FC Barcelona: Three hopes, one fear

Hope #2: That Arda Turan can find a role in the attack.

After missing half of the season last year due to Barcelona’s transfer ban Arda Turan finally took the pitch last January. But despite coming to the club under much fanfare Turan never really found his place in the attack with Barcelona. The Turkish international’s two goals were on par with his normal output as a professional. However, his three assists were below his average and a larger sign that he had yet to find his place in Luis Enrique’s side.

The best news for Turan is that he will be getting a full season with Barcelona to show off his skills. Part of the problem last season was that he came in mid-year which is never an easy task. Practicing with one’s teammates is one thing but getting match time to iron out the kinks is an entirely different matter.

Having the chance to work with Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta on building attacking chances for a full season in the end will be to the benefit of all parties. With Busquets and Iniesta liking to lead more from the back there will be space for Turan to build attacking chances for Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Neymar. Barcelona does not need Turan to be a world-class goal scorer. They do however need him to lay in diagonal passes for their three-headed monster and to take some of the pressure of their veteran midfielders.