Andreas Christensen’s impressive performance in the defensive midfield position has been one of Barcelona’s key highlights since the turn of the year.
Following the club’s failure to sign a new defensive midfielder in January, Christensen was forced into the number six role, purely in the absence of a proper alternative.
As we approach the final phase of the campaign, Christensen is yet to disappoint. In fact, he has impressed Xavi with his composure in the position.
Christensen’s defensive coverage has allowed his fellow midfielders to have more freedom in the final third, with Ilkay Gundogan, in particular, emerging as a key beneficiary.
Xavi had prophesized Christensen’s success in midfield
Given Christensen’s recent performances, one would argue that Barcelona would have been in a far better position in La Liga, had the Danish international operated as a defensive midfielder since the start of the campaign.
To that end, Mundo Deportivo has recently revealed that Xavi had already foreseen Christensen’s qualities as a defensive midfielder.
Christensen has been a mega hit in midfield (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
In fact, the Barcelona coach wanted to deploy the former Chelsea starlet in the number six position at the start of the season.
To Xavi, Christensen was the ideal answer in the number six position, especially after Barcelona’s failed pursuit of his top target Martin Zubimendi last summer.
However, his plans went down the drain following a series of injuries to centre-backs. Inigo Martinez started the season very late owing to a knock, whereas Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde, too, picked up injuries during the start of the season.
This forced Xavi to continue to deploy Christensen at centre-back. But now, with all central defenders available, coupled with the meteoric rise of Pau Cubarsi, Xavi is free to utilise the Dane’s qualities in the middle of the park.
And the benefits are there for all to see.
Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/xavi-had-plans-to-deploy-barcelona-defender-in-makeshift-role-since-the-season-started/
Author : Connell Edgar-Jones
Publish date : 2024-03-21 11:46:34
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.