Depay, Messi And Aguero: Can Trio Rival MSN?

Many people believe that Depay, Messi and Aguero could be the new and improved MSN at Barcelona.

If the club can sort out their financial issues and persuade Argentine Talisman, Lionel Messi to stay, then Camp Nou faithful can dare to dream of an attack that can match, if not surpass the glory days of MSN.

MSN was made up of South American forwards, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar Jr. They wrecked havoc to opposition defences, scoring a lot of goals and winning trophies together.

Two of this lethal trio have since moved on, with Neymar moving to Ligue 1 giants PSG and Suarez to Spanish rivals Atletico Madrid, effectively breaking their famous partnership.

As replacements, Barcelona have now secured the services of Netherlands forward, Memphis Depay and Copa America winner, Sergio Aguero remarkably on free transfers.

Lionel Messi is a free agent for now but Barca are certainly optimistic that they can get the Argentine to sign a new contract as soon as their financial issues are solved.

Let’s look at the players’ individual statistics last season.

Memphis Depay

The Dutchman has an eye for goal scoring 20 goals for Lyon in Ligue 1 to finish second on the goalscoring charts. He also had 54 shots on target, the most of any player in the division.

Depay also possesses a creative edge, he is known to be very creative especially when playing in the wings. He finished the 2020/2021 campaign with 12 assists in Ligue 1.

The 27-year-old also had a fair outing at the just concluded EURO 2020 tournament where he scored two goals and provided an assist in four appearances.

If he can replicate his form for Lyon and the Netherlands at Barca, he would certainly help take off some of Messi’s creative burden and this could catapult him into the starting team.

Also Read:

• Man United Fans Clamour For Ndidi After Varane Deal
• Juventus Squad Forced To Isolate As Player Tests Positive To Covid-19
• Mbappe Reveals Biggest Dream Amid Transfer Rumours
• Fernando Torres Returns To Atleti As Coach
• Barcelona Need To Fix Up Or Risk Seeing Their Legacy Destroyed

Sergio Aguero

Aguero was mostly injured or on the bench last season. However, his class and goalscoring abilities are not to be doubted. The Argentine left Champions League finalists, Manchester City, as their highest goalscorer with 260 goals in all competitions.

The 33-year-old also happens to be Messi’s international teammate, so he will be used to Messi’s playing style and body language.

Lionel Messi

Last season, Messi was simply, well, Messi. He scored 30 goals in La Liga to win yet another golden boot and produced nine assists for his teammates. It’s no wonder Barcelona are desperate to resign him.

The 34-year-old dazzled in the Copa America, scoring four goals and providing five assists on his way to lifting the trophy.

Here’s what Memphis Depay had to say about Messi;

“It would be amazing to play with him [Messi]. Hopefully it is possible. He has a number of qualities that the team needs and it would be important to build everything around that.”

He also talked about the possibility of playing at the same time with Messi and Aguero.

“There is a lot of talent in the team. It would be great for me to play alongside him and win titles. We have many attackers, but all different in my opinion. I have different abilities and strengths than Sergio Aguero, for example, or any other player.

“I think the three of us are compatible and different, but we are going to see how everything happens.”

Do you think Barcelona’s new attack of Depay, Messi and Aguero can surpass MSN? Let us know what you think in the comments section.

Enjoyed the article? Share with others as well. Stay in the know, follow us on Twitter @punditgist.