Ranking Barcelona's 5 best players so far this season

With Lionel Messi having departed the club earlier this summer, Barcelona have struggled to come to terms with the Argentine's absence this season. The Catalan club have struggled in both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, which has put a lot of pressure on manager Ronald Koeman.

Barcelona went into the international break having won only one of their last six games across all competitions. The Blaugrana are currently 9th in La Liga, five points behind Real Madrid at the top of the table. Ronald Koeman's side are also in danger of not qualifying for the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League, having lost both their opening fixtures of the competition.

Despite their underwhelming start, there have still been a few bright spots for Barcelona this season. This list will rank the five best performers so far this campaign. So without further ado, here are

Barcelona's 5 best players so far this season

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#5 Gavi

Gavi in action for Barcelona

Despite having only made three starts so far this season, Pablo Gavira, or Gavi, has shown that he is going to be an integral player for Barcelona in the future.

The Spaniard's performances this season have already earned him a call-up to Luis Enrique's Spanish national team. He started the games against Italy and France in the UEFA Nations League semi-final and final respectively, during the recent international break. Gavi has shown his class in midfield with his composed, mature performances for both club and country, which have drawn comparisons to that of Barcelona legend Xavi.

The sky is the limit for the young Spaniard, and with Ronald Koeman having shown he is ready to put faith in the youngster, Gavi is set to make huge strides this season.

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#4 Sergio Busquets

Busquets has been one of Barcelona's most important players this season

One of Barcelona's old-guards, Sergio Busquets, has been his ever-reliable self this season. Despite some indifferent performances, the Spaniard has been an important cog in midfield, bringing his experience and leadership abilities to the team.

Despite getting on in age, Busquets has started every game for Barcelona this season. The Spaniard's game sense, positioning and incredible passing ability has helped him still be an effective player despite his age.

The midfielder has been deployed as the deepest of the midfield triumvurate this season, a role he has grown accustomed to during his career.

Busquets's calmness and composure in midfield has been a great foil for the younger players in the squad to showcase their abilities. The Spaniard is set to become a very important player during this transitional period for Barcelona.

#3 Ronald Araujo

Araujo has been a rock at the back for Barcelona

An absolute tank in defense, Ronald Araujo, has shown that he can be a mainstay in Barcelona's backline for years to come.

The Uruguayan has been the only Barcelona defender to impress in a rather poor 2021-22 campaign thus far. Araujo has put in strong performances throughout the season. Strong in the tackle and good in the air, the centre-back has dominated many of his opponents with his physical style of play.

Ronald Koeman's faith in Araujo looks to be paying off, as the Uruguayan is undroppable for Barcelona at the moment.

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#2 Frenkie de Jong

De Jong in action for Barcelona

Frenkie de Jong has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world this season. The Dutchman has been immense for Barcelona and has consistently been a standout player throughout this campaign.

The midfielder has gone from a promising talent to an established superstar this season with his all-action performances for Barcelona. De Jong has been deployed as a box-to-box midfielder and has improved the attacking side of his game.

De Jong's dynamism and consistency in midfield, as well as his versatility, is undeniably a huge asset to Ronald Koeman's side. The Dutchman is slowly increasing his influence on the team and is sure to be a lynchpin in Barcelona's midfield for years to come.

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#1 Memphis Depay

Depay has been Barcelona's biggest attacking threat this season

Memphis Depay came to Barcelona with massive boots to fill and has a long way to go in order to do so this season. With the injury to Sergio Aguero, the onus has been on the Dutchman to lead the line and provide goals for Ronald Koeman's side, and Depay has done very well so far.

Depay has been Barcelona's top scorer this season and has looked incredibly dangerous since joining the club. The Dutchman has tormented La Liga defenses with his pace, movement and shooting ability. Despite a lack of quality service, the forward has still managed to score three goals from seven league games this campaign.

Depay has also been in red-hot form for the Dutch national team and Ronald Koeman will hope that this translates into his form for Barcelona as well. There is no doubt that the Blaugrana will need Depay to be in top gear throughout the season if they are to mount any kind of challenge for silverware this campaign.