On Thursday night in Scotland, Football Club Barcelona play their first friendly match of the new season against Dundee United at Tannadice. With the four new signings, Thierry Henry, Gabi Milito, Touré Yaya and Eric Abidal, it could be argued that this is Barça’s strongest squad ever. However, to succeed they will have to regain some of the humility and hard work that brought Champions League success in 2006.

The defence should definitely be strengthened by the arrival of Milito and Abidal. It will be interesting to see how well the partnership of Puyol and Milito works. I believe they have the potential to be the best pair of central defenders in the world. If it doesn’t work out, or one of them is injured, Marquez, Thuram or Oleguer can all fill in. Abidal will almost certainly be first choice left back which means Sylvinho’s opportunities will be even more limited. Zambrotta will be the right back with Belletti and Oleguer providing cover. Víctor Valdés will continue in goal with Jorquera as second choice keeper. I am worried that an injury to Valdés could cost Barça dearly, I would have bought an older, more experienced keeper to substitute for Valdés.

The main change in midfield will probably be Touré Yaya playing in the defensive midfield role, this position was a problem for Barça last season. Whether Touré fits in or not could be vital to Barça’s success or failure, in many ways he could turn out to be the most important signing of the summer. Rafa Marquez may well get another chance to prove himself in this position if Touré is not at 100%.

The other two midfield places will be fought over by Xavi, Iniesta and Deco. It’s anyone’s guess as to which of the three will sit out more. There is also the possibility that Ronaldinho might occassionally drop into midfield if Rijkaard chooses to play Messi, Eto’o, Henry and Ronnie at the same time.

The attacking options that these four offer are quite simply second to none. If all four avoid injury and maintain a healthy competition for places, then the results could be spectacular. Expect Messi to be the most used of the four. Samuel Eto’o, Thierry Henry, and perhaps to a lesser extent Ronaldinho, will almost certainly learn what it’s like to start the game on the subs’ bench.

Three players have been promoted from the B team; Marc Crosas is a midfielder who was alledgedly wanted by Rafa Benitez at Liverpool, and Giovani dos Santos and Bojan Krkic are both exciting forwards hoping to follow Leo Messi into the first team. Personally, I feel that all three should have been loaned out this season as they will not get chances and young players really need to be playing regularly. Having said that, training every day with the likes of Ronaldinho and Thierry Henry won’t do them any harm.

The young players’ progress is not helped by the number of first team players there are. Barça have bought four players and promoted three from the B team, and yet only Gio, Saviola and Giuly have been offloaded. Barça are still trying to sell Maxi Lopez, Ezquerro and Motta, while Gudjohnsen now seems to be staying. Rijkaard has said that all players will be treated equally from day one and Guddy believes he will have his chances.

Rijkaard will undoubtedly rotate some players in an attempt to keep everyone fresh. However, if I had to pick a strongest XI that I could see starting in next May’s Champions League Final it would be: Valdés; Zambrotta, Puyol, Milito, Abidal; Touré, Xavi, Iniesta; Messi, Eto’o and Ronaldinho.