5 things Barcelona need to do in order to win trophies this season

It has been an odd sort of season for the Blaugrana. Atop the LaLiga table (3 points ahead of Sevilla), the team qualified easily for the second round of the UEFA Champions League where they will take on Olympique Lyonnais.

As always, Lionel Messi has been at the heart of everything the team has done with 14 goals and 10 assists in all competitions. Luis Suarez has also been good for the side alongside stalwarts like Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Busquets amongst others.

The players brought in have also contributed to the team's good start. Clement Lenglet has ably deputized for Samuel Umiti who has had an injury-plagued campaign. Arturo Vidal has not had as much playing time as he would have liked. However, on the occasions he has played, he has added flair, speed, technique and an edge to the team.

Brazilian midfielder Arthur Melo has been the shining new buy. His poise, use of the ball, intelligence and work ethic has drawn favourable comparisons with Barca legend, Xavi.

With the team firmly in the hunt for all titles, here is a look at what needs to be done:

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#5 Get another centre-back

Murillo is one of the centre-backs Barca are said to be watching

Manager, Ernesto Valverde has greatly improved Barca's defensive record ever since he came in. His work in training and set-up has made the team less flamboyant than in previous years.

However, it has led to more solidity at the back. No longer are Cules afraid of conceding a basketful of goals (like it was in the latter days of the Luis Enrique-era).

The 19 goals the team has conceded in league football this season is symptomatic of the step-up in attacking verve among LaLiga's lesser lights. However, it is not a record that Valverde likes and it will need to change soon.

Pique, Umtiti and Lenglet have seen a lot of game time this season. However, Thomas Vermaelen's continuous injuries mean the team is short-staffed in central defence.

A right-footed centre-back should be a priority. Rumours linking the likes of Jeison Murillo (Valencia CF) and Martin Skrtel (Fenerbache) as potential loanees in January is a step in the right direction.

#4 Continue to integrate La Masia products

Aleñá is one of the new La Masia products who need game time

Deep into the 2018/2019 season, FC Barcelona is still firmly in the hunt for another treble: LaLiga, UEFA Champions League, and the Copa Del Rey.

This has been achieved by judicious use of the squad as 21 players have seen action this season already. This includes La Masia product Carles Aleñá (who has already scored his first senior goal for Barca).

However, the need to integrate more youth team products into the first team may become critical as the season wears on. This may happen due to injuries/loss of form.

Marc Cucurella has shone on loan at Eibar. With Jordi Alba the only recognized left-back in the squad currently, there may be a need to recall the 20-year-old from his loan spell at Ipurua.

Good things are being said about Barcelona B players like fullback Juan Miranda and midfielder Riqui Puig. Valverde and the First XI will be well served if some of these players find their way into the senior set-up.

#3 Give more playing time to this season's recruits

Vidal is yet to get the chance to show what he can do

By nature, Valverde is a cautious man who does not like rushing into things. This has informed Barca's style under his tutelage. It has also been seen in his integration of the recently acquired players.

Vidal, Lenglet, Arthur, and Malcolm were brought in for a combined fee of £113.31m in the summer. These four quality additions were bought to add specific improvements to the team.

However, they have not been completely integrated into the First XI just yet. Lenglet has gotten the game time he has so far due to Umtiti's injuries. Despite his stellar start to his career at the Camp Nou, Arthur is not a nailed-on starter for the side.

Vidal has been reportedly frustrated with his bit-part role as well. The worst, however, has been Malcolm. The winger who was snatched from AS Roma's grasping clutches for £36.90 million has seen action just 5 times this season.

These players will need to be given more responsibility as the season goes on. All have shown despite the limited game time that they can contribute positively. Valverde will need to hurry up their integration in the second half of the season.

#2 Answer the Philippe Coutinho question

Coutinho has not been the best fit for Barca

Coutinho is a very good player great at dribbling, making assists and scoring amazing golazos. However, finding a fitting role for the Brazilian international has been a headache for Valverde.

When the board led by president Josep Bartomeu decided to pay Liverpool £117m to get the player in January, a few eyebrows were raised. This was because it was not exactly clear where the 26-year-old would fit it.

He has been played in various positions, left-side in a three-man midfield, as a central midfielder or as an auxiliary winger. However, in all three roles, Barca already has players better suited to perform these roles.

Messi's presence means Coutinho cannot be given a free role. His overtly-risky passing style means he cannot be trusted in central midfield. Ousmane Dembele, Malcolm and Munir El-Haddadi's pace make them better suited for playing on the flanks.

Valverde will have to make a decision on this and soon for the good of the team.

#1 Borrow a leaf from Zidane's copybook and keep Messi fresh

Barca need to keep Messi fresh and fit

In the 2016/2017 season, Cristiano Ronaldo was in beast mode for El Clasico rivals, Real Madrid. That season, the Portuguese superstar was key in Los Merengues' LaLiga and UCL triumphs.

This was partly due to Zinedine Zidane's excellent use of the player. The former Madrid coach rested his star man on occasion and helped him adapt his game to be less flamboyant and more effective.

Valverde will need to do the same for Messi this season if the team's aims are to be achieved. The Argentine superstar has been run into the ground for the last couple is seasons for Barca.

Being the team's focal point, he was burdened with the tasks of being a goalscorer, creator, and leader and averaged 40+ games per season.

With the likes of Dembele, Suarez, Malcolm, Coutinho, and others, there is little need for the team to be overly reliant on his talisman. Adequate rest, being taken off when games look won, missing non-key games are things the manager should consider doing for his star men.

If Barca is to challenge for the big titles, they need their captain and inspiration fully fit deep into the season. Valverde should look at the Zidane-Ronaldo relationship and do the same for Messi.