Rumour has it that Ronald Koeman doesn't count on Luis Suarez for the 2020/21 season and wants him gone. However, the coach will have to come up with a new formula for Barcelona's starting XI considering that we don't have a proper replacement for him.
Here are Tribuna.com's predictions on what the team could look like with the 33-year-old gone.
- Antoine Griezmann at centre-forward
Barca XI: Ter Stegen, Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; De Jong, Pjanic, Puig; Messi, Griezmann, Dembele.
The Dutch coach has already suggested that he intends to bring the 29-year-old back to his preferred position. With Suarez gone, we could well see him become the starting option at centre-forward.
Over the course of his career, the Frenchman has played 141 matches on top of the attack, scoring 75 goals and providing 26 assists.
- Leo Messi as false 9
Barca XI: Ter Stegen, Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; De Jong, Pjanic, Puig; Dembele, Messi, Ansu Fati.
Another possible move is to put the Argentine back in the position Pep Guardiola used to play him. With two fast wingers in Ansu Fati and Ousmane Dembele to his sides, the 33-year-old will have the possibility to take advantage of his perfect long passes and arrive late in the box to finish the attacks.
Another advantage of playing Messi in this position is that he won't have to do as much running as it would be needed while playing on the flank.
- Sign Donyell Malen
Barca XI: Ter Stegen, Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; De Jong, Pjanic; Messi, Griezmann, Dembele; Malen.
The Catalans need to sign a striker sooner or later and they might decide to push for one during this transfer window. Lautaro Martinez appears to be too expensive for us to go after, so Barca could go for a cheaper option.
Koeman already knows the 21-year-old as he has given him the international debut last year. Last term, the Dutchman scored 17 goals and registered six assists in 25 matches for PSV. Unfortunately, he missed a significant part of the season after undergoing knee surgery.
Besides, signing the youngster would allow the new coach to implement his favourite 4-2-3-1 formation at Camp Nou.
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