The one-by-one of Barça's midfielders for season 2016/17

The FC Barcelona squad for the 2016/17 season is practically fully designed, awaiting just the completion of the signing of a forward and the confirmation of pending departures.

Though Luis Enrique stated in his first press conference of the new campaign that every squad member forms part of his plans, it is evident that not everyone will begin in equal condition.

This is the one-by-one of the nine Barça midfielders, their performances last season, their technical characteristics and their situation within the squad:

ANDRES INIESTA. Captain. 32-years-old, 44 games played in season 2015/16, 1 goal, 4 assists. Left-sided central midfielder, attacking midfielder. Forms part of the select group of 'the guardians of the style of play', the group of footballers with Barça DNA that imprint their character on the team and give continuity to the project since 2008. Under contract until June 2018.

SERGIO BUSQUETS. Irreplaceable. 28-years-old, 53 games played last season, 0 goals, 6 assists. Defensive midfielder. He is one of the fundamental pillars of Barça, in the dressing room and on the pitch. Renewed his deal recently until 2021 (with an optional clause until 2023). All the alternatives sought in his position are to provide him with rest, not to replace him. 

IVAN RAKITIC. Box-to-box midfielder. 28-years-old, 57 games played last season, 9 goals, 2 assists. Central midfielder, can play in all three midfield positions in the Barça formation. The Croatian is the player most substituted, but also one of the players to have participated in the most games, missing just five. He is the fourth top scorer in the side, behind the 'MSN' front three. He arrives into the area from deep, and also covered the backs of Leo Messi and Dani Alves, when they would attack down the right. Under contract until 2019.

JAVIER MASCHERANO. Converted. 32-years-old, 51 games last season, 0 goals, 1 assist. Defensive midfielder, centre-back. Luis Enrique and Robert Fernandez have both assured that the Argentine will stay at the club, and the player will renew his deal soon. Javier wants to play in midfield, his natural position, but he has a big obstacle here in Busquets. He has been a luxury for the defence, though the signing of Umtiti could change his first-choice status. Under contract until 2018.

ARDA TURAN. Questioned. 29-years-old, 25 games played last season, 2 goals, 4 assists. Central left/right sided midfielder and wide attacker on either flank, attacking midfielder. He was the star signing last summer, but the FIFA ban penalised him with six months on the sidelines. When he returned to the pitch, he was unable to perform at his usual level. The Turkish interntational will be determined to show his worth this season, but the the arrival of Andre Gomes could complicate things for him. The offers from the Chinese league, and from Arsenal, could well force him to depart the Catalan club. Under contract until 2020.

SERGI ROBERTO. Versatile. 24-years-old, 47 games played last season, 1 goal, 7 assists. Midfielder, in all roles, and full-back. A product of 'La Masia', he won the confidence of Luis Enrique through a combination of perseverance, quality and versatility. He is one of the players who are not part of the expected starting line-up with most chances of participating, precisely for his multi-functional abilities. He will challenge Aleix Vidal for the right-back role, and could begin with the advantage based on last season's form. Under contract until 2019.

RAFINHA ALCANTARA. Unfortunate. 23-years-old, 11 games played last season, 2 goals, 0 assists. Injuries have pursued the Brazilian since his return to the club, following a season at Celta. His combination of quality and strength, allied to his vision, invited real optimism with regards to his chances of succeeding at the Camp Nou under Luis Enrique's guidance. This season, the competition for places will be tougher than ever, and he will also return to the club later due to his call-up for the Brazil olympic squad. Under contract until June 2020.

DENIS SUAREZ. Repatriated. 22-years-old, 48 games played last season, 5 goals, 13 assists (with Villarreal). Right/left sided central midfielder, left/right winger. After cutting his teeth at Sevilla and Villarreal, where he showed his great quality, he returns to Barça to become the option for the future in the midfield. For his youth, the future is his, if he is able to digest the fact that he will go from playing every Sunday to being the understudy to Iniesta and Rakitic. He can also be the alternative to Neymar on the left side of attack. Under contract until June 2020.

ANDRE GOMES. Multifunctional. 22-years-old, 41 games played last season, 4 goals, 7 assists (Valencia). Central midfielder, in all three positions. The latest Barça signing, and Barça have bet big on him, spending 35 million euros (plus 20 million euros more in add-ons). Physical strength, he gets up and down the pitch, technical quality, gets into the opposition box... The Portuguese has everything to succeed at the Camp Nou. His arrival leaves Arda Turan and Rafinha in a tricky situation; he could even complicate the idea that Mascherano could be the tandem for Busquets in the defensive midfield role. It remains to be seen exactly what Luis Enrique requires of him. Under contract until June 2021.

SERGI SAMPER. Student. 21-years-old, 7 games played last season, 0 goals, 1 assist with the first team; 29 games played last season with 6 assists with Barça B. Defensive midfielder. Luis Enrique explained his situation, he is a first team squad member, but a loan elsewhere is not ruled out. He has recently extended his Barcelona contract, and is one for the future, but beforehand he may have to take the path already travelled by Rafinha and Denis Suarez. At the moment, he has begun pre-season with Luis Enrique's squad.