Valverde only wants six midfielders but currently has nine available

The arrival of Frenkie de Jong, Sergi Roberto moving back into midfield and the progression of Riqui Puig means that Ernesto Valverde currently has nine midfielders available for selection.

This is a problem because Valverde ideally wants six players for those three places, two per position, rather than the current three per role. With Griezmann added to the attack and Neymar an option too, none of those nine will be needed further forward.

Here are the nine midfielders at Barça:

Sergio Busquets

He's the second captain at Barça and has been a starter for every coach since he was promoted to the first team. Busquets form dropped last season, especially when compared to his previous campaigns, but no one doubts his place in the XI. At 31, it might be time for him to be rested so he's at 100% for the most important matches.

Frankie de Jong

The new star signing has finally arrived at the Camp Nou and the expectations are high. His versatility makes him a key member of the squad going forward and is capable of playing in a deeper role or further forward, helping out in attack. Valverde has been impressed with de Jong's performances throughout preseason and looks certain to play a key role this season.

Rakitic

It appears this might be the end of Ivan Rakitic's time at the club. The Croatian is on the transfer list and has been linked as a potential makeweight for the Neymar deal, as well as a replacement for Paul Pogba should the Frenchman join Real Madrid. He's one of the few members of the current midfield who is a regular goalscorer and his work-rate and effort can never be called into question.

Arturo Vidal

The Chilean midfielder was a surprise arrival last summer but added much needed muscle in the centre of the park. He earned his way into the starting XI and is someone who Valverde values highly as he offers certain physical attributes others can't. Barça are open to letting him go should a good offer come in. His role appears to be more of an alternative rather than being first choice for the 2019/20 campaign.

Sergi Roberto

Valverde has decided that Sergi Roberto is better served to the team in midfield rather than at right-back. Like de Jong, the La Masia graduate's versatility makes him an important member of the squad.

Arthur

The Brazilian's impact at the Camp Nou saw many draw comparisons between him and the legendary Xavi Hernandez. His performance against Tottenham at Wembley was particularly impressive. Arthur's issues were fitness related last season and after a period on the sidelines, he struggled to find his best form again. This could be the season he takes a step forward and establishes himself as the man to lead Barça's midfield for the foreseeable future.

Aleñá

It feels like it's the same story with Aleña every season but this should be the one where he breaks out and secures his spot in the team. No one doubts his ability but if he's to make the next step, it's crucial he believes in himself. Valverde still has doubts over the youngster. It's important that Valverde allows him the chance to shine and, at the same time, that the player grasps the opportunities handed to him.

Coutinho

It looks like Coutinho's future won't be at the Camp Nou next season but, as things stand, he will be. There's plenty of interest from England and, as with Rakitic, has been rumoured as a makeweight in a Neymar deal. Valverde gave him chance after chance but the Brazilian let him down. With Messi, Suarez, Dembele and Griezmann on the books, he feels even less needed than before.

Riqui Puig

The golden boy of La Masia has impressed throughout preseason and if a first-team spot was judged purely on those performances, he'd undoubtedly be in. However everything suggests due to the overbooking in midfield, Riqui will continue with the B side and get rare opportunities with the first team. The coaching staff are impressed by his progress but insist he still has to develop before given a more sustained run with the senior squad.