La Liga: 5 Things to watch out for concerning Barcelona in the new season

#4 Continuity expected in defence

Junior (right) is the only new member of the backline

Following the decision of Matthijs de Ligt to ignore the call from the Nou Camp and head to Juventus and the Serie A, there is a settled look to Barcelona's defence for the upcoming season.

The backline was reasonably okay for the entirety of last season until the two horror shows at Anfield and in the Copa del Rey final. Spanish U-21 international Firpo has been the only addition to the backline this summer and he is expected to act as deputy to Jordi Alba for the foreseeable future.

The arrival of Neto from Valencia changes nothing in the goalkeeping department as Marc-Andre Ter Stegen will continue as undisputed number one.

Clement Lenglet had a decent first season following his arrival from Sevilla. He will fancy his chances of continuing to be in the first squad alongside Gerald Pique and ahead of Samuel Umtiti.

The uncertainty over the first-choice right-back is the big unknown in Barca's defensive equation. Nelson Semedo seems to be finally coming into his own after an inury-plagued first couple of seasons in Spain. However, Valverde has not hidden his love for Sergi Roberto's hardworking style.

Jean Clair Todibo and Moussa Wague are expected to play substitute roles or go out on loan to gain more experience.