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

#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.