Fighting for chances at a club like FC Barcelona does not always prove to be fruitful. Many times in the past, even some of the elites have had to abandon ship to look for opportunities elsewhere. That is simply how the competition always has been at Barcelona, and to break through it one must possess something special.
However, beyond just the need of something special, Barcelona currently need something reliable. Over the last couple of games, the Blaugrana defense has looked extremely fragile. The fullback positions, in particular, have shown vulnerabilities that have exposed the team much more than they would like.
Hence, Xavi Hernandez may opt for a drastic change in the upcoming game against Real Sociedad. As per SPORT, it may be time to rely on the services of Hector Fort once again. The 17-year-old fullback has impressed in the few cameos he has been awarded this season, and offers a much more reliable outlet when it comes to performing defensive duties.
Composed, mature, and positionally aware, Fort is a proper La Masia player and he applies those traits to his defensive work at the fullback position. While primarily a right-back, he has showcased on more than one occasion that he is just as useful when deployed on the left flank as well.
Given that Real Sociedad is a team that likes to play with some very effective wingers, such as Takefusa Kubo, it would be a smart move to deploy fullbacks who are effective in terms of the defensive stability they give. Cancelo’s recent performances as a left-back have left much to be desired, but Fort’s versatility could come in handy in this case.
Whatever the final lineup ends up being, one thing that Barcelona must guarantee no matter what is a victory here. This is the ideal opportunity for La Blaugrana to capitalize on Girona’s recent draw against Alaves, and a win here would take the Catalan giants back to the second spot in La Liga, and also give them a positive momentum to end the season on a strong note.
