The new-look Barcelona are starting to appear frightening

The 2022/23 Barcelona squad is taking shape as the days progress. What seemed like an almost impossible challenge, given the club's economic situation, is now a project that is beginning to excite the fans and, at the same time, cause deep concern among their rivals.

The signing of Robert Lewandowski was the latest in a series of acquisitions that has yet to be concluded.

Late on Friday, the signing of the Polish forward was agreed after the two clubs had been negotiating throughout the day. He was Barcelona's main target in the market and in the end they sealed his move for 45 million euros plus five million euros in variables.

It was a week that also saw the announcement of Ousmane Dembele's renewal after many months of negotiation, as well as the signing of Raphinha from Leeds.

In just four days, Barcelona have put together a really powerful attack, with players of great quality and with different characteristics, something that is fundamental for the coach.

In search of goals

Lewandowski and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are the two goalscorers.

There is nothing to really dig into, their numbers say it all. The Pole is the best finisher in Europe in recent years, while the latter had a decent scoring record last season at Barcelona.

In theory, scoring goals is assured. Their age, almost 34 and 33 respectively, should not be a handicap.

The speed

Dembele and Raphinha represent speed and the ability to unbalance a defence.

If the French forward continues with his record of last season in terms of assists, this year he can combine with Lewandowski. Raphinha also has goals in his game, a characteristic that is highly valued.

Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati are in charge of starting from the wing and going towards the centre.

Both are players with a lot of goals in them. In the case of Fati, the whole club hopes that this year, once he has recovered from his injury, will be the year of his definitive explosion.

In addition, both can step in at centre-forward. Ferran played several times as a false no.9 last year, while Ansu was trained at youth level as a centre forward.

Improvements in defence

However, the team is not just about attacking. The overhaul in defence is evident although it is not yet complete.

Andreas Christensen has arrived to strengthen the centre of defence and Jules Kounde is also expected to come in.

Together with Ronald Araujo, Gerard Pique and Eric Garcia, they form an excellent group of defenders, whilst on the flanks there are two full-backs on the way who will be able to provide experience and strength - Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso. They will compete with Jordi Alba and Sergino Dest.

The midfield

The midfield has some very good home-grown players: Sergio Busquets, Pedri, Gavi and Nico.

The signing of Franck Kessie will bring power to the midfield. He is a player with attributes that the squad hasn't had for a while. In addition, he has the ability to score goals.

Naturally, there will be outgoings although the situation with Frenkie de Jong is still far from resolved. If he stays, he is another talented player who can contribute a lot, whereas If he leaves, the club would try to bring in Bernardo Silva.

Any such deal will be incredibly complex because of how expensive the Portuguese midfielder would be, yet his arrival would bring Barcelona's midfield up to a standard that most clubs in Europe would envy.