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Barcelona have won the treble with possibly the deadliest front three in the modern game, and there is simply no stopping them. As Messi, Suarez and Neymar (MSN) now fight against each other in the Copa America, Luis Enrique is busy behind his desk in Spain creating the next squad that can sustain the current reputation. Which, let's be honest, is as hot as the Hindenburg right before it exploded.
Here are some of the possible line-ups Luis Enrique could use to ensure back-to-back championships:
Option 1 – Play Messi Wide, Send In Pogba As Reinforcement
Option 2 – Lots Of High-Fiving Between Messi & Suarez
After Daniel Alves announced his disappointment with the club and their hesitation to extend his contract, the need to find a replacement full-back became one of their top priorities. Sevilla right-winger Aleix Vidal, who plays a secondary right-back position, has been Barca’s first signing of the transfer window at a reported 17 million euros. After Pedro’s contract extension, it is to be expected that Vidal will convert to a full time defensive position that he has become accustomed to at Sevilla.
The first signing for Barcelona this summer, Aleix Vidal. Photo: @SK_Football | Twitter
Paul Pogba and Ilkay Gundogan are the two highlight transfers in midfield which will be a long term plan for Andres Iniesta’s position, as he turns 32 next season. Whether or not Barcelona can finalize one or both of these players is still very much up in the air, as nearly every club in the world is seeking the signatures of both of these midfielders. Pogba is spoiled for choice in where he decides to play, but Gundogan is very keen on moving to Spain after announcing his lack of interest to join an English club. The German has already agreed to personal terms with the Catalans, and has even produced successful results from previous back injuries that put him on the bench for an entire season.
Ilkay Gundogan and Paul Pogba could become the newest partnership in the heart of midfield for Barcelona. Photo: @talkingtikitaka | Twitter
Should Enrique decide to find another forward player, they will most likely be second to the MSN partnership that has become so well developed over the last season. Expect no change in the front three.
It has been said many times, winning a title or trophy one year is hard, even with a well developed team. Sustaining the same mentality and domination two years in a row is the real challenge as clubs become aware of strategies and developments the winning side uses. As former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola said, “Winning is very hard, whatever the competition. And winning again is even harder."
