Although the 2023/24 LaLiga and Champions League seasons have not been banner campaigns for Barcelona, the Blaugrana still have plenty to look forward to in the future – even those Culers disappointed with the decision to bring back Xavi as manager.
Barcelona have arguably the finest collection of young talents in world football, with several prospects breaking out this season as teenagers to name themselves among Europe’s best at their positions.
Which prospects are already among the best Barcelona players right now? And which veterans are still among the Blaugrana’s best in 2024.
Here are the top five Barcelona players currently as the 2023/24 season comes to a close.
5. Robert Lewandowski, ST
Although Robert Lewandowski has been criticized heavily at times by Barcelona fans for a few slumps and technical failures, there is no doubt that the Polish international is still one of the world’s top strikers, even if he is no longer THE best.
Quietly, Lewandowski has scored 17 goals with 8 assists, remaining an elite all-around striker who is just as good at creating for his teammates as he is at scoring goals.
Barcelona would be in dire straits without Lewandowski’s professionalism and knack for coming up with important goals, especially because Joao Felix is the only other player on the team with more than five goals scored.
4. Gavi, CM
Gavi suffered a season-ending ACL tear, but the all-action Barcelona midfielder is still easily one of the team’s best and most important players.
Unlike some of his teammates, Gavi does not have off nights. He is always a solid performer and is capable of a Man of the Match display against the best teams in the world, including rivals Real Madrid.
Gavi has been missed badly for his technical quality, underrated eye for goal, and effervescent ball-winning and ball-carrying as the true workhorse of this Barcelona side.
3. Pedri, CM
One of the most talented players in world football, Pedri has been hampered by injuries this season, and Barcelona have been put under pressure to manage his minutes more appropriately after he was run to the ground to begin his career.
On his day, Pedri is on the shortlist of the best midfielders in the world. He is difficult to stop with the ball at his feet, weaving and dancing his way through tight spaces and offering some of the best combination play at his position.
Although Pedri is more of an attacking midfielder than a true No. 8, he can excel in either role because of his willingness to get stuck in and fight.
2. Ilkay Gundogan, CM
A new signing in free agency from Manchester City after winning both the Champions League and Premier League, German icon Ilkay Gundogan has brought a different level of class and mentality to the Barcelona side.
Gundogan has been arguably Barca’s best player in the 2023/24 season, immediately changing the game in the middle of the park and outshining disappointing performers like Frenkie de Jong.
The 32-year-old has been a workhorse for the Blaugrana, registering five goals and seven assists with an average of nearly three key passes per game, making him one of the best playmakers in European football this season.
1. Lamine Yamal, RW
The next big thing in world football, Lamine Yamal has already arrived and is even better than expected. Universally loved by the Barcelona faithful, Yamal is Culers’ biggest reason for optimism heading into the 2024/25 season.
Just 16 years old, Yamal is one of the best wingers in the world and would have even bigger numbers if Barcelona weren’t wisely easing him into full-time minutes. They don’t want another Pedri or even Ansu Fati situation on their hands.
Yamal is even more gifted and electrifying than either of those two. He is consistent, he has game-changing quality in the final third, and, above all else, he is humble and willing to do whatever it takes to help Barcelona win matches.
The managing editor of The Trivela Effect, Kevin has 15 years of experience in digital media. He has been an editor for NFL Spin Zone, Daily DDT for pro wrestling, Autzen Zoo covering the Oregon Ducks, Musket Fire covering the New England Patriots, The Real Champs covering Real Madrid, Old Juve covering Juventus, Rush The Kop covering Liverpool, and Release The Knappen covering Schalke. His work has been featured in ESPN, Bleacher Report, Yahoo! Sports, NBC Sports, and other outlets. You can contact him at the site’s official Twitter handle @TrivelaEffect or via the site’s official email thetrivelaeffect@gmail.com.
