Barcelona coaching staff considers 26-year-old Fiorentina midfielder ‘ideal’ for pivot role

Photo by Matteo Ciambelli/DeFodi Images via Getty Images

FC Barcelona are anticipated to be in the market for a few solid reinforcements that can help strengthen the squad’s prospects for all competitions next season. Having wrapped up the signing of Inigo Martinez and closing in on free agents like Gundogan, the Catalans still have their work cut out in terms of fully shielding the team from exits and humiliations.

Despite entering the final stages of his career, Sergio Busquets has proven to be a crucial component in Xavi’s system. The defensive midfielder may be on his last legs, but has gained appreciation for his ability to control games, liberate Frenkie de Jong in a double pivot and act as a ball-winner. In the right environment and management of minutes, the single pivot has done fairly well.

However, heading into next season with Busquets as the starting pivot for an incredibly long and arduous campaign does ring alarm bells as the veteran holding midfielder clearly cannot be expected to play week in and week out as a starter at 34 years of age.

In light of his age and dwindling athleticism, a new name has emerged in the papers: Sofyan Amrabat. According to Toni Juanmartí of RELEVO, everyone at the club believes Amrabat is the best option as new pivot signing, since he has the most consensus among board members.

The Moroccan possesses a variety of ball-carrying, press-resistance, and passing skills. (short, switches, etc). Off the ball, he covered the most distance (>80km) during the 2022 World Cup. His technicality is not his biggest asset, but highly decent. Halting transitions and forcing turnovers, Amrabat’s ball-winning profile complements De Jong to a great degree.

With the Dutchman requiring a more stationary holding midfielder that can maintain positional discipline as well as cover up for his defensive weaknesses, the Fiorentina man has the ingredients to slot right in. Considering a possible Messi arrival too, an athletic ball winner is much needed to strengthen the ranks.

Amrabat aids the sporting aspirations of Barcelona, while also ensuring Busquets can be preserved on a more frequent basis. Some necessary competition at the DM spot also may remove complacency.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

The Latest

The possible relation between Alba’s departure and Messi’s arrival at Barcelona

While arrivals remain a major concern at FC Barcelona, departures remain just as integral in ensuring financial balances are maintained. In the most recent...

Jordi Alba decides to leave Barcelona, also agrees to forego massive proportion of salary – report

In a season that was meant to be considered the rebirth of a new generation for FC Barcelona, there have been many old feathers...

Barcelona director comments on Jules Kounde’s situation – report

FC Barcelona have won the league title after several seasons, and the team's defense played a central part in this achievement. However, there are...

La Masia graduate makes La Liga debut, had to suffer a 3-1 defeat

The last La Liga match against Real Valladolid saw a number of changes in the FC Barcelona team. Xavi Hernandez took this match as...

The list of six priority signings of Barcelona in the summer – report

As the end of the season and the beginning of the summer transfer window approaches, the workload at the offices of FC Barcelona is...

Xavi not willing to let star defender leave Barcelona – report

One of the best aspects of this current iteration of FC Barcelona this season was their defense and their brilliant defensive record. Xavi's men...

Barcelona midfield target rejects Arsenal offer amidst interest from the Catalan club – report

The summer transfer window is well and truly on its way, and while it is still early days, FC Barcelona have begun to make...

Three Barcelona youngsters could be involved in a deal to sign Xavi’s preferred midfielder – report

With Sergio Busquets' departure from the club confirmed FC Barcelona are looking for his possible replacements in the upcoming summer transfer window. One of...

Barcelona loanee reveals his next potential destination

Samuel Umtiti was one of the key components of the FC Barcelona squad during the 2016-17 and the 2017-18 seasons. However, having seen his...