Some might say I’m overreacting due to yesterday results but these are my thoughts for some time now.
Without Messi, we are a fucking average team. How many of our players would get into a world XI? Only Messi for me. What about 10 years ago? What about 5 years ago? Easily 5.
Take a look at the team. And even the new signings. We keep to get them wrong. Who has the potential to be the best at his position in a short time frame(two years)? Only De Jong, I would say.
Messi’s qualities are hidden all of this.
We need to rebuild the squad with a new coach who has clear ideas. I’m willing to go two or even three seasons trophyless to develop a new spine. We are basically Real 2010-2013 now. They got it right and then won 4 CL’s afterwards.
We need to rebuild. Semedo is shit, Pique has one/two season left, Lenglet not starter material, Alba declines fast, Busquets a shadow......and go on.
While I see your point, a big reason for our decline and lack of development when it comes to certain players is the chaotic, nonsense style of play and tactics, or lack thereof, implemented by Valverde. Any new player that joins the team looks worse because they usually come from a proper system or at least a defined role to a shithouse.
The only player able to shine through it is Messi because he's too good to be hindered by shitty tactics. Sure, just like for Argentina he might not win the big trophy aka the CL, but individually he's the team's only hope.
With a good manager I'm confident the Messidependencia wouldn't be such a huge problem. It would be a loss for sure, but we won't look like a mid-table team without him. More players will be able to shine too.
That said, you know how much I want a dominant midfield again and how highly I rate someone like Havertz or possibly Aouar, but it won't help without a manager who can implement a system with well defined roles.
Attacking patterns, a clear plan when it comes to transition from defense to attack, movement off the ball, etc.