Where would Willian fit in at Barcelona?

Change the approach

But seeing as Suarez is one of Barcelona’s biggest stars and top earners, he’s unlikely to lose his starting place yet.

Valverde could stick with the 4-4-2, and deploy Willian wide on the right. The Brazilian has plenty of skill, but he’s also prepared to put a shift in, as anyone who’s played under Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte has to be.

Barcelona haven’t progressed beyond the Champions League quarter-finals in the last three seasons. That’s quite a drop off for a side that had reached the semi-finals in six of the previous seven campaigns.

They’re 6/1 to win it this term. Willian’s diligence could leave them less exposed in the big games.

Dembele duel

Alternatively, he and Dembele could be competing for the same spot. Andres Iniesta’s departure means Coutinho is likely to be deployed in midfield this season.

Valverde could play with the club’s favoured 4-3-3 set-up, with Sergio Busquets, Ivan Rakitic and Coutinho as the midfield trio.

Suarez would lead the line, with Messi wide on the right, leaving one spot up for grabs on the left.

It’s only a year since the club invested hugely in Dembele. Now he’s free from injury, he deserves a chance to see if he can make that left-wing spot his own. He’s one of the most exciting young players in Europe and just helped France to win the World Cup.

The club could still do with an alternative to Dembele in this system, but Barca fans would probably rather it was a talented prospect from La Masia instead of a big-money signing who’s closing in on 30-years-old.

There are ways Willian could genuinely help the club to progress, but this probably isn’t one of them.

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