As many as nine players are set to compete for three positions in Barcelona's midfield for the upcoming season.
The arrival of Frenkie de Jong increases the number of the midfielders at Ernesto Valverde's disposal and the former Athletic Club coach faces the pleasant headache of having to pick between several talented players.
MARCA presents you each of the nine men who will challenge for a spot in the starting line-up.
Sergio Busquets
He is coming into the new season on the back of his worst ever season at Barcelona, but he is one of the few players who know the team's style inside out and he is considered as an undisputed starter.
Ivan Rakitic
No Barcelona player participated in more games than Ivan Rakitic last season, after Croatia's run all the way to the World Cup final. Valverde counts him, but his name was brought up amongst those who may depart this summer.
Arthur
He was the great revelation of the 2018/19 campaign, receiving lots of praise and being compared to Xavi Hernandez, as he has already shown that he deserves a spot in the starting eleven.
Arturo Vidal
He ended last season as a starter, but although his not a player of Barcelona's style, he seems to have Valverde's confidence.
Frenkie de Jong
The Dutchman is a long-term project for the Catalan side, but he may be introduced to the starting line-up as soon as the upcoming season begins. Several teams were interested in his acquisition, but the Blaugrana convinced him to move to Catalonia after offering Ajax a multi-million-euro deal.
Carles Alena
Probably the player who is most affected by an overcrowded midfield. He has no desire to depart Barcelona as he is eager to compete for a spot in the first eleven.
Rafinha
Although he is the type of player that Valverde likes, he may depart the Camp Nou this summer in search of playing time, following a long-term injury that saw him miss most of last season.
Philippe Coutinho
He is considered as a candidate for the left-wing position, as his performances in midfield last season were disappointing. Coutinho is one of the players who could be included in a deal to bring back Neymar from Paris-Saint Germain.
Sergi Roberto
In theory he will spend more time at right-back than in the midfield. Last season he played as a midfielder several times, but this year he is not expected to enjoy much playing time in this position.
Which players should start in the midfield? Choose the starters with a positive vote and the players who should be on the bench with a negative one.
DoggyDog-oDawg
165
Valverde won’t play Coutinho in midfield Valverde will play Roberto as right back. Rafiniha should leave. Busquets should begin to rotate out with Vidal or De Jong depending on where EV plays them. Alena should be loaned out, but not sold, because he is a great talent and needs playing time. De Jong should slide right into a regular position, maybe rotating with Rakitic. Rakitic should be slowly fazed out by Arthur and De Jong Arthur should get more playing time
raynknight
51
I WanT ArthuR , De JonG and CouTinHo as Our Three Midfielders.... CouTinhO - CAM ArthuR - CM FrenkiE De JonG - CDM Busi , VidaL and Rakitic must be their Ideal Substitution....!!
Horlardimeji
50
The starters should be, Busquets, De Jong And Rakitic if he isnt sold and Vidal should come in as Subtitute of Rakitic,The rest should be use in less important matches. But if Rakitic is sold Arthur should play only half and Vidal should play the rest. Coutinho should find is position at psg or any club he goes