Top Five: Potential successors to Xavi’s throne at Barcelona

2. Oscar – Chelsea

Oscar can play in either the attacking free role position behind the forward or more play maker role in central midfield. For Brazil, Oscar looks like he has been playing international football for decades and looks very comfortable in this deeper midfield role. Oscar has become a favourite at Stamford Bridge with the exciting fluidity of his game. Xavi and Oscar are very similar in their passing, elegance, creativity and reading of the game. Oscar would suit the Barcelona way and could easily fit into the system. Oscar would come at a hefty transfer fee but it all depends on the vision of Jose Mourinho. If he slots in to Mourinho’s three man midfield with ease then he’s off the radar, but with so many options at Chelsea if he struggles he might become available.