Xavi’s three untouchables at Barcelona so far in the 2023/24 season – report

Just four matchweeks into the 2023/24 season and we are getting a fair idea of Xavi’s plans and ideas for his Barcelona side for the new campaign.

The squad has seen several changes over the course of the summer, with some notable names such as Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Ousmane Dembele departing.

Quite a few new faces have also been incorporated, with Ilkay Gundogan, Oriol Romeu, Inigo Martinez, Joao Cancelo, and Joao Felix all arriving.

Four matches into the season, the Blaugrana are yet to face defeat, winning three in a row after the opening day draw against Getafe.

And these matches have given a solid inkling about the spine of the team around which Xavi is building his project.

Three untouchables

And, as per Mundo Deportivo, based on the minutes played so far this term, Xavi has three untouchables in his team in the form of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Jules Kounde, and Frenkie de Jong.

The aforementioned players are the only three to have played every minute of each match for Barcelona so far this season, indicating their importance in Xavi’s plans.

Ter Stegen’s importance to the team was never in question after his stunning displays last season as he finished with the most clean sheets and the Zamora Trophy.

As for Kounde, the Frenchman was shunted out at right-back for most of last season, but since moving to his natural habitat at centre-back this season, he has displayed brilliant form, even scoring a goal against Osasuna.

De Jong, meanwhile, has become the best midfielder in La Liga this season, unshackled by the presence of Oriol Romeu to screen the defence. The Dutchman has churned out MotM displays on a consistent basis early into the season.

What about the others?

Robert Lewandowski has also been a permanent fixture in the starting XI under Xavi and has only been subbed off just once – in the most recent game against Osasuna that too with one minute left to be played.

Meanwhile, new signings Romeu and Gundogan have started all matches, along with Andreas Christensen, but have been substituted by the manager.

Lamine Yamal and Gavi have also played in all four games, but only three as starters.