Players who can step into in absentia Lionel Messi's shoes at Barcelona

‘All the best players play in the middle’.

-Johan Cruyff

With Barca hit man Lionel Messi sidelined for two months, it’s evident that a few players will have to step up a notch to fill in the void left by the iconic talisman. There are strong rumors that Barcelona will make a bid for Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero, with Messi having personally requested club president Rosell to do so. However, as for now, we look upon some current Barcelona players who can play at Messi’s position, until he recovers.

1. Neymar :

SEVILLE, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 10: Neymar of FC Barcelona in action during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on November 10, 2013 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

He is undoubtedly the number one choice to play at Messi’s position. The Brazilian wonderkid has played at the striker’s position in the past, and has sent the net bulging a number of times from this particular position. His pace and dribbling ability gives him the advantage of playing in the central role. Him playing as a striker will cause Iniesta to shift to the left wing, while Pedro and Alexis fight it out on the right. This will also enable the likes of Alex Song and Sergi Roberto to get some playing time at central midfield, alongside Xavi.

2. Cesc Fabregas :

VIGO, SPAIN – OCTOBER 29: Cesc Fabregas of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring their third goal during the La Liga match between RC Celta de Vigo and FC Barcelona at Estadio Balaidos on October 29, 2013 in Vigo, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

Having played as a Center Forward/Striker in the El Clasico, with Messi on the right wing and Neymar on the left, there is little doubt that this versatile player cannot create magic from this position. He has played at this position during the ‘False 9′ formation used by Spain during their last Euro Cup outings. He came in as a striker after Messi’s injury during the last game against Real Betis and scored two wonderful poacher goals, which leave hardly any doubt that he fits the bill perfectly.

3. Alexis Sanchez :

BARCELONA, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 01: Alexis Sanchez (L) of FC Barcelona celebrates with his teammate Neymar of FC Barcelona after scoring the opening goal during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol at Camp Nou on November 1, 2013 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

His pace, dribbling and current form has given him the advantage over team mate Pedro to occupy the starting spot. Although he has rarely played in a central role earlier, it will be interesting to see if gaffer ‘Tata’ Martino tweaks his tactics to accommodate the Chilean winger as a Striker, thus enabling Pedro to start on the right wing and get some much needed playing time.

These three players are capable enough to fill the temporary void left by Messi. Although signing a striker should not be a priority for the Catalans, it will be interesting to see which players does the club bid for in the upcoming transfer windows. Anims, Leo.