Ranking the 5 best Barcelona players this season (2020/21)

Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi

#3 Frenkie De Jong

FC Barcelona v Atletico de Madrid - La Liga Santander
FC Barcelona v Atletico de Madrid - La Liga Santander

Frenkie De Jong is growing into one of the finest midfielders in La Liga and this season was a major step in the right direction for the Dutchman. Reunited with his former national team coach, De Jong was used in a variety of positions and it'd be fair to say that he did a commendable job throughout.

The 24-year-old started as a centre-back in about six games this season as Barcelona navigated an injury crisis. He also played as part of a double pivot at times alongside Sergio Busquets but was mainly used as a no. 8 with the freedom to foray forward and lend a helping hand to his teammates in attack.

In 50 appearances across all competitions for Barcelona this season, De Jong has scored seven goals and provided eight assists. His passing has been meticulous and has clocked a pass completion rate of 92% across all competitions for Barcelona. He is definitely going to have a big future at Barcelona.

#2 Antoine Griezmann

FC Barcelona v Athletic Club - Supercopa de Espana Final
FC Barcelona v Athletic Club - Supercopa de Espana Final

Yet another big-money signing, Antoine Griezmann, was unable to replicate the form from his Atletico Madrid days in his first season at Barcelona. However, he has been an important player for Barcelona this term.

The Frenchman was able to strike up a good partnership with Lionel Messi and the pair were the driving force behind Barcelona's resurgence midway through the season. Griezmann helped alleviate the burden of goalscoring on Lionel Messi and chipped in with goals and assists to help Barcelona win the Copa Del Rey.

He scored a total of 20 goals and racked up 12 assists for Barcelona in 48 appearances this term. Griezmann's best displays came in March and April, where he really stepped up and delivered in multiple important games and even scored a goal in the Copa Del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao.

There are rumours linking Griezmann with an exit as Barcelona scamper to free up funds to renew Lionel Messi's contract but after this season, if he does leave, his absence will be felt at the Camp Nou.

#1 Lionel Messi

FC Barcelona v RC Celta - La Liga Santander
FC Barcelona v RC Celta - La Liga Santander

No surprises here. Last summer's transfer window was dominated by rumours about Lionel Messi's potential exit from Barcelona. The footballing legend had informed the club that he intended to leave the club but was forced to stay put as a clause in his contract priced potential buyers out of a deal.

Predictably, Lionel Messi did not have a great start to the season. But once he found form, there was almost no stopping him. Messi ran riot in the La Liga since the start of 2021, scoring goals at a prolific rate and schlepping Barcelona back on track. He has proved once again why he is indispensable and that's why Barcelona are willing to offer him a new contract even if it will cost them an arm and a leg.

Lionel Messi is the top scorer in La Liga by a mile. He has scored 30 goals in 35 appearances and has provided 14 assists as well. Gerard Moreno is second on the list of top scorers in La Liga with only 23.

In total, he has scored 38 goals and racked up 11 assists across all competitions. While he has lost a yard of pace, his technical ability is still top-notch and he'll be gutted to have not won the La Liga title after coming so close.

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Edited by Shambhu Ajith
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