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Barcelona take on Juventus in a Joan Gamper trophy match at the Estadi Johan Cruyff on Sunday. In this annual pre-season friendly fixture, which takes place before the La Laga campaign kicks off, Barcelona usually take on some of the very big teams from Europe's top five leagues.
This year, they are hosting Serie A giants Juventus, who will kick off their Serie A campaign on August 22 but have one more friendly scheduled against Atalanta after this game.
The biggest news surrounding this game is that Lionel Messi will not be a part of the Barcelona, as he has been let go by the club. Cristiano Ronaldo will be available in the Juventus squad, but fans will not be able to witness another duel between the two long-time rivals.
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This game may be a friendly one, but players on both sides will be raring to give a good account of themselves, as both Barcelona and Juventus have quite a few talented players in their ranks.
On that note, here's a look at the five players to watch out for in the Joan Gamper trophy between Barcelona and Juventus.
#5 Sergio Aguero | Barcelona
Sergio Aguero is one of the three marquee signings made by Ronald Koeman in the off-season. Barcelona were in requirement of an accomplished striker since the 2020-21 season, so the former Manchester City star might prove to be a good fit at Camp Nou.
Aguero joined Barcelona following Argentina's Copa America 2021 triumph, and is yet to make an appearance in the pre-season. His 2020-21 campaign with Manchester City was marred with recurring injuries. So he will hope to get up and running for his new club, even though it's a friendly, now that he is back to full fitness.
Barcelona have played Antoine Griezmann in the No. 9 role in the friendly games thus far. So with Aguero's inclusion, the front three should comprise the Argentine striker in the middle, and Griezmann and M emphisDepay flanking him.
#4 Dejan Kulusevski | Juventus
Dejan Kulusevski is one of the most promising youngsters in European football at the moment. He ranked sixth in the Golden Boy race in 2020, and has become a regular starter for the Serie A giants.
He played 47 games across all competitions for the Bianconeri last season. Although he scored only seven times, he proved to be a good rotation player for Juventus, providing a threat going forward when Paulo Dybala and Alvaro Morata misfired.
Kulusevski is a star for the future and needs more time to become a more rounded player. So this game against a club like Barcelona provides him with a great opportunity to get some minutes under his belt.
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#3 Jordi Alba | Barcelona
Barcelona have been reliant on their old guard for much of their recent success. That includes the likes of Gerard Pique, Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba. Out of the trio, Alba has not received his fair share of the spotlight, and his contributions have gone under the radar.
He appeared in 35 league games last season, and has been irreplaceable at the left-back position. He has played just one game in the pre-season, though, so he will be raring to get back into action after a good outing with Spain at the Euros.
His contribution at both ends of the pitch makes him one of the key players for Barcelona. Although he won't be able to link up with Lionel Messi on the flanks anymore, he should be able to have a significant impact on the game on Sunday.
#2 Memphis Depay | Barcelona
Memphis Depay had a great outing with the Netherlands at Euro 2020, and has continued his good form with Barcelona as well, scoring on his debut, albeit in a friendly. He then scored again in the friendly against Stuttgart, and should be one of the first players on the team sheet for Ronald Koeman.
The former Manchester United winger scored 20 goals and had 12 assists to his name with Lyon in the 2020-21 campaign, so big things are expected from him at the Camp Nou.
Memphis Depay has the ability to play on either wing, and his decisiveness and maturity in the final third should help him create and score goals galore at will.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo | Juventus
When Barcelona and Juventus clash on Sunday, all eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo. The player won the Golden Boot at Euro 2020, and will feature for the first time in the pre-season for the Bianconeri.
While a much-awaited duel against Lionel Messi won't materialise, Cristiano Ronaldo will look to make an impact in his first game of the pre-season. Even though this game is a friendly, Ronaldo could look to produce a strong performance against Barcelona.
He was the top scorer in the Serie A as well as the Euros. Ronaldo has been in great goalscoring form this year, something he'll look to continue in this game as well.
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