Ranking 5 potential Dembele replacements from best to worst

Ousmane Dembele is expected to leave this summer, and Barcelona are already thinking about a replacement. Raphinha is said to be the number one priority, but there are also alternatives in case the move doesn't go through.

Today, we will try to rank the possible Dembele replacement from the best to the worst.

1. Raphinha

Raphinha is an undisputed starter at Leeds United and a regular in the national team.

Not as good of a dribbler as Dembele (1.82 dribbles per 90 mins vs 4.04), the Brazilian is still fairly active going forward. On average, he creates 3.67 shooting actions per 90 mins (vs Dembele's 5.10) and makes 5.22 progressive passes (vs Dembele's 4.59).

Raphinha is a superior goalscorer, though, having netted 11 times this season (vs Dembele's 2 goals). He also completely beats Ousmane in the defensive department: 1.67 tackles vs 1.31, 1.33 interceptions vs 0.66, 17.72 pressures vs 14.39.

He doesn't have the same profile as Dembouz, but he is the most well-rounded player on the list. Besides, he is very likely to improve those attacking numbers at Barca.

The only downside is the Brazilian's price tag. Leeds are reportedly asking for €65m while Barca are willing to pay no more than €40m.

2. Angel Di Maria

Angel Di Maria is the player that is the closest to Dembele in terms of profile.

If we suppose that the main thing Dembele does on the pitch is dribbling past opponents and creating chances, Di Maria shows similar numbers: 1.84 dribbles vs 4.04, 4.96 shot-creating actions vs 5.10, 0.39 expected assists vs 0.47.

The Argentine will be available for free and will reportedly ask for a salary of just €2m per season. However, he is 34 years old and won't be able to play full 90 minutes twice a week. Xavi will have to rotate between him and Ferran Torres on the right.

3. Abde Ezzalzouli

Unfortunately, we do not have a full statistical breakdown of Abde Ezzalzouli's game because FBREF do not follow third-tier matches.

The numbers we have are from his appearances for the first team, and they indicate that Abde is good at carrying the ball forward (9.16 progressive carries per game vs 4.59) and dribbling (4.50 completed dribbles vs 4.04). Even better than Dembele.

Where he has to improve is in his chance-creating. He recorded only 0.09 (vs 0.47) expected assists and 1.71 (vs 5.10) shot-creating actions for the first team.

At Barca B, though, he finished the season with seven assists, the most on the team. This is a sign that, with more game time, the youngster can improve those numbers.

The big positive about Abde is that all Barca need to do is promote him to the first team. He will likely get a bonus to his salary but it won't be that high, certainly below what the other players on the list would be getting.

4. Adnan Januzaj

Straight out of the gate, Adnan Januzaj is a worthy competitor to Dembele in terms of playmaking: 0.22 expected assists (vs 0.44), 4.05 shot-creating actions (vs 5.10). Although clearly below Ousmane's level, he beats several other players on this list.

The Belgian is not as good at carrying the ball forward (7.94 carries vs 14.34) and dribbling (2.70 vs 4.04). And Januzaj also doesn't possess Dembele's speed, something that is important to Xavi.

On the positive side, Adnan would be available for free as his contract is due to expire. He is unlikely to become a starter at Barca, but could compete with Ferran for the spot on the right.

5. Alexis Sanchez

Alexis Sanchez's numbers are decent: 0.18 expected assists, 4.50 shot-creating actions, 6.06 progressive carries, and 2.42 completed dribbles.

The problem is, though, that the Chilean hasn't been a regular starter in years. This season, Alexis started just nine matches and played 90 minutes on four occasions only.

Even if Barca sign him, he would clearly be a rotational player. Another downside is that he has another year left on his contract and the club would have to pay a fee in addition to his likely high wages.