Xavi keen to use his ‘dream’ Barcelona attacking trident with more continuity – report
Xavi and Barcelona spared no efforts in landing their chief transfer objectives during the summer window. The manager had a set plan in his mind heading into the new season and the club did everything in their powers to ensure that the 42-year-old got his desired squad.
Now, according to SPORT, Xavi had a ‘dream’ attacking trident in his mind that he was very clear about coming into the new campaign. And he made a lot of efforts, personally, to ensure that he got the players he wanted.
Robert Lewandowski was the main target for the centre-forward role and Xavi played a role in his signing, as revealed by the striker himself in several interviews.
Then, there was the renewal of Ousmane Dembele, which once again was driven by Xavi’s insistence on keeping him at the club. The Frenchman’s demands were deemed too much at one point by the club and he even went into free agency for close to ten days.
But eventually, Dembele re-signed with Barça and has acknowledged that Xavi’s presence was a major reason behind it.
Xavi’s ‘dream’ attacking trident comprised Lewandowski through the middle and Dembele on the right flank. And while he sanctioned the signing of Raphinha as well in the summer, the manager always saw and continues to see Ansu Fati as his first-choice option for the left wing.
However, given the 19-year-old’s recent tryst with injuries, Xavi has been very cautious with his usage. It has meant that the manager has been able to start with his ‘ideal’ attacking setup of Fati-Lewandowski-Dembele on just two occasions so far this season.
But the manager wants to use the trio as starters with greater continuity and more regularity from this point on.
While he has no problems with Raphinha, the report states that the Brazilian’s signing was not exactly a priority for Xavi. And even though he was impressed by his early performances, the ex-Leeds ace’s level has gone down in recent weeks.
Xavi has always maintained that Fati will be an important part of his plans at Camp Nou. And the 19-year-old has shown that he is slowly getting his edge back in recent matches. So, fans can expect to see the manager’s preferred attacking trident start matches more frequently moving forward this season.
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