Rakitic Out, Messi On The Right – A Dream Barcelona XI Featuring This £45m World-class Arsenal Superstar

Barcelona Dream XI In January Featuring Arsenal Playmaker Mesut Ozil

Arsenal’s German playmaker Mesut Ozil was linked with a summer move to join Barcelona but the deal did not go through. The rumours refuse to die down and have only intensified with the January transfer window coming up. Ozil showed his sheer brilliance in the match against Tottenham Hotspur but he has received a lot of criticism for his alleged lack of involvement in other games.

The thing to understand about a player like Ozil is that he thrives in an out-and-out attacking environment which is why he is so lethal for Germany. At Arsenal, he does not get to play like that often but when he does, he is at his best – just like he decimated Spurs last weekend. The player was understood to be interested in a move even though he is one of the Gunners’ key players. With an interest from Barcelona in the fray, Ozil might find it hard to turn the offer down especially since a return to the La Liga might be tempting enough for the former Real Madrid man.

Signing the World Cup winner will obviously provide the Barcelona midfield with some much-needed creativity. Moreover, it could also provide the foundation for the club to establish another iconic midfield trio with Ozil, Andres Iniesta and Busquets. Also, it will offer Ernesto Valverde increased squad depth if Iniesta gets injured or is unable to play. The German has valuable Champions League experience and has also played in the La Liga before, making him seem like an ideal option for the club.

With a player like the £45m rated Ozil in the midfield, the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez will also receive adequate support up front. Hence, let’s take a look at how the club could line up with Mesut Ozil in a 4-3-3 formation.

Barca Dream XI With Ozil In The Team

Marc Andre ter Stegen (GK)

The goalkeeper was particularly effective against Juventus in their recent Champions League encounter and has been a rock for the club.

Nelson Semedo (RB)

Semedo has settled in well at Barcelona and has become a regular starter.

Samuel Umtiti (CB)

At the heart of Barcelona’s defence, Umtiti will patrol the area in order to guard the net.

Gerard Pique (CB)

Umtiti will be joined by Pique and the duo have a good understanding and partnership to provide solidity at the back.

Jordi Alba (LB)

Alba will take up his usual role at left-back and provide stability to the back line.

Sergio Busquets (DM)

Busquets’ dominance is essential for Barcelona to dictate the play, making it necessary for him to be deployed in this area.

Mesut Ozil (CM)

Ozil can inject a fresh sense of pace and creativity in the middle of the park for Barcelona and will prove to be a better alternative to Ivan Rakitic, who has frustrated almost every Barcelona fan this season.

Andres Iniesta (CM)

Iniesta will join Ozil in the centre of the park. Given his quality, the veteran is a crucial part of this Barcelona XI.

Ousmane Dembele (LW)

The high-profile summer arrival has been sidelined due to an injury but he should be back for Barcelona in early 2018.

Luis Suarez (CF)

The Uruguayan will definitely benefit from Ozil’s support in terms of scoring goals.

Lionel Messi (RW)

Much like Suarez, Messi and Ozil can also link up to make the right-hand side a lot stronger for Barcelona.