Barcelona have released the official list of players who will participate in the next edition of the Champions League. Hansi Flick has decided to register 36 footballers for the Champions League. With this extensive squad, the coach will have multiple options to face the top European competition.
Among them is a name that has especially drawn attention: Marc-André Ter Stegen. The German goalkeeper, who is still in the process of recovering after back surgery, will be one of the three goalkeepers drafted along with Joan García and Wojciech Szczesny.
Ter Stegen's inclusion has come as a surprise because his return to official competition still seemed distant. However, this decision reflects the full trust Flick keeps in his captain. The coach doesn't want to close any doors to a possible participation of the German in decisive stages of the tournament, especially if his physical progress is favorable.
The role of the youngsters and the new faces
The list has not only been marked by Ter Stegen's desired return, but also by the presence of several promising academy players and recent signings. Among them, Marc Bernal stands out, as he once again has the coach's trust after overcoming a serious injury. Another notable case is Roony Bardghji, who, since he can't be registered in LaLiga, will play with the reserve team registration but will have the opportunity to play in the Champions League.
List A features established figures such as Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Lewandowski, and Lamine Yamal. List B, meanwhile, is made up of academy players like Guille Fernández, Toni Fernández, Jofre Torrens, and goalkeeper Diego Kochen.
This combination of experience and youth reflects Flick's intention to give prominence to the youngest players without giving up the quality of the veterans.
A notable distribution by positions
One of the details that has sparked debate is the distribution of players by position. There are only four natural midfielders on the official list: Pedri, De Jong, Gavi, and Marc Bernal.
The case of Marc Casadó stands out, a natural midfielder who is registered as a defender. This could be an administrative error or a strategy to give the squad more flexibility.
In attack, Barcelona have a varied arsenal: Dani Olmo, Raphinha, Ferran Torres, Marcus Rashford, and Lewandowski, among others. The defense combines the reliability of Ronald Araújo and Andreas Christensen with the potential of youngsters like Pau Cubarsí and Alejandro Balde.