It is quite clear to see that the defense of FC Barcelona is not as effective this season as it was last season. The Catalans have already conceded more goals at this point of the season than they did in the entire last season, and that too despite the addition of top-class players like Inigo Martinez and Joao Cancelo.
Now the club is already planning on making changes in its defense for the next season, and as already reported here, it has been decided at Barcelona that the La Masia graduate, Chadi Riad, who is having a very good season with Real Betis, will be brought back to the club this summer.
This decision of the Catalan club to bet on the young defender seems to have merit, as Riad has been performing at a very high level for Manuel Pellegrini, especially after the sale of another Betis defender Luiz Felipe, and the injury to Marc Bartra.
In addition to the interest from Barcelona, SPORT reports that the defender has received another piece of good news recently, as he was named in the Moroccan national team’s list for the upcoming African Cup of Nations released last Thursday.
Playing with the Moroccan national team in Ivory Coast at this international tournament will be a good learning experience for Riad. However, he will also have some pressure on his shoulders as Morocco are one of the favorites for winning the competition.
Naturally, Riad himself is also very excited to be a part of the national team, as after leaving Real Betis training yesterday, he commented:
“I got the news on my phone, honestly, I didn’t expect it. The coach congratulated me; it’s a dream. God willing, we’ll win the Africa Cup.”
Riad will be accompanied by another former Barcelona player currently playing for Real Betis in this Morocco squad, Ez Abde.
