Official: Barcelona starting XI against Rayo Vallecano | La Liga | OneFootball

With FC Barcelona set to kick off their game against Rayo Vallecano, there is a lot at stake. While the result here would not decide the season altogether, it is absolutely crucial for Hansi Flick’s team. That is because this is a golden opportunity for Barcelona to return to the top of the La Liga table.

Even ahead of the game itself, it was expected that Hansi Flick would field a strong starting eleven for this encounter. Given the amount of rest the team has had and the gap between this game and the next one, it felt like an obvious decision and he has done exactly that.

Here is the official Barcelona starting eleven for the La Liga clash.

Wojciech Szczesny takes his place as the goalkeeper in between the sticks for the team. He will primarily look to ensure that Rayo Vallecano do not get past him, but he will also need to be alert both in terms of organizing his defense from time to time as well as with his ball distribution.

The Barcelona backline consists of Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsi starting off as the two centre-backs. With a great grasp of the team’s effective offside trap and great ball-playing ability, both Spaniards are composed enough to deliver what Hansi Flick demands from them.

On the two flanks, Hector Fort and Alejandro Balde start as the team’s fullbacks. Whereas Balde offers a more direct weapon that has the speed to storm down on the left flank, Fort can possibly add a more balanced approach.

As for the two players in the double pivot right infront of the backline, Pedri and Frenkie de Jong will be taking on that responsibility. Both midfielders have an exceptional ability to reach the game and they will be looking to connect play from their backline to their forwards as efficiently as possible.

The frontline right behind the centre-forward consists of Lamine Yamal out on the right, Raphinha on the left wing, and Gavi in the middle. All three of them have the ability to both be a threat and create opportunities for their teammates as well, and they will be determined to do exactly that.