Barcelona Squad Analysis - Forwards

Over the years, Barcelona have been blessed with exceptional attacking talent. From Henry and Eto, to Neymar and Suarez to Ansu Fati and Griezmann, with of course Messi. Barcelona’s attack in the season that has past by had been the best in La Liga, but they failed to come big in the important matches. Barcelona’s ability to finishof chances has also been criticized. There have to be some changes made in the forward line, so let’s take a look at these changes. 

Martin Braithwaite 

Hardworking. Professional. These two words define what Braithwaite is. Although many perceive Braithwaite to be a Bartameu panic signing, he is much more that that. He is someone who always gives his 100% on the pitch, works hard in training and is always trying to improve. His mentality is elite. But I still don’t think he quite has a place in this Barcelona squad. His finishing hasn’t been on point, underperforming his xG by 3 goals. At Barcelona, the likes of Suarez, Neymar and Messi have always outperformed their xG. Now with Agüero officially unveiled as a Barcelona player and Ansu Fati coming back from injury it’s hard to see Braithwaite getting much playing time. He isn’t a particularly good presser as well. Although not quite at the level of Barcelona, Braithwaite seems like the kind of motivational and emotional leader for a relegation threatened side. Braithwaite will be remembered if he ever is for that winning goal against Sevilla in the Copa comeback and best of all his professionalism and mentality. 

Working of the Attack

When you have Messi in your team (yes he isn’t confirmed to be staying, but now it looks more likely than ever that he would be staying), you have to build your team around him. Messi now has become more of a complete player. He loves to drift into the center of the field. Ronald Koeman has understood that and has deployed Messi in the centre of the field. I think the best role for Messi in the 4-3-3 would be playing as a false nine. Messi will be starting most games so the false nine role is sorted. I think on either side of Messi we can have different options. Dembele gives an option of wide playmaker with dribbling ability. Griezmann can play as more inverted playmaker with somewhat of a free role while also making those runs off Messi. Trincao is the kind of player who cuts inside on his left and would be a good option off the bench. Agüero would be a more direct option, making runs in behind like a proper striker. Ansu Fati on the other hand, would be the jack of all trades, who can play as the wide playmaker, inverted winger, striker and can take his man on one on one. I think Malen is a very interesting option, who I will be analyzing soon. Depay is another player who is linked with Barcelona, who I think wouldn’t work out at the club. But that would be analyzed soon after. In attack, I think Barcelona should be fluid with Messi orchestrating it through the centre. After discussing the working of the attack, I would analyze each player’s season and decide on what their role would be next season. 

Lionel Messi

At this point, I’m at a loss of words for the Argentine magician. Despite enduring a slow start to the season, Messi has put the kind of elite numbers he always does. Messi once again has crossed the 50 goal contributions mark this season. His overall play has been incredible, and he has led by example this season really acting as the leader and a true captain. Messi’s stats, meanwhile, are on a whole different level. He completes 4.89 dribbles, 2.55 key passes, 5.31 shots and 7.53 shot creating actions per 90. For the summer all we would be looking for is that Messi contract renewal so that our captain can play at Barcelona for years to come.

Ansu Fati

Ansu Fati’s season had started with a bang. With 7 goal involvements in just 10 appearances, the La Masia graduate wasn’t just defying all expectations but also carrying the team in the presence of a discouraged and disgruntled Messi. He was a real threat in and around the box for Barcelona with his 9.52 touches in the attacking penalty area ranking above 99 percentile among wingers. He brought that something extra that wingers didn’t provide - sheer finishing quality showcased by him outperforming his xG by 2.3. But misery did eventually strike with the 18-year-old falling prey to a meniscus injury. The news that Ansu Fati would be out for 3 months was hard to take for culers, but little did we know it would get worse. After multiple surgeries, there has been little progress in the recovery for Ansu. We can not expect Ansu to immediately produce the kind of numbers he had been doing at the start of the season. Recovering from the horrible injury, getting back onto the pitch and contributing to the team in every way possible should be the goal for Ansu Fati next season.

