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Barcelona Predicted XI against Borussia Dortmund: A crucial tie in the Group of death

By Parth Jhaveri

FC Barcelona line up (L-R) Andre Ter Stegen,Clement Lenglet, Junior Firpo, Nelson Semedo, Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique, Lionel Messi,Antoine Griezmann, Sergi Roberto, Arthur Melo, Luis Suarez during the Liga match between FC Barcelona and Villarreal CF at Camp Nou on September 24, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
FC Barcelona line up (L-R) Andre Ter Stegen,Clement Lenglet, Junior Firpo, Nelson Semedo, Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique, Lionel Messi,Antoine Griezmann, Sergi Roberto, Arthur Melo, Luis Suarez during the Liga match between FC Barcelona and Villarreal CF at Camp Nou on September 24, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /
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Left central midfield: Arthur

Arthur was not included in the squad for Barcelona’s trip to Leganes indicating Valverde wanted to give the Brazilian some rest after he was involved with the Selecao during the international break. He is expected to return to the starting lineup and partner with Frenkie De Jong. The duo together has been remarkable creating abundant chances and making the midfield tick.

The 23-year-old has played 11 times for the Blaugrana and registered 2 goals and 4 assists. What’s more important is his ability to pick out the free man and switch from defence to attack in an instant. This ability of his has drawn comparisons to legend Xavi. Honestly, Arthur might be the key against Dortmund, he might be the man in charge of breaking the Dortmund lines and supply defence splitting balls to the forwards.

Central defensive midfielder: Sergio Busquets

Frankly, Sergio Busquets has shown signs of slowing down in recent years. It is true he is being overrun by the opponents but if it weren’t for him Barcelona’s backline would have been heavily exposed.

The player who guards the centre backs and acts as the first point of attack, Busquets should start against the BVB. Valverde is aware of Busquets’ fitness levels and wouldn’t risk a fatigued Busquets to play. Hence, the 31-year-old was taken off the field just before the hour mark against Los Pepineros.

Considering how productive are Favre’s side on the counter, Busquets might have to perform the dark art of tactical fouling on a number of occasions, an art he has mastered in. The La Masia graduate is the perfect candidate to balance the midfield. With De Jong and Arthur taking the creating chances onus on their shoulders, Busquets will perform the defensive duties in the midfield of breaking the attack.

https://twitter.com/fcbarcelona_br/status/1188838456778211329

Right central midfield: Frenkie De Jong

Frenkie De Jong has been outstanding for Barcelona’s midfield so far. Despite the club’s struggles the Dutchman has impressed with his individual performances and has often impacted team’s results. He has started to build a mystical connection with Lionel Messi showing what destruction this explosive duo can cause to the opposition.

The former Ajax man is a massive upgrade on Ivan Rakitic, with De Jong using thrusts of pace to drive forward and supplement the attack. He has an eye for goal and can create chances of goal from extremely tight positions.

The 22 year old will also commit defensively and will help Barcelona breaking down BVB’s attack. When facing the likes of Sancho, Brandt, Reus Barcelona will need their midfielders too to put on a shift in defence as well.

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