Barcelona have had a topsy-turvy start to their La Liga season, losing twice in their opening 8 fixtures of the campaign. But the Catalan club have clawed their way back towards the top and are just two points behind arch-rivals Real Madrid, who lead the league.
Barca have mostly been without their star man, Lionel Messi, who has played just 3 of the 8 games in the league this season. The defence has looked shaky at times, but the attacking display has been strong, which includes a few stellar performances from a 16-year-old.
Let’s take a look at Barcelona’s best XI so far this season
Goalkeeper
Marc-André ter Stegen has had a decent start to the season, playing all 8 games, and even registering an assist for his team!
Defence
Veteran defender Gerard Pique has also played all 8 league games for Barcelona this season, in a defence that has let in 10 goals in the opening 8 games. He will be alongside French ace Clément Lenglet in the Barcelona defence in their best XI. Lenglet has been a little shaky this season and was also sent off in the game against Getafe.
At right-back, Nélson Semedo has been good and has even had to play at left-back due to the injuries to Jordi Alba and Junior Firpo. Alba makes it to the left-back slot in this best XI, after showing good form in the 4 games that he has played.
Midfield
Barcelona signed Frenkie de Jong from Ajax in the summer, and the 22-year-old has settled in well in his new team.
He has formed a good understanding with Arthur and Sergio Busquets in the Barca midfield, with Arthur being the most impressive of the trio, scoring twice and assisting thrice in 5 appearances.
Attack
Lionel Messi will not make this best XI as he has played just thrice in the league, one of which was a substitute appearance.
We are instead going to add 16-year-old Ansu Fati on the right side, who has scored twice and made one assist in 5 appearances. Fati scored his first against Osasuna and followed it up with a goal and assist against Valencia.
Summer signing Antoine Griezmann will start on the left after a good start to his Barcelona career in which he has scored three and assisted two goals in 7 appearances, while Luis Suarez, who has scored 4 league goals this season, will start as the striker.
