Six Barcelona players that must step up next season

Pedro

For Pedro, this is a massive season. Three seasons ago he dominated on the right wing and scored 20+ goals and was crucial in the Champions League Final against Manchester United, scoring the opening goal and setting Barca on their way. The following 2011-12 campaign was marred by injury and he was sorely missed, returning too late in the season to have an impact. This past season, he started strong and was a big part of Barca’s fast start in the league.

Towards the middle of the season, Pedro suddenly was struggling to find the net. He failed to score in some really key matches and the one that stands out the most to me was against Real Madrid in the first leg of their Copa Del Rey tie.

With Barca up 1-0, he was one on one with Iker Casillas but failed to convert. That goal would have likely sealed the tie for Barcelona, but instead they settled for a 1-1 result and lost the home leg. When you are struggling, easy chances have to be converted. It seemed like all too often, Pedro had his face in his hands in disbelief due to chances that went begging.

Pedro’s goal tallies have really dropped off the last two seasons. In 2011-12 he scored 13, but this past season he scored only 10. It is scary to see that figure, considering he was injured for most of that 13-goal campaign.

One could argue that the team is driving the ball to Messi more often as his two monster goal seasons coincide with this decline, but I do not believe that to be the sole reason. I think Pedro has lost his confidence.

Tito backed him over Alexis for most of last season, but I think new manager Tata Martino might not share the same level of patience. Sanchez has been good as of late on the right side. With Neymar and Tello on the left, Pedro will be forced to win his playing time on the right. Pedro has never been the supplier that Sanchez has become as of late, which will hurt his chances. I think this could be the determining factor between the two, but he is a system guy and that is a big edge for him.

Pedro needs to find his shadow and convert the chances that he gets a greater percentage of the time. The pressure mounts on players when they botch easy chances. Tello and Sanchez were guilty of this last season as well, but Pedro missed chances in really big matches.

We can forgive missed chances in matches the side is leading by three goals, but when you miss against Bayern Munich or Real Madrid, it can really sting. Let’s hope the extra rest this summer will sharpen his focus and confidence. He’s a player that has proven in the past he can rise to the occasion.

In a long campaign with many challenging competitions, you will need more than a great starting 11 to achieve success. No player or group of three is enough to be competitive in Europe.

It takes quality of depth and the ability to overcome injuries. Barcelona lost a bit of its lustre against the better sides last year. In most of those matches against Milan, PSG, Real Madrid, and Bayern, the role players were outclassed and many regulars were nursing injuries.

The best players need to do their part, but those around them need to pick up the slack every now and again to put away vital matches.