Fransisco Trincao

Fransisco Trincao has had a progressive debut season at Barcelona. Usually coming off the bench, Trincao in glimpses this season has displayed what he can bring to Barcelona. Primarily playing on the right wing, the Portuguese loves cutting in on his left foot. He does always fancy a shot from distance with his left foot. But at times this season, he has been predictable. Training his weaker foot more and getting the ball onto his right foot more often would surely benefit him. Trincao has provided some fresh legs coming off the bench evidence to this is him ranking above 95 and 91 percentile for tackles and pressures in the attacking third per 90 respectively. Rumours have circulated that Trincao might be sent out on loan next season or could potentially be sold. Several fans have been disappointed by him this season. But, I think we should give the 21-year-old more time to develop and stop judging him based on his price tag.  

Antoine Griezmann

Another player who has fallen victim to his price tag is Antoine Griezmann. Although, this season has been much improved for the French international, the expectations on his shoulders are very high. With 22 goals and 7 assists this season, Griezmann has found a place in this Barcelona team. He played an especially crucial role in the vital month of January for Barcelona and who could forget his contribution in the comeback against Granada in the Copa. But Griezmann’s season has been defined by moments. He hasn’t been able to translate his hard work into consistency all through the season. Judging his season from a stats point of view is quite tough as he has played a very free role this season, often playing as a false nine. When compared with forwards his passing and progressing of the ball do stand out and when compared with attacking midfielders his touches in the penalty area and attacking third do stand out. What has really been the most important development of the season for Antoine Griezmann is his combination play with his teammates. He has been combining well with the likes of De Jong, Messi and Jordi Alba. He has also evolved into a leader on and off the pitch and he does have the desire and fight to play for this club. Another problem with Griezmann is of course his wages. He is the second highest earner at the club and his wages are not at all sustainable for the club in our current situation. Griezmann’s contract should be re-negotiated and on a more sustainable contract I can see Griezmann playing a pivotal role for Barcelona next season.

Ousmane Dembele 

Dembele’s situation at Barcelona is quite odd. He was brought to Barcelona from Dortmund for a huge fee to fill the void left by Neymar. But it hasn’t quite worked out for Dembele as he has suffered from persistent injuries. This season though, has been promising for the Frenchman, making 47 appearances for the Blaugranes this season. He is completing 3.93 dribbles, 13.19 progressive passes, 8.10 touches, 4.17 shot creating actions and taking 3.13 shots per 90. Pretty impressive stats but Dembele seriously lacks in end product, with only 41.3% of his shots on target and a very low goal/shot ratio of 0.11. He also does have only 16 goal contributions this season. His contract is ending next summer which is a major problem. With Dembele not committing his future to Barcelona there is a cloud of uncertainty lurking around him. While his wage increment demands seem completely out of place for me. There has been something missing in the forward line this season and selling one of the big-name forwards to fund a move for another player seems like an exciting prospect. The team is also filled with bright youngsters, so the leadership and experience  of Griezmann would come in handy. This would sadly mean that the squad leaves no place for the unpredictable ambidextrous winger Ousmane Dembele. 

Potential Additions to the Forward Line

Alex Collado

Collado has been at Barcelona since the age of 10. He has risen through the youth ranks of Barcelona and now at the age of 22 he is the captain of Barça B. He has been truly sensational for Barcelona B this season. But at 22, Collado can not continue playing in the 3rd division. The two options for Collado this season would be to go out on loan to a fellow La Liga club or be promoted to the first team. I think Collado should be given a chance with the first team during pre season and from then on the decision on his future should be made. The La Masia graduate does have the quality but the question remains if he can showcase this quality on the biggest stage. 

