FanPost

Ideal Starting XI

Assuming Barcelona plays a 3-2-3-2, here is what I feel would be the best starting XI. Do you guys agree?

GK- ter Stegen (Younger seemingly less mistake prone)

LCB- Vermaelen (Should be better than Mathieu if given matches to regain form) B

CCB- Pique(Still deserves chance although if his form dips he should be dropped)

RCB Bartra (Ready for starting spot and has potential)

LDM- Rakitic(Awesome so far he must start IMO)

RDM- Mascherano (Great in World Cup put on right side to cover for RM who you will see though Sergio will probably start and)

LM- Alba(Too talented not to start but not defensive enough to play LCB would provide great runs down the middle)

CAM- Messi (Looks poised to thrive just behind strikers providing killer runs and final balls to strikers)

RM- Iniesta (Not ideal position for him but with Mascherano and Bartra aiding the right sided defensive duties and could still provide great balls for the strikers)

LST- Neymar(As an out and out striker but not a lone one we could finally see Neymar's best form assuming he does not get injured)

RST- Suarez(Too clinical to be on the wings and playing alongside Neymar could create Barcelona's improved version of Suarez and Sturridge with Neymar instead)

I do not think a 4-3-3 would work as Messi nor Suarez would be great at RW and Neymar would not thrive as much

A 4-3-1-2/Narrow 4-1-2-1-2 I think could work with

GK- ter Stegen

LB- Alba

LCB- Vermaelen with Mathieu rotating/replacing him if he plays better

RCB Pique but if his form dips Bartra

RB- Alves but like Pique if he cannot regain vintage form Montoya

LCM- Iniesta

CDM- Mascherano rotating with Sergio

RCM- Rakitic

CAM- Messi(would play noticably behind strikers though

LS- Neymar

RS- Suarez

Both formations could be played though I like 4-3-1-2 a little better. What do you guys think?


<em>This does not represent the views of Barca Blaugranes or SBNation</em>

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