Barca's lineup with Nico Williams shows why Barca seems ready for European glory

In case you missed it, the player who has been linked with FC Barcelona for a long time is Nico Williams. While triggering the release clause worth 58 million may be a bit difficult for Barcelona, the player's La Liga brilliance and Barca's struggle for a pacy winger on the left flank mean that West Ham may look to secure his signature to bolster their squad and improve their offensive presence.

Nico Williams would certainly benefit FC Barcelona. He is a pacy winger who can break through the opposition's backline with his dribbling skills. Add him to Lamine Yamal on the right flank, and the opponent seems to be done, just watching the playwork of this unstoppable duo.

With that being said, how could FC Barcelona line up with Nico Williams? Well, taking a look at it will reveal the exact reason why Barca seems ready for European glory...

The potential FC Barcelona lineup with the Nico Williams transfer in mind:

Goalkeeper and Defense

As the Catalan club had announced, Marca Andre Ter Stegen will continue as the number one goalkeeper choice for the 2024–25 season. Despite being a German goalkeeper aged 32, he has proven his mettle for FC Barcelona in the seasons he has featured, leaving no doubts regarding the goalkeeper position.

Off the left, most probably, Alejandro Balde would start, as Barca doesn't fit in a position to renew Cancelo. Moreover, Hansi Flick's confidence in the young full-back might transform him into the go-to left-back for the club for years to come. On the opposing flank, there would be the rock-solid Jules Kounde. His recent heroics at the Euro stage haven't gone unnoticed, where the Frenchman led the French backline, playing a huge role in France's journey to the semifinals.

Covering Ter Stegen and leading the backline will be the duo of Pau Cubarsi and Andreas Christensen. Though the duo seems a bit untested, Barca may look upon them due to Araujo's hamstring injury. Christensen, being a senior experienced player, would have most of the eyes upon him, as a rock-solid show from him can turn Barca's recent fortunes around, enabling a clear path for the Catalan Giants.

Midfield

Leading the midfield and having a significant position in Barca's offensive plays would be the German veteran Ilkay Gundogan. Returning from a brilliant show at Euro 2024, Gundogan's role would be crucial in assisting the assumably new wing duo of FC Barcelona. Though there have been a few transfer rumors regarding him, chances are that he will continue as a Catalan player next season.

Out of the two central midfielders, De Jong would certainly be a starter for FC Barcelona next season. Though coming on the back of an ankle injury, the Catalan club knows the Dutch midfielder's utility in the midfield. His ability to create inch-perfect long balls and control the game in the middle of the park would certainly be essential for Barca's pursuit of European glory.

The other CM position would be accounted for by the breakout star of Barca's 2023–24 campaign. Even though it wasn't a season to remember for Culers, Fermin Lopez's consistent performances surely added a bit of flavor for Barca fans amidst an underwhelming campaign. Moreover, being one of the three players who remained injury-free for the whole last season, Fermin's grit shows he can be the future of Barca's midfield.

Attack

Attack is the segment where the Barcelona lineup finds themselves most confident. Having plenty of proven options Barca's offensive presence is surely one of the best in European football, and the addition of Nico Williams would further strengthen it.

Kicking in from the left wing comes the marquee signing of the season, Nico Williams. Given the youngster's brilliance in the Euro 2024 tournament, the winger would surely be a starter in Barcelona's lineup. Moreover, abundant options, in the form of fringe star Ferran Torres and comeback star Ansu Fati, are present, which strengthen the left wing position.

Spearheading the attack, striking from the front, would be the Polish legend Robert Lewandowski. Being one of the main pathways of goals for the club' Lewandowski's season would be crucial, given his reunion with Hansi Flick, who had turned him into a monster during his Bayern days.

On the right flank comes Barca youth sensation Lamine Yamal, who deserves a spot in the lineup without a reason. Moreover, his duo with Williams could take on any opposition backline, favoring Barca's chances of a major trophy next season. Even though Raphinha has been doing quite well on the right flank in the previous seasons, it would take a harsh call for Flick to play him on rotation with Lamine Yamal.