Daily Times

All football fans alike witnessed Barcelona’s champions league triumphs in 2009 and 2011, which resulted in the starting 11 being branded ‘the best team we’ve faced,’ by legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Many thought it would be impossible to find replacements for the Catalonian trio who were undoubtedly the best midfield in the world at the time, but it looks to be an achievable feat. Three upcoming talents; Arthur Melo, Carles Aleña and Oriol Busquets all bare uncanny resemblances to their idols, which, should they continue their brilliant form, could result in them being Barcelona’s future in the centre of the park. That Barcelona midfield which amazed us on a consistent basis was made up of three people each filling their respective roles. Busquets job was to ensure the defense was in line, as well as break up the play, while both Iniesta and Xavi were attacking minded players, but each in their own unique sense. What can’t be argued is that both Xavi and Iniesta were immense passers, but, undoubtedly, Iniesta was the one who moved the team forward using his ability to weave in between opponents, whereas Xavi picked out long range passes and accurately managed to play them. In a situation with the three selected players, Oriol would fill the role of his namesake, Arthur taking Xavi’s role, and Aleña attempting to replace Iniesta. Though directly replacing them would be an impossible task, in recent times, Barcelona have been in search of a perfect midfield combination, which this trio could definitely provide. The deepest of the three, Oriol is a reliable option on the ball with his control, passing accuracy and confidence making him a highly rated prospect. The saying goes, ‘money can’t buy you everything,’ and judging on this season’s performances from Arthur, that’s untrue. He only signed this year, but, at this rate is unlikely to be sold as his transition from a locally-known prodigy to a worldwide talent continues to play out for the entirety of this season. The last of the trio, Carles Aleñá is a great architect, who can pick out a pass, all the while being able to dribble. He’s not all that fast, physical or tall, but his dribbling, confidence on the ball, vision and passing capability more than makes up for it. His contribution, however, hasn’t only been felt in the Champions League, but also in the La Liga, with him getting scoring in the only half of action he’s had this season. Aleñá has a style of play which isn’t overly intricate, but rather simplicity at it’s very best. A lot remains to be seen about the future in store for these talents.

Published in Daily Times, January 12^th 2019.