Barcelona Preview

Overview:
One of the best teams of all times worldwide. This could be their year again domestically and in the Champions League. But it won’t likely be as easy as last year.

Players In:
Johan Neeskens
Gudjohnsen (Chelsea) 
Zambrotta (Juventus) 
Thuram (Juventus) 
Players Out:
Henk Ten Cate (Ajax) 
Larsson (Helsinborg) 
Gabri (Ajax) 
Maxi López (Mallorca) 
Óscar López (Barcelona)

Transfers assessment:
The players who came in are exactly what Barca needed. There’s great depth in the squad with a powerful midfield and attack. The greatest loss was Henk Ten Cate. Frank Rijkaard's assistant coach took over Ajax and Rijkaard has to do all the work by himself now. Zambrotta is the ideal solution in the right back position and Thuram will make their defence solid. Gudjohnsen is a good alternative. With these transfers, Barca have reduced some weak points: a) defensive weakness at high balls and set pieces, b) the gap in the right side of defence when, the wingers were attacking. Still, there are some minor issues such as the goalkeepers position, with Valdez making silly mistakes.

Verdict:
Everything! But this time Barca have no easy task, as Real Madrid is a "new Real" hungry and capable of winning titles.

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