Four January signings settling in nicely
Like pieces in a jigsaw. The four new Barça signings from the January transfer window are all performing at an exceptional level since their arrival. The quartet appear to have settled quicker than anyone could have expected into Xavi Hernández's squad, evidence of which can be seen on the field and in the statistics.
The new names are of course Dani Alves, Ferran Torres, Adama Traoré and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. New names but not necessarily new faces with Alves and Adama returning to the club for their second spells as blaugranes.
Goals, playing time and assists
Since their arrival, the new boy who has played most games in Ferran Torres with a total of nine appearances.
As far as goals are concerned, Gabon international Aubameyang leads the way with five. Creating goals is where Adama has shone most, providing four assists in his six appearances.
Variety and diversity
What the new signings have brought to Barça is clear from the statistics but on a tactical level their arrival has also been important. In attack, the addition of Ferran, Aubameyang and Adama has given coach Xavi Hernández greater options.
Furthermore, there is a great versatility to his attacking threat with players like Memphis, Ansu Fati when he returns from injury, Memphis and Ferran Torres all able to play anywhere in a front three.
Against Valencia Dembélé and Ferran started the game on the wings and against Athletic the strength in depth was evident from the fact that three of the four goals came from players coming off the bench: Dembélé, Luuk de Jong and Memphis.
Out wide and in the middle
The return of Adama to the Club gives Barça the luxury of a pure winger; a player who looks to take on his man as often as he can and opens up the field for his team mates. Hugging the touchline, in possession the blaugranes always know they have an option out wide and with an assist every 95 minutes at the time of writing, it is an option that is working perfectly.
The return of Dani Alves to Barça has also given coach Xavi greater tactical options. The Brazilian's experience and excellence on the ball mean that he is not limited to his role at right back in a rigid back four.
We saw against Atlético Madrid how Alves was able to step into midfield when the blaugranes were in possession, turning a 4-3-3 into a 3-4-3. This manoeuvre allows Sergio Busquets an option if opponents try to pressure him and a record of one goal and three assists show that Alves is much more than a defender.
In total the new kids on the block have contributed eight goals and 10 assists, proving without doubt that the January transfer market has been a propitious one for FC Barcelona.