Barcelona are two points behind Real Madrid in the La Liga table ahead of the October international break, but the gap could tighten as the two teams face off later this month in the first El Clasico of the season.
The Catalans have not had the best of starts in the league, losing twice in their opening 8 games of the season.
Barcelona have to improve their game, while some players will have to step up as well. Let’s take a look at 3 Barcelona stars who need to step up after the international break:
3 Barcelona Stars Who Need To Step up After The International Break
#1 Clément Lenglet
The Barcelona backline has been porous in the first opening games of the season, and have already let in 10 goals in their opening 8 games of the season.
The Catalan giants have kept just two clean sheets in La Liga but coming in the last two league games, and they will have to keep up that form.
They will need their centre-back pairing of Clement Lenglet and Gerard Pique to step up, especially Lenglet, who has looked shaky at the back. He even got sent off in the game against Getafe and missed the win against Sevilla.
#2 Antoine Griezmann
Antoine Griezmann began his Barcelona career with a bang, scoring twice and making one assist in his second game for the club, but his form has tailed off since.
The World Cup winner has scored just once and added another assist to his tally since matchweek two of La Liga.
Griezmann needs to step up, especially when Lionel Messi is not playing, and assume the role of the talisman of the team.
The Frenchman came into the side after a big money move from Atletico Madrid, and Barca fans and his manager will want him to be more consistent on the pitch.
#3 Ousmane Dembélé
The 2019-20 season will be key for Ousmane Dembélé as this could very well be his last season at the club if he doesn’t show his worth.
The former Borussia Dortmund attacker has struggled with injuries this season, and has played just three games in La Liga, scoring once. That one goal came in the last game against Sevilla, when he was also sent off for talking back at the referee.
Dembélé will need to improve his performances as well as his attitude if he wants a future at the club.