Both Pedri and Frenkie de Jong will miss Barca’s second leg against Napoli on March 12.
Let’s take a look at how Xavi could line up in midfield without the two star players.
Option 1
Sergi Roberto could be the box-to-box midfielder alongside Andreas Christensen and Ilkay Gundogan. The captain made the difference in this position at the end of last year and could do it again in what’s possibly his favourite competition.
Option 2
Fermin didn’t impress much against Athletic Club but remains a possible option for the second leg. He can boost the team’s attacking potential with his runs inside the box and cuts inside the left wing.
Option 3
What would be a more attacking option is fielding Joao Felix behind Robert Lewandowski. The Portuguese has done it perfectly several times this season, but would there be enough depth in Barca’s midfield in this case?
Option 4
Raphinha can also be used in a central position where he often links up well with Lamine Yamal. His latest performances prove he can even be more helpful there than on the wings.
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