Barcelona were very active in the winter window. The club managed to sign Dani Alves, Ferran Torres, Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang, and Adama Traore in January. For Xavi though, his new signings had an immediate impact on Barca’s season proceedings and the former La Liga champions are now in third position in the table.
In fact, Xavi was derived of the services of the sensational Pedri after he arrived. But, the player returned from his injury in January and was almost akin to a new signing for the former Al-Sadd manager. He has been running the midfield for the Blaugrana in recent weeks.
Mathematically, Barcelona are still in with a chance to win the La Liga but it looks unlikely. They are now 12 points adrift of league leaders Real Madrid but are in with a huge chance of finishing second which seemed impossible late last year.
Barca in 2022 have looked like a transformed, and lethal outfit and are improving with every game. Having said that, let us have a look at the best possible Barcelona lineup, taking into consideration the plethora of winter window signings.
Marc Andre Ter Stegen has been able to show glimpses of his former self. As Barca’s defence has improved, Ter Stegen’s performance between the sticks has also improved.
Dani Alves has shown that age is just a number. The Brazilian full-back, at the age of 38, has shown that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. Jordi Alba is a reliable option for Xavi in the left defensive flank. The Spaniard has turned around his season post the Atleti game and has looked unstoppable since then. Ronald Araujo and Gerard Pique complete the defense.
Best XI: Ter Stegen, Araujo, Dani Alves, Pique, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Ferran Torres, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Adama Traore.