Left-backs –
Jordi Alba (first-choice) : The pacy left-back has settled back into the first-team after Valverde took over. But he has great stamina and does not give into fatigue. Valverde should start him in the league and also the Champions League games.

Lucas Digne (second-choice) : The French full-back matured as a player last season. He is solid defensively but has room for improvement in attack. He is unlikely to displace Jordi Alba this season but Ernesto Valverde should play him in the league games against smaller teams and in the Copa del Rey.