Mundo Deportivo: Barcelona Have World Top-Three Players in Seven Positions, Defense Becomes Weakness

According to Mundo Deportivo, based on last season's data, player awards and industry voting results, at least seven positions among Barcelona's starting XI feature players considered to be among the world's top three, but defensive issues have become the team's biggest current weakness.

In attack, Barcelona's talent is considered luxurious. Right winger Lamine Yamal is already regarded as one of the world's top players, while the left side features Raphinha and new signing Anthony Gordon. The midfield includes Dani Olmo, Pedri and newly arrived Ballon d'Or winner Rodri. In defense, young centre-back Pau Cubarsi has entered the ranks of elite defenders, while goalkeeper Joan Garcia has also shown the potential to become the world's best goalkeeper.

However, this Barcelona team is not flawless. The full-back positions and the other centre-back spot besides Cubarsi are the only two areas in the starting lineup where the team cannot find a world-class player. This means that while Barcelona have the attacking talent to score three to five goals per match, their defense could also concede too many goals.

How to bring the defense up to the same level as the other positions is the biggest challenge facing Barcelona's sporting department. Rodri's arrival is considered a key variable — his presence can bring balance to the team by helping it regain possession earlier and reduce pressure on the defense. In addition, according to previous reports, Barcelona sporting director Deco has confirmed that the summer transfer window has closed and the club will trust its current centre-back options rather than signing another defensive player.