5 things to look forward to in the new La Liga season

#2 The most exciting Barcelona side since the Guardiola era

The defending champions will be a different beast this season

Forget about what the whining Culés on Twitter are talking about. Forget about the perceived incompetence of the Josep Bartomeu-led board, this iteration of Barca promises lots of excitement.

After the surprisingly downplayed domestic double of last season, it was clear that Ernesto Valverde’s side was in need of certain changes. Andres Iniesta has left the club for one last hurrah in Japan while the expected clearout is coming slower than expected.

The team has been re-energized with the signings of some young, promising talent. Clement Lenglet had a brilliant run at Sevilla and will compete directly with fellow Frenchman Samuel Umtiti for the centre-back spot.

Brazilians Arthur Melo and Malcolm have been brought in to add a different dimension to the team’s attacking play. The presence of Malcolm and Ousmane Dembele down the flanks promises pace, directness and precision, options that were missing from the Blaugrana’s play last season especially in the big games.

Lionel Messi will continue to have a central role in the side and Philippe Coutinho is set to take on more responsibility now that Don Andres has departed.

For the first time since the glorious Pep Guardiola era, Barcelona genuinely looks like it is well-stocked to brush aside all opposition and win the big trophies in style once again.