4 players who could lead Barcelona to victory over Real Madrid

Ousmane Dembele

Aubameyang’s arrival has drastically changed Ousmane Dembele’s standings within the squad. Having only five assists through 45 La Liga appearances, the forward has provided five in his last four.

Injuries have been a constant since Dembele joined from Borussia Dortmund in 2017, but with his threat pushing the ball forward and a seemingly psychic connection with Auba, Dembele is going to be a headache for countryman Ferland Mendy.

Dembele was a problem for Nacho Fernandez down the flank in the Supercopa de Espana making five key passes and adding five successful crosses. He might not be a threat to score – even though he has the ability – every time he attacks, but it’s his passing, pace, and vision that makes him so deadly.

Mixing in Adama Traore on that side has done wonders for Barca, and I fully expect to see both Dembele and Adama make appearances.

With Real Madrid uncertain of Ferland Mendy’s status for this game after he limped off with an abductor injury Monday, the pressure could be on Nacho to slow down a healthy, in-form Ousmane Dembele.

It will be up to Eder Militao and David Alaba to support Nacho while keeping the box clear.

Pedri

Xavi has had nothing but praise for the 19-year-old, Pedri.

The future in the Barca midfield has – for over a year – been sensational in every area of the game. Even before the new manager was appointed, Pedri has proven that he is the next name in a long line of creative and decisive Barcelona midfielders.

Busquets, Pedri, and Frenkie de Jong have drastically improved since Real Madrid saw them last, and the biggest difference can be attributed to the form of Pedro González López.

When Pedri is on the field, Barca does not lose. They had him in the Supercopa loss to Real Madrid – he was taken off after 75 minutes – but in nine league appearances, the club has seven wins, two draws, and no defeats.

Pedri is in the 95th percentile for progressive carries and can pressure opponents in the middle of the park at an incredibly high level. It will be up to Casemiro to make sure he cuts off the passing lanes and closes down the always creative player.