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Jason Pettigrove Jason Pettigrove has been the writer-at-large for Barca Blaugranes for many years. He has previously worked for FC Barcelona, beIN Sports and many other news and media outlets, both in print and digital. When not working, he’ll be found in front of the TV watching Barça.
So, the dreaded first international break of the season is upon us, but it gives culers - and the club itself - the chance to reflect on the opening few weeks of the 2026/27 campaign.
It certainly couldn’t have gone any better in terms of results, with every game won so far, and a five-point lead in La Liga already having opened up.
The emergence of Xavi Espart
Although it wasn’t necessarily a complete surprise, it’s still been a joy to see Xavi Espart’s efforts.
There’s a fearlessness to his play which comes with youth, but there’s also been end product, something that’s often been missing from Alejandro Balde’s game, for example.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 31: Xavi Espart of FC Barcelona controls the ball during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between FC Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano de Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou on August 31, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
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That Espart has all but relegated Balde to the subs’ bench speaks volumes for the way in which he’s quickly integrated into the set-up.
Still just 19, the youngster almost feels like a new signing and looks set for a big season in Barcelona.
Raphinha is the perfect No. 9 for Barcelona
A fully-fit Raphinha has once again shown his true worth to this team and, what’s more, he’s done it whilst playing more centrally and scoring goals for fun.
The goals have been a bonus, and he deservedly leads the Spanish top-flight scoring charts at present, but it’s the example that he continues to set which has really marked him out.
Nothing is a lost cause for the Brazilian, in both an attacking and defensive sense. Where he’s won over a lot of supporters is that everything now seems to have a purpose, because there was a time not long after he joined when he’d still get through more running than everyone else, but it was like watching a headless chicken at times.
SEVILLA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 19: Raphinha of FC Barcelona celebrates 1-3 with Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Sevilla v FC Barcelona at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on September 19, 2026 in Sevilla Spain (Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)
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His runs are generally perfectly timed, his passing is on point, his aggression is well harnessed, and his leadership isn’t in question. He might well be this era’s Xavi and Iniesta in that he will truly deserve a Ballon d’Or at some stage but might just miss out, and that would be a travesty.
Maybe his goals will help fire Barca to European glory and then he would at least remain in the conversation.
No Alvarez, no problem for Barca
A number of signings were made this summer, too, though sadly Julian Alvarez wasn’t one of them. Perhaps that was a blessing in disguise given Raphinha’s emergence in the role.
In any event, Anthony Gordon has been a bit hit and miss at this stage. The former Newcastle man certainly started off well, with some purposeful running and assists, but he’s dropped off a little form-wise in the last couple of games and the fact he hasn’t yet found the back of the net seems to be weighing on his mind.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 19: Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi of FC Barcelona acknowledge the fans as they are introduced before the Joan Gamper Trophy between FC Barcelona and Al Ahly SC at Spotify Camp Nou on August 19, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
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Karim Adeyemi has been the polar opposite, starting slow but really finding his feet in the side now. His pace is even more electric than Gordon’s, though there is a tendency to overdo it and make the wrong decision in the crucial moments. Fortunately, that hasn’t affected Barca yet, thanks to the entire team’s goalscoring prowess.
Rodri’s signing has been a real bonus, and the confidence with which he protects the defence whilst starting attacks with those simple passes really is a sight to behold.
There’s definitely some truth in the notion that his calm authority is what has allowed the attacking players to wreak havoc week-in, week-out, though Rodri offers so much more than that. An absolute gem of a player.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 16: Joao Cancelo of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Rodri during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between FC Barcelona and Real Racing Club de Santander at Spotify Camp Nou on September 16, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
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Joao Cancelo might’ve pipped Espart to the left-back slot, depending on Hansi Flick’s selections, though having him there does seem a bit of a waste.
Surely having the Portuguese raiding down the right, with Espart on the left, would give the XI much more balance? In any event, another solid addition who has carried on where he left off.
Gabriel Jesus has shown in the short space of time he’s been on the pitch that he hasn’t lost his eye for goal, so if he can stay injury-free, he’s absolutely a great striker to have in reserve and for rotation purposes.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 09: Gabriel Jesus of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring his team’s fifth goal during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1, football match played between FC Barcelona and Feyenoord at Spotify Camp Nou Stadium on September 09, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo By Javier Borrego/Europa Press via Getty Images)
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Though we’re not likely to see much of Jesse Bisiwu, Dominik Livakovic and Hamza Abdelkarim, they too are likely to be worth their weight in gold when matches against teams lower down in the division come around.
Barca already five points clear
The Madrid derby arguably going Barca’s way was another bonus for the Catalans.
What’s perhaps been overlooked is how disjointed Real looked, and has looked this season, which is highly unlike a Jose Mourinho side.
Their struggles could again simply be encompassed by what they were the last time the Special One was in charge at the Santiago Bernabeu.
A collection of very good individual players but not always a great team, which is something Barcelona already have over them.
Strap yourselves in… this could be a vintage season in all sorts of ways!