Despite being dealt multiple injuries to star players, Barcelona have done exceedingly well in La Liga this season.
The Catalans have won seven out of their eight matches, though they were beaten 4-2 in their most recent game against CA Osasuna.
Nevertheless, Barcelona have a comfortable eight-point lead over rivals Real Madrid heading into October, and this wouldn’t have been easy without the performances of some select key players in the team.
Two evergreen stars in Barcelona this season
Two players, in particular, have emerged as ever-present figures in Hansi Flick’s system at Barcelona this season, featuring in each of the club’s nine matches in all competitions this season.
These two players are Robert Lewandowski and Jules Kounde, with both featuring in every game for Barcelona this season.
They haven’t disappointed either with Kounde appearing as a solid option at right-back, whereas Lewandowski has racked up seven goals in nine competitive matches.
Their performances have helped Barcelona enjoy a strong start to the season and build a solid lead over their arch-rivals.
Barcelona’s depth and injury problems
However, a centre-back appearing as a right-back and a 36-year-old forward being two of Barcelona’s most prominent players this season is an alarming sign for the club.
This essentially means that Barça do not have enough depth in these positions, especially at right-back after Sergi Roberto was let go in the summer.
As for Lewandowski, Barcelona do have a few solid alternatives such as Ferran Torres while Flick is also reportedly considering employing Ansu Fati in a number nine role.
But Fati is yet to see any action after returning from injury, while Ferran is yet to step up to the plate. Hence, there has been an over-reliance on Lewandowski.
