It is clear to FC Barcelona that they must keep a close eye on their various loaned players. Neglect in the past over such individuals has caused issues, and the club does not wish to repeat those mistakes. However, not every player on loan is equally valuable to Barcelona in the long run beyond this season.
One position where Barcelona desperately needs more specialist competition is their left-back position. Naturally, this would mean that players who can operate as a left-back would be more than welcome to return. Yet, from even among the options that they have, Barcelona see one name as a standout.
That name would be Alex Valle, a 20-year-old fullback who is currently on loan to Levante. However, as highlighted by SPORT, his time over there in his new club has gone from being almost flawless to now being dragged through the mud gradually but surely.
Previously, Valle was seen as an indisputable starter over at Levante. In fact, his first eight games for the club came as direct starts with no interruptions. Under the guidance of Javi Calleja, the faith in the Barcelona loanee was at the highest level it has ever been at.
However, after the change of management at Levante, Calleja was replaced by Felipe Minambres. Since the new manager has arrived, Valle’s prominence within the team has been fleeting. The Barcelona loanee has played a total of 12 minutes across the last 7 games for Levante, and the side is also struggling for him yet the young fullback remains inexplicably on the bench.
For Barcelona, on the other hand, this rather negative turn of events does not change much. The Catalan giants still have faith in the progression of the 20-year-old fullback and count on him to return to the club next season.
He is expected to be good competition for Alejandro Balde, and should be capable enough to keep the Spaniard on his toes while being capable enough to hold his own as well.
