FC Barcelona are set to face Royal Antwerp in their opening match in the UEFA Champions League this season. This upcoming match will hold interest for Barcelona beyond only the three points.
The Catalans brought in Oriol Romeu this summer as a substitute for Sergio Busquets, who left the club at the end of last season. However, the club would need another player to cover for or compete with Romeu for the pivot position, and Barcelona are currently on the lookout for suitable players in this position.
Van Bommel on Vermeeren
One of the players that the Catalans are keenly looking at for this role, Arthur Vermeeren, is currently playing at Royal Antwerp, and he will be the other point of interest for Barcelona in the match on Tuesday.
As Mundo Deportivo reports, Marc van Bommer, former Barcelona midfielder and the coach for Royal Antwerp, was recently asked about the tie against Barcelona and the Catalans’ interest in Vermeeren. On the latter subject, the Dutchman gave a light-hearted comment:
“I won’t give him any information because if I do, he would sign him immediately.”
While said half-jokingly, this comment still gives an insight on how much the Belgian side values their midfielder. However, we would not have to wait too long to see the player’s quality as Vermeeren would be playing against arguably the biggest team he has faced in his career this Tuesday.
Match against Barcelona
Van Bommel went further, commenting on his side’s tie with Barcelona, remembering the time he had spent at the Catalan club:
“It’s special because I played there. I won the Champions League there and played alongside Xavi in midfield. That was fun. I still have some contact with the kitman. It was 15 years ago, and of course, many things have changed.”
His affection for Barcelona should not be taken as something that will make him any less competitive in the upcoming tie, though, as every match is difficult in the Champions League. Royal Antwerp will be coming in the match after having won the match against Westerlo 3-0, and would be full of encouragement to face the Catalans.
