author: Ewan Macdonaldsource: goal
date: 20 November 2008
editing: fcbtransfers.blogspot.com
With Barcelona out in front in the Primera, there is a case for saying that they have the strongest squad in the league, with Samuel Eto'o topping the 'Pichichi' standings to boot. Furthermore Lionel Messi and Xavi have enjoyed superb starts to the season so far.
But there is with all leading Primera sides the suspicion that a few injuries, squad changes, or losses of form can see it all crumble. Injury-prone Messi would be a huge loss, while the defence has proved very much changable since the season began. There is a case, then, for one or two January signings to steady the ship.
Goalkeeper
Victor Valdes has begun to silence some of his doubters. It is fair to say that he is improving as a goalkeeper. Whether or not he is good enough for a side that seeks the Champions League as well as the Liga is open to question, but it certainly seems that he is becoming more commanding. This, combined with his already-fine shot-stopping ability, means that replacing him is no longer a priority.
Defence
Here is a paradox of sorts: Barcelona signed more defenders than they did players of any other position during the summer, yet it is here that they could arguably use the most backup. Carles Puyol is shunted out of position with regularity while the centre-back pairing is a movable feast. Yet with Caceres set to return from his spell on the sidelines, and Dani Alves finally starting to show his true potential, the centre and the right seem to be OK - for now.
It is left-back that is a problem position. Eric Abidal is simply not shining. It was thought that he would settle in after that one sub-par debut season, yet he is still playing very much within himself. Perhaps he pines for the setup at Lyon, or he needs more coach support: whatever it is, things are not working out.
Sylvinho, a fans' favourite, is an ample deputy but not an option for the future. So, a new left-back may be on the agenda, and it's not impossible that Philip Lahm of FC Bayern could be on the agenda, given his versatility and relatively young age.
Midfield
With Deco and Crosas heading out over the summer to be replaced by and Seydou Keita and Aliaksandr Hleb, it seemed likely that there would be a sea change in tactics, the much-maligned "double pivot" coming into effect. In fact this largely has not been the case as new coach Pep Guardiola sticks with three up front, meaning three in the middle.
Hleb, troubled by injury, has scarcely had a look-in, while the rise to prominence of Sergi Busquets has even seen last year's excellent defensive midfielder Yaya Toure sidelined. Xavi and Andres Iniesta continue to have a stellar year, though, meaning that things are all well on the midfield front as far as the first eleven is concerned.
But is the depth really there? One wonders how happy Toure really would be sitting on the bench while Eidur Gudjohnsen, for all of his impeccable professionalism and versatility, is not viewed as a realistic midfield option. Iniesta's injury is another worry.
There is a case for saying that another attacking midfielder, at the very least, is required to fill out the squad for those games in which 4-4-2 is required - and even as cover for Iniesta or Xavi. Who is it to be? Werder Bremen's Diego is an outside bet...
Attackers
As this summer's favourite cliché went, Samuel Eto'o was the best signing of the transfer window. By keeping the Cameroonian, Barcelona have avoided the minefield of having to arrange for a new striker - something that, as Real Madrid are currently showing, is far, far, far easier said than done.
Barcelona simply cannot stop scoring goals, and this is even without the influence of Bojan Krkic, who has been largely kept out of first team duties after being thrown in at the deep end last season and netting ten times. Lionel Messi is recognised by many as the world's best, while even Thierry Henry is beginning to look the part.
Moreover the crippling sense of self-doubt that so haunted Eto'o and company last season has gone, being replaced with free-scoring exuberance. Nonetheless there is always room for improvement, particularly in a wide attacking position. Hleb is yet to make his mark and Henry would surely benefit from being allowed to move further inside.
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