Speaking during his first Barcelona press conference, Franck Kessie said: “I don’t see myself as a starter now.

“I have to work. Because you don’t win the place with your mouth, but by working in training. That’s where the coach makes his decisions.”

Kessie is being modest here, but Xavi could indeed use the 25-year-old as a backup midfielder in his lineup next season. Let’s draw the lineups:

Option 1

Xavi could ise Kessie as a great back up for Busquets. Ivorian is powerful and can play as a deep-lying midfielder.

With Busquets already in his 30s, Kessie would be a quality replacement for the Spaniard as the season gets tougher.

Option 2

Pedri and Gavi are teenagers – both players are great but they simply do not have the experience and power that Kessie offers.

If Xavi prefers the Spanish midfielders in central and attacking midfield, Kessie would be a perfect backup for both players.

Kessie says he ‘doesn’t see himself as a starter’ – Xavi could use him as a backup: 2 lineups