Signing Lionel Messi was one of the major priorities for FC Barcelona in this summer. However, the club has missed out on resigning their legendary player, and this will have wider implications for the club than just not being able to provide Messi with a proper farewell.
These implications will be felt most keenly in the sporting department, as Xavi had his plans set for the team with Lionel Messi a part of it. The Barcelona head coach was planning to play Messi in an advanced midfield position, just behind the strikers, which would have allowed Messi to advance the ball, create chances for Lewandowski, and also get on the attacking end of the pitch quite often.
However, such a scheme would have meant that one of the midfielders is not contributing to the defensive side of the game. According to SPORT, Xavi had Sofyan Amrabat as the midfielder who would have fit the best in such a midfield, as his physicality and athleticism would have allowed him to cover for any deficiencies in defense being caused by Messi’s role.
In this scheme, Amrabat would have played a pivotal role in the squad, especially in the Champions League ties, where the game is played at a significantly higher pace, and a lot of athleticism and pace is needed in midfield.
However, as Barcelona have missed out on signing Messi, Xavi will have to replan his approach towards the team. Now with the arrival of Gundogan, Barcelona have a more balanced midfielder in their books, and now Xavi does not feel a need for a player specializing in physicality and pace.
Xavi now wants a player who can work with the ball on his feet ahead of the defense, a profile that Amrabat does not particularly fits in. However, such a technical midfielder will have to come at a low price, keeping in consideration the club’s already highly strained finances.
