Analysis: Where would Lionel Messi fit in if he makes a potential return to Barcelona?

Barcelona, fans and President alike, are dreaming of a return for Lionel Messi this summer. The Argentine forward, who was forced out by the gruesome management of the club’s finances, is set to be a free agent this summer, and while the financial situation at Camp Nou is still relatively grim, there is certainly a will to see him return.

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Jordi Alba just wants Messi back :house:

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Barcelona do not really have a very efficient playmaker at the moment, the likes of Dembele and Pedri has been struggling for fitness in recent months. Should Messi get a return to Barcelona, he would fit the play making role perfectly.

Playing behind Lewandowski in the Nunber 10 role and acting as a link between the midfield and attack.

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Xavi’s Barcelona plays either 4-3-3 or 3-4-3. In either case, the forward line is comprised of a centre forward and two wingers. The midfield has two different configurations, but neither has a #10. Messi can’t fit into the midfield as there is no #10 and there would be no reason to displace Lewandowski from the striker position.

Messi’s clearest spot in Xavi’s system would be in the attack, as a right-winger. The issue is that Messi is far from an orthodox right-winger. In fact, he’s almost not one at all. You want him on the ball in central areas often to play his magical passes, and you want him getting chances to shoot from the edge of the box as well.

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