FC Barcelona won the second match in the UEFA Champions League group stage against Porto last week, but this win was not anywhere near easy for the Catalan giants.
The Porto coach, Sergio Conceicao, took a courageous approach against the Blaugranes and looked to threaten their goal whenever the opportunity arose, which created significant problems for Xavi’s men.
Barcelona impressed by Varela
According to SPORT, there was one particular player who impressed Barcelona’s technical staff in this match: the Argentine pivot, Alan Varela. The midfielder put his play style, ability to play with the first touch, and impressive vision on full display in this match.
These abilities make Varela a highly desirable player for the future. However, Barcelona are unlikely to get him because of his increased value at Porto in the last few months.
Already trained at Barcelona academy
Varela was already on FC Barcelona’s agenda during the last summer, but the Catalans ultimately did not make an effort to sign him. Blaugrana scouts gave excellent reports about him to the club, and the youngster had been trained at Barcelona academies in Argentina before joining Boca Juniors and thus has his base already made to play for the Catalans.
Porto were wise to shell €9 million for 80% of his rights and are now looking set to get significantly greater returns on this investment in the future, just as Benfica did with Enzo Fernandez when they sold him to Chelsea. Meanwhile, Barcelona continue to monitor Varela and will be attentive if any opportunity to get him arises in the future.
