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Barcelona’s chickens came home to roost this year and the Catalan club have had to deal with the ramifications. Years of financial mismanagement under former president Josep Bartomeu has seen the club rapidly lose its ability to compete with other powerhouses in Europe. It is little surprise that Barcelona have also lost the greatest player in the club’s history: Lionel Messi.
Barcelona finished in a meager third position last season, seven points behind eventual winners Atletico Madrid. This was seen as unacceptable for a club of Barcelona's historic standing and wage expenditure, yet things have not improved at the Camp Nou this season.
The Catalan giants currently sit in seventh place in the La Liga table. A formidable 18-point deficit separates them from first-place Real Madrid, and they look unlikely to finish in the Champions League places by July.
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Things have not been better in European competition either, with Barcelona getting knocked out of the Champions League and demoted to the Europa league for the first time in their history. New head coach Xavi Hernandez has an uphill battle ahead of him on his return to the club where he won it all as a player.
Xavi will, however, take some solace in the performances of some of his players. Let's take a look at five such players who have become twinkling lights in an otherwise gloomy season for Barcelona:
#5. Jordi Alba
After leaving Valencia for Barcelona in 2012 after a transfer fee of just €14 million, the Spanish left-back has enjoyed massive success in his time with the Blaugrana. He is arguably one of the most important players at the club and, more recently, was named the fourth captain.
The 32-year-old Spaniard has taken his new role at the club in stride, providing depth and experience to a young Barcelona outfit. This season has seen Alba pick up four assists in 13 La Liga games, as well as 1.72 key passes per game; a clear sign of his consistent presence in the middle and final thirds.
#4. Sergio Busquets
The 33-year old La Masia graduate has been a stalwart in the center of the park for Barcelona this season. Known for his passing range and defensive intelligence, Busquets has notably provided an extra man during offensive plays, while excelling at interceptions during defense.
Having played all 18 La Liga games under Ronald Koeman and Xavi Hernandez, the star has made 1.36 tackles per game on average. He has made an average of 1.25 interceptions per game as well, while scoring one goal this season.
#3. Memphis Depay
Having made the decision to leave Lyon for Camp Nou after a brilliant season with Lyon in the French Ligue 1, Memphis Depay has flourished for Barcelona. It is unlikely that the 27-year-old will match his numbers of 20 goals and 12 assists from Ligue 1 last season, but he remains one of Barcelona's outstanding performers this campaign.
Depay has often been forced into a central striking role due to Sergio Aguero's absence. It hasn't held him back from producing eight goals in 15 La Liga appearances, although his Champions League outings have seen no output on the goalscoring front. If his performances can continue into the second half of the season, Barcelona might find themselves vying for a European-place finish.
#2. Ronald Araujo
Ronald Araujo joined the Blaugrana in 2018 but started out played with the reserves in Division B. However, the Uruguayan centre-back has flourished and cemented his place in the first team this season, and it was little surprise when the 22-year-old was handed Ivan Ratikic's No. 4 jersey.
Just 14 La Liga games in, Araujo has scored two goals, proving his individual brilliance in aerial duels. He notably scored against Sevilla in Barcelona's most recent game to secure Barcelona a point away from home. His earlier goal against Granada came in similar fashion as the game ended in a draw on the night.
#1. Gavi
Merely 17 years of age, Pablo Gavira has stormed into Barcelona's first team this season. The star was previously promoted from Barca's under-16 side to the B team, but after just two matches, his quality was clear for all to see at Camp Nou. Good performances ensured that Ronald Koeman gave Gavi a seat in the first team, and Xavi has been just as impressed.
Versatile, mature for his age and full of flair, Gavi has played in nearly every position in the middle and final thirds for Barcelona. Koeman may have seen the star's brilliance early on, but Xavi has set Gavi up for success in recent matches. The 17-year-old has managed a goal and two assists in their last three La Liga outings and Barcelona will be hopeful that the youngster can continue in his spectacular form.
