Barcelona’s midfield is all geared up for the future
The make-or-break factor in modern football is the midfield, according to the trend set by Johan Cruyff’s ‘Dream Team’ at Barcelona. Fortunately, Barça’s midfield has always been very strong, even when the club went through a difficult period with frequent managerial changes.
Each generation of Barcelona midfielders have made way for the next with a smooth transition period, whether they were brought in from La Masia or signed from other clubs. The club is ensuring that the same thing happens for the next generation of midfielders.
Arthur has already found his way into the Barcelona first-team, and regularly plays alongside senior players Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitić. But both Busquets and Rakitić are over 30, and slowly entering the twilight of their careers.
The young Brazilian playmaker is facing some competition from Arturo Vidal for a first-team berth. But the Chilean box-to-box midfielder is also on the wrong side of 30. But Arthur will have some top-quality players as his partners in midfield soon.
Barcelona have found the successors to both Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitić. While the most expensive Dutchman of all-time, Frenkie de Jong will be brought in as a successor to Busquets, Rakitić has a readymade successor in La Masia graduate Carles Aleñá.
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The future trio of Frenkie de Jong, Arthur and Carles Aleñá have the potential to become the best midfield of the world. Of course, the greatest midfield lineup of all-time constitutes Barça’s La Masia trio of Sergio Busquets, Xavi and Andrés Iniesta, which won two trebles.
But unlike Xavi, Arthur will star on the left side of midfield. Likewise, Carles Aleñá will star on the right side, unlike Andrés Iniesta. But otherwise, they will occupy the same role. But putting it in the current context, Aleñá replaces Rakitić in the first-team.
While Carles Aleñá pull the strings in midfield with silky dribbling and immense vision, Frenkie de Jong will act as the transition between defence and midfield, breaking up counter-attacks. Arthur will be the quiet worker, keeping hold of the ball and distributing it.
Carles Aleñá has shown signs of growth recently, and he has a lot of potential. Arthur should keep getting playing time, but his confidence needs a boost further up the pitch. Frenkie de Jong is sure to fit in perfectly at the Camp Nou, and would get a lot of game time after he joins.
If this magnificent trio can fulfill their potential, good things will surely happen to Barcelona. Most importantly, the culture of extraordinary players will remain intact. But a good midfield will guarantee results on the pitch.