FC Barcelona continue to aspire for great things during the 2023/2024 season and for that, a well-versed squad and one of quality depth was needed for Xavi Hernandez to go ahead with the completion of the season objectives.
The departure of Sergio Busquets over the summer transfer window signaled the need for a great change in a position that FC Barcelona had never previously had to worry about for over a decade.
In stepped Girona midfielder and former La Masia graduate Oriol Romeu, with the 31-year-old having been decided upon as the priority target for Barcelona to reinforce the pivot position after failing to bring in other targets such as Joshua Kimmich, Martin Zubimendi, or even Sofyan Amrabat due to financial limitations.
Having acquired the defensive midfielder for around €3 million, the player has returned dividends and as highlighted by Spanish outlet SPORT, the player has been an instrumental part thus far of Xavi Hernandez’s plans and tactical setups for FC Barcelona.
Already having started all the games during the pre-season that he was available for under Xavi at Barcelona, he continued to be impressive for the Spanish giants and even showcased his quality against Getafe in the opening game for Barcelona in the Spanish First Division.
His defensive contributions with his 80 interventions, coupled with his 73 passes that had a 90 percent success, as well as winning three duels and having taken two shots during the course of the game were also significant contributors in helping Barcelona keep control over the game and enable teammate Frenkie De Jong to be allowed more freedom.
While skeptics and critics may continue to exist even now, Oriol Romeu has thus far had a great start to life at FC Barcelona and is expected to be one of the key mainstays of the Catalan giants this season under Xavi Hernandez.
