Xavi Gundogan Lineup
Thomas Hindle

How Barcelona should line up for the 2023-24 season: No starting spot for star signing for Ilkay Gundogan - yet!

Ilkay Gundogan has been Barcelona's biggest addition this summer, but there might not be an obvious spot for him in Xavi's line-up

This is harder than it should be. Barca won La Liga by some distance last year, tallying 88 points and grinding through the season thanks to the best defence in Europe. But they have lost some key players from the side who lifted the title. Sergio Busquets, who enjoyed a rebirth of sorts, has left for Inter Miami. Ousmane Dembele, the provider of timely goals and assists, is seemingly on his way to PSG. While Jordi Alba, one of the leaders of the squad, has teamed up with Busquets - and Lionel Messi - in Florida.

Barca seem set to field a similar XI, but certainly have some holes to fill. However, they don't appear to have brought in the right players to do so. The Blaugrana need a new No.6, but who among their new acquisitions - or current options - can be trusted to play the position reliably?

It's just one of a few issues that Xavi faces as he looks to piece together a side that can once again compete for the La Liga crown. Although Barca's financial issues are well-chronicled, there's always the chance that a new famous lever frees up some cash. Neymar is among the reported targets, but any deal would be tough to get across the line. Until then, the coach still has some interesting options. GOAL looks at how Barcelona should line up this season...

  • Ter StegenGetty Images

    GK: Marc-Andre ter Stegen

    With Thibaut Courtois' ACL injury ruling him out for the season, is there a better goalkeeper in La Liga? Ter Stegen bailed out Barca so many times during the last campaign and was reliable as a distributor, too. Xavi has built an excellent side, and it all starts with his star man between the sticks.

    • Advertisement
  • Jules Kounde Barcelona 2022-23Getty Images

    RB: Jules Kounde

    Reluctantly. Kounde has never really been happy at right-back. But it turns out he's rather good there. He will, presumably, move over to the middle at some point. For now, though, he's stuck - not that Xavi will care too much. He's the best man for the position.

  • Ronald Araujo Barcelona 2022-23Getty

    CB: Ronald Araujo

    Fitness, as ever, will be an issue. But Araujo was one of the best at his position in Europe last year. And while it will be difficult to replicate such scintillating form, the Uruguayan would walk into pretty much any team in the world.

  • Andreas Christensen Barcelona Betis 2022-23Getty Images

    CB: Adreas Christensen

    One of the best free agent signings of last summer will look to replicate his top-class 2022-23 season. Christensen starts the campaign injured - something that may concern his manager - but seems certain to settle into a groove once things get going.

  • Balde Espanyol Barcelona LaLiga 2022-23GETTY IMAGES

    LB: Alejandro Balde

    One of the best young full-backs in Europe, Blade stole the starting spot away from Alba last year. And now Alba is gone, Balde has the opportunity to grow alone. There are some concerns about the defensive side of his game, but his attacking quality is undeniable.

  • Ansu Fati Oriol Romeu Barcelona Milan

    CM: Oriol Romeu

    He's an imperfect replacement for Sergio Busquets, but Romeu is the best Barca have for now. He will be the more bruising half of a double pivot with Frenkie de Jong, a task that seems to suit his game well.

    A nod here could also go to Gundogan, who can play as a No.6 if necessary. However, this is a more physical interpretation of the position - and the German simply isn't that kind of player. Plus, he still hasn't been registered amid talk that he could even leave for free this summer...

  • Frenkie de Jong Barcelona 2022-23Getty Images

    CM: Frenkie de Jong

    De Jong has gone from expendable to indispensable in less than a year, establishing himself as one of Barca's best players after seeming likely to seal a move to Man United last summer. Xavi will hope he can continue to develop this season, assuming he gets to play a full campaign in his preferred left-sided centre-midfield spot.

  • Pedri(C)GettyImages

    CM: Pedri

    A muscle injury cut Pedri's season short, providing an anticlimactic ending to what was otherwise a memorable campaign. The Spaniard was more influential in the final third, and showed signs of developing into a true attacking threat. If he can further improve in that area - and stay fit - he can truly stake his claim as one of the best in the world.

  • Gavi, Barcelona vs. OsasunaGetty

    CM: Gavi

    Is Gavi a world class midfield general or petulant pest? Probably a bit of both. Someone has to do the dirty work for this Barca side, and Gavi goes about it with aplomb. He will probably need to chip in with a few more goals, though.

  • Raphinha(C)Getty Images

    FW: Raphinha

    With Ousmane Dembele gone, this should be Raphinha's job full-time. There are some concerns, though. The Brazilian has lacked consistency in the past; Barca will need him to find a proper groove if they are to stay competitive atop La Liga.

  • Robert Lewandowski Barcelona 2023-24Getty Images

    FW: Robert Lewandowski

    What else can be said about Lewandowski? Even in his mid-thirties, the Pole is good for at least 25 goals a season. He might not be as athletic or quick as he used to be, but he will certainly bang them in. Vitor Roque might offer some competition when he arrives in January, which could be welcome if the Blaugrana start to get a bit stale going forward.