5 Bundesliga Players for Barcelona Fans to Watch Closely This Season
Football fans the world over finally have some action to watch with the Bundesliga back in full swing, boasting elite level players.
A number of Barcelona players have proved their worth in Germany's top flight, with stars like Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Ousmane Dembele and Ivan Rakitic all excelling in the Bundesliga.
La Liga recently announced plans to resume their season in June, but for now, here are some players worth watching in the Bundesliga until then.
Jean-Clair Tobido
After rising through the ranks at Toulouse, Tobido made a dream move to Barcelona as a teenager in last year's January transfer window. The France Under-20 international managed only five appearances for Barça before being sent out on loan to Schalke.
Tobido is known for his composed ball-playing style from central defence, acting as a rock at the back for Schalke as they look on push into the Europe League places - though a wretched run of recent form may have scuppered that particular ambition.
Barça fans will be encouraged by the impressive performances from the youngster and will be satisfied knowing that if he does return to Camp Nou, he will be a much improved player.
Philippe Coutinho
It seems like such a long time ago that Coutinho was flourishing at Liverpool and establishing himself as one of the world's best attacking midfielders. Barcelona came calling and tabled an offer the Reds couldn't refuse, signing Coutinho for around £140m.
Since joining the Catalan giants, Coutinho has failed to hit the heights he so regularly did in England and was shipped out on loan to Bayern, where this season has been much of the same story. Bayern have passed up the opportunity to sign him permanently, and speculation over the 27-year-old's future is constant. With his performances becoming less memorable by the season, Barcelona will be lucky to recover anything near the fee they paid for him back in 2018.
Barça fans will have been watching Coutinho's performances closely and if a deal cannot be struck for the Brazil international, he could return to Camp Nou. There have certainly been glimpses of excellence displayed by Coutinho, but consistency still eludes him.
Juan Miranda
After impressing for Barcelona B, Miranda was given the opportunity to continue his development with Schalke in a two year loan deal. The step up has been a tough transition for the 20-year-old, who has found first-team opportunities scarce with manager David Wagner opting for the more experienced Bastian Oczipka at left back.
Miranda played a huge part in Spain's youth successes, winning the UEFA Euros at Under-17 and Under-19 levels and has been compared to Jordi Alba. With a release clause of around £180m, Barça evidently believe he has a bright future at the club.
The Bundesliga is a hard but welcome test for Miranda, who has struggled to implement his playing style, though Barça fans should be casting a keen eye over his future performances to see how he matures into his role at Schalke.
Kingsley Coman
Coman's future at Bayern is unclear. Die Roten have been heavily linked with a swoop for Manchester City's Leroy Sane, which would almost certainly spell the end of Coman's first team opportunities at the club.
Barça are in the market for attackers with rumours floating around of big money moves for Lautaro Martinez and Neymar, with Coman identified as a backup should they fail to sign their initial targets.
Coman's pace and dribbling ability make him a nightmare for any defence, and having won titles in France, Italy and Germany, a move to Spain could be an attractive prospect for the 23-year-old. His ability to play on either wing and slick passing style would make him a great fit at Barça should a deal be struck between both clubs.
Thiago Alcantara
Undoubtedly one of the most naturally gifted playmakers around, Thiago is the one that got away for all Barça fans. A product of La Masia, Thiago was teased from Barcelona by the familiar figure of Pep Guardiola, who had taken charge at Bayern in 2013.
The 29-year-old had to leave the Catalan giants to chase first team action, with Xavi Andres, Iniesta and Sergio Busquets the first names on the team sheet at the time.
Having made the move some seven years ago, Thiago has settled into Bavarian life nicely, becoming the main man to orchestrate the midfield and dictate the tempo of the game. Having struggled initially with serious injuries in his first few seasons for Die Rotten, Thiago continues to dazzle us with his freakish first touch and insane passing range.