Ranking FC Barcelona's 2019 summer arrivals | La Liga 2019-20

FC Barcelona have strengthened their squad significantly this summer
FC Barcelona have strengthened their squad significantly this summer

The 2018-19 season saw FC Barcelona winning La Liga for the second year in a row. However, this was overshadowed by their shocking loss to Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, and their unexpected loss to Valencia in the finals of the Copa del Rey.

This summer, the Catalan side looked to strengthen their side by purchasing several players to fill the plugs in their team.

With half of the season completed, and these new players adapted to their new role at Camp Nou, here are all four of FC Barcelona's new summer arrivals listed from worst to best.


#4 Junior Firpo

Firpo has had his highs and lows so far in the Camp Nou
Firpo has had his highs and lows so far in the Camp Nou

Being the back-up to Jordi Alba, arguably the best left-back in the world, is very difficult. This summer, FC Barcelona bought Junior Firpo from Real Betis to take on the role.

With Jordi Alba’s injury early in the season, Firpo got ample amount of opportunities to prove himself. While he has shown great promise, with his sound defending, solid passing ability, and lightning pace, it is evident that he will take some time to settle in the Barcelona way of play.

In Real Betis, Firpo was the star of the team, going upfield and taking on defenders often from the left flank. By doing so, he was able to create chances regularly for Real Betis, scoring 5 goals and providing 8 assists last season. At Barcelona, he does not have the same confidence to move upfield and when he does, he is often stagnant.

Overall however, for a mere €18 million, Firpo is not by any means a bad deal, considering the fact that the young left-back will likely perform better as he adapts to the Camp Nou.

Also check out: La Liga La Liga fixtures La liga table 2019-20

#3 Neto

Neto is a world-class keeper in his own right
Neto is a world-class keeper in his own right

Until last season, Barcelona's back-up keeper was the Dutch international Jasper Cilessen. Bought for only €26 million this summer, Neto was bought by the Catalan side to replace Cillessen.

Standing almost two meters tall, Neto is a world-class goal keeper with incredible shot-stopping skills and one of the fastest reflexes in the world. In his only official appearance for the club against Inter Milan, Neto showed his class, making 3 saves in their 2-1 win.

Last season, he conceded 34 goals in 34 appearances, which is respectable considering Valencia's relatively weak defence. He also played a pivotal role in their Copa del Rey win last season, single-handedly putting them through to the final in his incredible performance against Real Betis in the semi-finals.

This was a good deal for Barcelona, as Jasper Cillessen has been replaced by another excellent keeper in Neto, as the reserve goalkeeper.

#2 Antoine Griezmann

Griezmann has already made his mark at Barcelona
Griezmann has already made his mark at Barcelona

The most expensive player on this list, Antoine Griezmann came into Camp Nou with a wealth of experience in La Liga. He spent 5 years in Atletico Madrid, and 5 years before that, at Real Sociedad.

The Catalan club have been targeting the Frenchman for a while now and the player finally joined this summer, when his release clause of £120 million was bought out by the Catalan club.

So far, the hefty fee has proven to be a good acquisition for the Blaugrana, as the player has shown sparks of greatness in Camp Nou since his arrival.

At times, Griezmann has been low on confidence, struggling to adapt to the fast paced, possession-heavy Barcelona style.

However, he has progressively improved over time, and now looks more comfortable in the Catalan side. This is reflected in his 4 goals and 1 assist in 6 appearances in December - the same amount he scored for the Blaugrana up till then.

In an interview at the Ballon d'Or conference in early December, Griezmann stated that he has "accepted the challenge of wearing the Barça shirt," and told the media to "ensure that the best is yet to come."

With forwards Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez both well into their 30s, neither have been able to track back or press as much as they used to. With the addition of Griezmann, Barcelona finally have a forward who can pressure the opposition throughout the game.

His partnership with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez has been called 'MSG', and if he continues adapting to the club, they may be an attacking force to be reckoned with next year.

#1 Frenkie de Jong

de Jong has been no short of incredible in his time at Barcelona
de Jong has been no short of incredible in his time at Barcelona

Despite it only being his first season at the club, Frenkie de Jong has been a natural fit for the Catalan side. He has become a regular starter along with fellow young superstar Arthur Melo and veteran pivot Sergio Busquets.

While still only being 22 years of age, de Jong is already considered one of the best midfielders in the world. He was even named on the 2019 FIFA FIFPro World XI, due to his integral role in Ajax's success in the Champions League, and the Netherlands' success in the UEFA Nations League.

In his 24 appearances wearing the Blaugrana shirt, the 22 year old has a 94% pass success rate, 2 goals, and 2 assists to his name. However, the statistics do not do him justice, as there is something special about the player.

He is the quintessential Barcelona player, with a penchant for creating space, making lightning quick runs across the field, absorbing pressure, and best of all, controlling the tempo of the game.

De Jong was purchased for just £75 million, which has come to be an absolute steal, considering his incredible impact on the Catalan side.

If the 22-year old Dutchman keeps progressing at this rate, there is no doubt that he could become one of the best midfielders of all-time. With 23-year-old Brazilian Arthur Melo by his side in the midfield, there very well may be another golden era for Barcelona in the years to come.

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Edited by Kingshuk Kusari
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