Xavi’s Mission: Resurrecting Underperforming Stars to Revive Barcelona’s Title Aspirations
One factor contributing to Barcelona’s seven-point deficit in the title race is the underwhelming performances of key players from the previous season. According to insights from Javi Miguel of AS, Xavi’s primary objective in 2024 is to rejuvenate these players and elevate them to their peak form.
Here’s a closer look at some of these players:
Jules Kounde: The defender has notably regressed from his stellar form last season, frequently committing unforced errors leading to goals against Barcelona. The team has struggled defensively, managing just one clean sheet in the last five league games with Kounde in the lineup.
Alejandro Balde: Lauded as La Liga’s best player in his position last season, Balde’s performance on the left flank has faltered in the current term. With just one assist and defensive lapses, he is far from the solid performer he was.
Raphinha: While a potent threat, Raphinha has fallen short in terms of goal-scoring efficiency, tallying only three goals in 17 games. Xavi and the player are set to collaborate on improving this aspect.
Fermin Lopez: Despite showing promise in preseason and early season opportunities, Fermin has failed to consistently showcase his skills. The youngster hasn’t provided enough reason for Barcelona to rely on him in Pedri’s absence, prompting the club to pursue a new midfielder, including the pursuit of Aleix Garcia.
Oriol Romeu: Signed to fill the shoes of the legendary Sergio Busquets, the 32-year-old has yet to meet those expectations. While starting well, Romeu has fallen short, and Xavi is expected to implement a tailored program to rediscover the player’s form.
Xavi’s strategic efforts to uplift these players will be crucial in Barcelona’s quest to reclaim their title aspirations.
