3 Barcelona stars who could be key in the US Preseason tour

The time for which Hansi Flick has been preparing the Barcelona squad seems to have arrived, as club football seems as close as ever to begin. FC Barcelona would begin their 2024/25 campaign with a preseason tour followed by the infamous Joan Gamper Trophy match. However, unlike previous campaigns, some of the biggest European clubs would line up against FC Barcelona.

Starting with Manchester City, then Real Madrid, followed by AC Milan, a difficult challenge awaits the Blaugrana club. But there's nothing to worry about much, considering the reinforcements and developments Hansi Flick has been doing at the Catalan club. Bringing out the best in his players has been the habit of the German mastermind, and the club believes him to replicate that.

On that note, here's a look at 3 Barcelona stars who could be key in the club's Preseason campaign:

Pablo Torre

Since the beginning of Barca's training sessions for the upcoming campaign, Torre has been showcasing signs of brilliance time and again. Torre's intention has been clear from the start; he wants to impress Flick and be in the coach's plans, and the youngster has been capitalizing on all opportunities to fulfill his dream.

Even though he faced an injury that fractured the fifth metacarpal in his left hand, Torre didn't let his plans go in vain. The youngster joined group training soon and has been one of the standout stars in the sessions.

Not to forget, Torre's goal found Barca on the victory side against Olot, showing the star's ability to contribute significantly to the team's offensive presence. Given the absence of De Jong and Pedri in the midfield, Torre's role would become crucial, giving him the best opportunity to book a slot in Barca's playing XI next season.

Alejandro Balde

Ever since the Hansi Flick era began at the Blaugrana club, the German manager has shown faith in Balde's ability time and again. Flick had ruled out the possibility of a signing for the left-back slot, believing that Alejandro Balde possesses the potential to live up to the club's expectations.

Being a Blaugrana person through and through, Balde knows that Flick's system would suit him very well, and he has been ready to perform the role "Davies" used to fulfill for Flick at Bayern Munich.

Being one of the consistent members of the preseason training sessions, Balde has shown grit and dedication and earned the left-back slot for the preseason tour. In the absence of star power back Ronald Araujo, Balde's role would be crucial alongside Jules Kounde to assist in Barcelona's offensive presence while holding the Barcelona backline.

Raphinha

Kicking in his third season at the Blaugrana club, the Brazilian seems ready to lead the wing attack in Lamine Yamal's absence. Coming off a brilliant individual campaign in 2023/24, where the Brazilian winger stood out as one of the consistent performers for Barca, hopes would be high for Raphinha to replicate so.

Even though the winger wasn't available for the preseason training sessions, it has been made certain that he would fly to the US Tour. Being one of the most experienced wingers for the Catalan club, Barca would expect much from him in controlling the attack.

Especially in the games against Manchester City and Real Madrid, eyes would be on Raphinha, as he has been one of the standout performers in the past for Barcelona in the biggest games. Considering Nico and Yamal's rise, the preseason comes with a brilliant opportunity for the Brazilian to stay relevant within the Barca squad.