Sergio Agüero

Agüerooooooooooooo!!!!! Yes, the former Manchester City forward has officially been unveiled as a Barcelona player. Although not in his prime, it’s exciting to see an iconic figure like Agüero join Barcelona. He has been at the top of his game for many years indeed for the blue side of Manchester, but he has slowed down recently. Injuries have plagued the 33-year-old’s season, which has seen him out of Pep’s favoured starting XI. His numbers this season aren’t great either. But something we all know is that Agüero has not lost his finishing edge. He still ranks above 97 percentile for percentage of shots on target per 90. When we look at his heat map, we know we have got the right profile player. He is the penalty box striker. He can give Barcelona the option to be more direct by making the kind of runs a striker makes and by being a constant menace to the centre backs by staying on the shoulder of the last defender. Best of all is that this is a low risk signing. Agüero has significantly reduced his wages by €150K per week, agreeing a deal worth only €97K a week at Barcelona. He has signed a deal lasting just 2 years as well. On the other hand, injuries will be another obstacle that Agüero and the club will have to face. If Koeman can get 30 games out of Agüero the coming season it would surely benefit the team. The role next season for Agüero should be coming off the bench and giving Barcelona a more direct option and finishing off the chances that Barcelona players have regretted missing this season.

Donyell Malen

Malen is a very versatile player and has natural finishing ability something Barcelona have lacked this season. He could play a similar role to Ansu. Malen and Fati both can play on either wing, have brilliant 1 on 1 ability and can make those inside runs and almost play as inverted wingers and they have got the finishing to back it up. Malen can be the finisher up top, supply the ball, take on his man and link up play, that is what is his game. With 19 goals and 8 assists this season, Malen has light up the Eredivisie with his performances this season. He takes 4 shots, completes 1.5 dribbles and lays on 1 key pass per 90. He is a real presence in the box as well something Barcelona have missed this season, showcased is his 7.74 touches in the attacking penalty area ranking above 96 percentile among forwards. Malen wouldn’t be a very expensive signing either, making him a smart budget signing to bolster Barcelona’s squad for next season. 

Memphis Depay

Number 1 on Ronald Koeman’s wish list this summer, is of course Memphis Depay. I would say Koeman’s interest in him is absolutely justified. Koeman has worked with Depay during his managerial reign as the Netherlands boss. Depay has torn up Ligue 1 this season with 20 goals and 12 assists in 37 matches for Lyon this season. Now in his prime, Depay should be the sort of dream signing for any club. But that isn’t the case. The Dutch international did have a bad stint at Manchester United, due to which several are still doubting his ability to perform at the big clubs. But for me that is not the major concern. My concern lies all around his positioningand role for the team. Seeing Depay on the pitch or looking at his numbers, anyone can clearly see that his is the all-round forward. He completes 3.66 progressive passes, 6.06 progressive carries, 2.57 dribbles, 4.9 shot creating actions, takes 3.03 shots and lays on 2.65 key passes. At Lyon, everything goes through Depay, he is the main man. He has a free role in the team and can move onto to wing to supply the ball, pick up the ball from the centre backs and drive it forward or unleash an outlandish effort. Resembles someone? Messi of course. Depay’s profile is so similar to Messi. The whole system of Barcelona is based around Messi who can roam around and pick up the ball from any area he wants. Griezmann and Coutinho also played similar roles at their former clubs. This is the reason why they couldn’t work out at Barcelona immediately. It’s why the likes of Pedro, David Villa, Neymar and Suarez succeeded. They complemented Messi rather than trying to occupy the same space he does. Griezmann does have the extra characteristic of working hard and also trying to adapt his role to suit the team, due to which he has been able to fit in. You might say Malen does have a similar profile, but PSV Eindoven isn’t based around him, I would even further go on to say that most of the play passes through Noni Madueke. While, I do appreciate Depay as a player, I don’t think he is the right type of player for Barcelona as he does have a very similar profile to Messi and Griezmann. But, it’s also a fact that Koeman does really admire Depay and sometimes it is beneficial to put your trust in the manager. Personally, I wouldn’t sign Memphis Depay, but with Koeman’s insistence of having him in his team and Depay being available on a free, I can see Laporta signing the Dutchman. 

There you have it, all the forwards at Barcelona assessed along with some potential transfer targets. With that the Barcelona Squad Analysis does come to an end. And if you haven't read the whole series yet, what are you waiting for? Get started with the introduction right here. Be assured, the content will keep flowing. Thanks for stopping by, I hope to see you back soon and remember, it's more than a blog.