2008 has been a year of two halves for Barcelona. The first half, a disappointing and morale-sapping period, saw them concede yet another league title to Real Madrid, and what's more, they were forced to perform the guard of honour at the Bernabéu, before getting thrashed out of sight. The team was disjointed, fraught with reports of unrest and dominating egos, and eventually coach Frank Rijkaard paid for the failure with his job.

The departure of the Dutchman marked the start of the second-half of the year, and one which most Barcelona fans won't be forgetting in a hurry. While they may not have won any titles yet, they have still won plaudits the world over with some breathtaking football that has seen them not only fly in Spain, but also in Europe. At the Christmas break they have established a massive ten point lead over their nearest challengers in La Liga, and in the Champions League they cruised to victory in their group to now meet Lyon in the knockout stages.

The success and swashbuckling play have bought fans to their feet, but worryingly for Spain, and Europe alike, Barcelona could have the capacity to get even better. With players returning from injury, others gaining in confidence, and silverware finally being put in the Catalan cabinet, 2009 could indeed be a year that Barca will begin with more magic and magnificence.

Time To Grow

There can be no doubt that the arrival of Pep Guardiola at Barcelona has been a major factor in the revival of the team this season. The ex-midfielder was viewed by some as a big gamble by the Barça board, but it now seems as though they are well and truly reaping the rewards. The new coach has bought a new attitude to the side, along with his own methods of coaching and unique relationship with the game and the club, not to mention a dashing dress code. He has turned a lot of great players into a team, and most importantly he has bought together some of those on the fringes in the summer, such as Samuel Eto'o.

Worryingly for all those in La Liga he has done this in less than half a year with the side, not allowing for his time in charge of the Barcelona B side. With the biggest games still to come this season, there is no doubt that he, and his team, will be tested more than they have been so far, but if they keep growing at the phenomenal rate they have been, they can only get better. Their display in El Clásico demonstrated the massive amount of team spirit that Guardiola has already instilled in this team, but there is a feeling this could still improve, not least when some key players return to the side.

Name Game

November 4; Barcelona against Basel in the Champions League. A date that was remembered in the immediate aftermath for an injury to Andrés Iniesta, but significantly, one that was forgotten about soon after. For while many questioned how the Catalans would cope without their influential midfielder, there were no concerns from inside the camp at the time, and their confident approach was vindicated. Since the injury to Iniesta Barcelona have won every league game but one, and have faced some of their toughest tests to date.

Matches against Real Madrid, Sevilla, Villarreal and Valencia were all billed as blockbusters, but in the end, most were typically one sided affairs. That is not to say that they did not entirely miss Iniesta though, for there is no doubt the fans remembered him, and most importantly, remembered what he can bring to the team. The Spanish international has so often been overlooked in this team of superstars but in 2008 he has really established himself, and arguments have even been stirred debating whether or not he is better than the great Xavi. Whilst that will not be put to bed anytime soon, there is no doubt he is a World-class player, and that his presence in his team can only improve it.

His amazing ball control, his darting runs, his delightful balance, his precise passing skills and most importantly his desire to work with the team, all make him an asset, and one that Barcelona will be able to welcome back soon. After recovering from injury he should be ready to return for the first game of the new year against Real Mallorca, and while recent form may terrify the island side enough, they should be even more worried if Iniesta is in the side.

Along with the Spaniard, Barcelona also have the long awaited return of Gabriel Milito to look forward to in the new year. The Argentine has been out since May with cruciate damage in his right knee, but is believed to be targeting a February return. One might not immediately think that Barcelona have missed him, bearing in mind they have conceded just ten goals in the league, but there is no doubt the coach will be glad to have him back.

Gerard Piqué has been a useful addition to the back line this year, and has certainly filled in well as cover, but out of all the Barcelona defenders he has been the weakest. Milito may well struggle to hold a regular place in the side, with the back-line looking so strong, but Guardiola will be glad to have him at his service again.

Along with the duo who have not yet returned, there is also the small matter of one who has recently returned, Eric Abidal. It is almost inconceivable to think that Barcelona have been so good this season without, for the most part, a recognised left-back. Sure, Carles Puyol has done an outstanding job there, but he is best at centre-back, and Abidal's arrival could well be more significant in the long run than either of those mentioned above. The Frenchman will add extra balance to the side and even though Puyol gets forward on occasions, Abidal looks more natural, and should add even more to this team.

Confidence

Amidst all the praise and plaudits it should not be forgotten that Barcelona have not actually won anything in 2008, and will only have the chance to next year. With three competitions still open to them, it would be a brave man to bet against them not triumphing in all three, and the scary thing is, each match will surely make them even stronger.

They may have beaten some good teams in Spain already, but they have not faced great teams in Europe yet, as they will surely do in 2009. If they can over come the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea then there really is no telling what Barcelona can achieve, and how they play. With confidence already sky-high it will surely only grow and grow with each victory, and by the end of the season, they could well be better than they are now.

Players might be more tired, the league might be won, but the ethic that Guardiola has instilled in this squad signals that they will still be hungry. The boost that they will get from winning La Liga, and possibly the Copa Del Rey, will surely be a massive lift for them, and if they do reach Rome, whoever they meet had better beware.

Festive Joy

Coupled with all the factors mentioned above, there is also the chance that Barcelona could add to their squad to this winter. Where they need to do so is not quite clear, but the coach could well bring in a couple of back-up players, in case of injury to the squad. A big signing, such as Karim Benzema or David Villa, seems very unlikely at this stage, and understandably there is no need to possibly disrupt the team spirit.

However, much like Henrik Larsson was instrumental off the bench in the last Champions League triumph, they could well do with a reserve striker of class. Bojan Krkic and Pedro are talents, of that there is no doubt, but they do not have the experience on the big stage, and if Barcelona could add this to their ranks, they would be even stronger. Who they will sign, if anyone, is not yet known, but what is clear is that, with or without new players, 2009 should be one to remember for Barcelona, and one for the rest of Spain to be afraid of.

James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com