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Barcelona Team of the season 2020-21: Griezmann, Messi feature

By Parth Jhaveri

Barcelona's Spanish defender Oscar Mingueza (C) celebrates with Barcelona's Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets (L), Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi and Barcelona's Spanish defender Jordi Alba (back R) (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)
Barcelona's Spanish defender Oscar Mingueza (C) celebrates with Barcelona's Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets (L), Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi and Barcelona's Spanish defender Jordi Alba (back R) (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Oscar Mingueza and Ronald Araujo of FC Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) /

Defence:

Centre back: Oscar Mingueza

Oscar Mingueza can actually be a solid candidate for the youngster of the season. The 21-year-old has terrific throughout the season and has excelled in the back three. Playing on the right-hand side of the back three, Mingueza was reliable, robust and radiant. In need of a centre back after Gerard Pique’s injury, Mingueza rose to the occasion and staked his claim in the Barca starting lineup.

The Spaniard has been quick to brush off early doubters and through his industriousness and concentration, quickly become a fan favourite at Camp Nou. The La Masia product left no stone unturned to impress the club hierarchy that it became very difficult to not recognize the player’s efforts.

Sighting the meteoric rise, several clubs came hurling around Mingueza whose deal was running out this summer but Barcelona have been attentive enough to renew the 21-year-old until 2023.

Centre back: Ronald Araujo

Barcelona’s defence has come under heavy criticism in recent times. It would’ve faced even more wrath and anger from the fans had it not been for youngsters like Mingueza and Ronald Araujo. Pique’s injury came at a time when the Catalans were already struggling to get the best out of Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti. Araujo came to Barca’s rescue and fortified the rickety rearguard.

Mingueza’s solid run of performances also began around the same time, solving Barca’s huge headache. Araujo boasts impressive stats to support the claim of having a highly fruitful season. The Uruguayan registered a tackle success rate of 73% and had a pass accuracy of over 92%.

The 22-year-old has shown that he can remain calm under pressure and is precise with his passing. Aerially too, he is one of the strongest in La Liga, winning 77% of his aerial duels, only behind Felipe of Atletico Madrid and Eder Militao of Real Madrid.

Centre back: Clement Lenglet

Clement Lenglet could be considered a surprise pick over Pique but the former Sevilla man manages to edge past the 34-year-old simply because of his continuous availability and some noteworthy performances.

The Frenchman’s slump was pretty evident, especially after the 8-2 humiliation last season. Since then, Lenglet picked himself up and has been a decent player in the squad. Pique missed crucial periods of the season due to injury whereas Lenglet continued to be a part of the backline. The former Sevilla defender played a total of 48 games, registering a pass success rate of 92.8%, 1.42 blocks per 90 minutes and 1.27 interceptions per 90.