We're set for a more balanced Barcelona this season

A more mature and more balanced Barcelona. With very young players, other more advanced and a group of veterans who still have an important role in the group despite the club trying to lower the squad’s age in recent years. For a few years the club has received criticism for extending their cycle and not renewing g the team, but until last season the youth players in La Masia weren’t the solution.

There was a space for players who are formed already, who can perform from day one. And Barca have signed them now. Christensen, 26, Kessie, 25, Raphinha, also 25. The squad age in 2021-22 was 25.3, and now it is 25.72, and it will rise a little more with Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso. The middle, between the veterans like Pique, Busquets, Alba, and youngsters like Pedri, Gavi, Nico and Ansu Fati. 

Still, the average age is under 26 for only the second time since 2011-12.