Sevilla predicted lineup for 2022-23 season

There will be no Jules Kounde or Diego Carlos for manager Julen Lopetegui in the new season.

Sevilla in the last few years have established themselves as the Spanish League's strongest club after the three perennial giants. In the last three seasons, they have finished fourth and narrowed the gap with the big three. Unfortunately, they have lost integral players like Jules Kounde and Diego Carlos, who contributed greatly to Julen Lopetegui's success.

However, the club will be hoping to make a strong showing in the Champions League and La Liga this season with the addition of big names like Isco and Alex Telles. So far, Julen Lopetegui has done an excellent job at Sevilla. Going forward, he will be hoping to take the club to another level.

Let's take a look at how Sevilla can line up for the upcoming season after the arrival of new players.

Goalkeeper- Yassine Bounou

Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou has been Sevilla's first choice for the past two seasons. Since joining Sevilla from Girona in 2019, he has emerged as the club's main man in goal. Bounou started 31 games last season and kept 13 clean sheets. In the upcoming season, he is likely to be the club's first-choice goalkeeper once again with no other big competitor in the ranks.

Right back- Jesus Navas

Jesus Navas is one of Sevilla's most renowned figures. The 36-year-old right-back remains Julen Lopetegui's most trusted man. In addition to Navas, Sevilla also has Gonzalo Montiel as a backup option. Although Navas is likely to start this season as the right back, Montiel could also be another tempting option for Lopetegui.

Centre back- Marcao

Sevilla lost both of its first-choice centre-backs this summer in the form of Kounde and Carlos. Marcao is one of the names signed as replacements this summer and will likely take over defence duties. Having spent the last three years with Galatasaray as a key player in defence, the Brazilian will be hoping to replicate his success in the Spanish league. 

Centre back- Karim Rekik

In the last couple of seasons, Karim Rekik has been considered a backup centre-back option for Sevilla. However, he is now likely to become the club's first-choice centre-back in the coming season. The Dutch centre-back made 18 appearances last season in La Liga and looked really compact in his limited outings. He has started the pre-season games and all signs indicate he could share defensive duties with Marcao.

Left back- Marcos Acuna

During last season's campaign, Marcos Acuna played as Sevilla's first-choice left-back and did very well. He made 31 appearances at left-back last season, where he was a dominant force. In addition to Acuna, Alex Telles has also arrived to challenge for the left-back spot. However, the Argentine's performance last season should give him an edge over Telles.

Central midfielder- Ivan Rakitic 

Since arriving from Barcelona in 2020, Ivan Rakitic has become an integral member of the Sevilla team. The Croatian midfielder netted four goals and provided six assists in 35 La Liga appearances last season. He is certain to start next season as a starter and will have a huge responsibility on his shoulders.

Central midfielder- Joan Jordan

Joan Jordan formed an impressive midfield duo with Ivan Rakitic last season and the duo is likely to handle the midfield proceedings in the upcoming season as well. The Spanish midfielder made 36 appearances last season and complemented the defence well in pressure situations. With the arrival of Isco, Joan Jordan is likely to play a more defensive role this time around.

Attacking midfielder- Isco

Isco is Julen Lopetegui's latest recruitment this season. Although the Spanish midfielder is coming off a Champions League-winning season with Real Madrid, he spent the whole season on the bench. Isco is determined to make it into the Spanish national team, and this season will be crucial for him. Also, he will have a big point to prove to Real Madrid after spending seasons without game time.

Right winger- Lucas Ocampos

The new season may again see Lucas Ocampos start after last season's excellent performances. He was Lopetegui's preferred choice on the wings over big names such as Suso, Erik Lamela and Munir El Haddadi last time around. The Argentinian winger made 30 appearances in La Liga last season, scoring six goals and providing four assists. He is familiar with Lopetegui's system and will be eager to continue his good run under him.

Left winger- Jesus Corona

Corona arrived in Sevilla last winter and immediately made an impact. During the second half of the La Liga season, he made 18 appearances and contributed four assists and two goals. Corona was an established name at FC Porto and will be hoping to continue in the same vein in a tougher league like La Liga. He is expected to be Sevilla's first-choice winger on the left wing.

Striker- Rafa Mir

Rafa Mir was one of the new arrivals last summer and did exceedingly well in his first season at the club. Despite starting only 18 games last season, he scored 10 times. Mir was more often used from the bench the last term by Julen Lopetegui. However, with no sure-shot striker available, he might be the starter this season. Sevilla do have Youssef En-Nesyri, who was the starter last season, but he is likely to be demoted after poor displays last term.