his towering presence. Sergi Samper and Carlos Alena are two exciting young prospects who show real promise, and Denis Suarez is a very good player who can play in multiple positions.