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Barcelona supervisor Hansi Flick is at present going through a significant choice dilemma in defence. With 4 of his 5 central defenders out there for choice, the competitors for the 2 beginning spots has intensified.
Flick now has a number of choices at his disposal, making it troublesome to decide on a hard and fast defensive pairing because the season reaches its essential phases.
The battle for a spot on the coronary heart of Barcelona’s defence has grow to be one of the vital intriguing points of the crew’s setup.
In reality, Flick has experimented with 5 completely different centre-back pairings in as many matches. That is in stark distinction to the soundness seen all through 2024 when Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez shaped a rock-solid partnership.
The duo began 22 out of 25 video games collectively, with their pairing being disrupted on solely three events.
Issues have now modified
Hansi Flick has so many choices in defence. (Picture by Fran Santiago/Getty Photographs)
Nevertheless, the state of affairs has shifted dramatically resulting from two key causes. Firstly, Ronald Araujo has returned to motion. His comeback was extremely anticipated, and Flick now has the choice to reintegrate him into the squad.
Secondly, Eric Garcia’s rising affect has altered the defensive hierarchy. Earlier within the 12 months, he was barely thought of for a centre-back function and was primarily deployed as a defensive midfielder.
Nevertheless, his performances have improved considerably, main Flick to dam his departure over the last switch window.
Rotation in defence
Flick has rotated his defender lately. (Picture by Fran Santiago/Getty Photographs)
With extra gamers out there, Flick has taken a rotational strategy to seek out probably the most dependable defensive pairing for the decisive a part of the season.
During the last 5 matches, he has examined completely different combos: Cubarsi and Martinez in opposition to Rayo Vallecano, Araujo and Martinez in opposition to Sevilla, Garcia and Cubarsi in opposition to Valencia, Araujo and Cubarsi in opposition to Alaves, and Araujo alongside Garcia in opposition to Atalanta.
Moreover, in every of those matches, Flick has made no less than one in-game substitution involving a centre-back, additional underlining his seek for the best duo.
It’s evident that Flick is fostering inside competitors to establish one of the best defensive setup. Extra changes could possibly be on the way in which, particularly with Andreas Christensen nearing a return from harm.
Who will proceed and who won’t?
Andreas Christensen is going through unsure future at Barcelona. (Picture by Eric Alonso/Getty Photographs)
Past the tactical facet, Barcelona’s centre-backs are additionally enjoying for his or her long-term futures. Their performances within the coming months will affect choices taken by the membership and the gamers themselves relating to their keep on the membership.
At current, solely two defenders appear assured to be a part of subsequent season’s squad: Pau Cubarsi and Martinez.
Past these two, there are a number of query marks. Araujo lately renewed his contract, however it features a launch clause permitting him to go away in the summertime for €70 million.
Garcia’s case can be unsure. After spending final season on mortgage at Girona, he was on the verge of one other departure within the winter switch window. Whereas he has been extra concerned in latest weeks, his long-term future stays undecided.
If his recreation time diminishes once more, he would possibly search an exit in the summertime. In the meantime, Christensen is going through probably the most problem in securing a spot within the squad. With one 12 months left on his contract, Barcelona are anticipated to promote him to generate funds.
What concerning the reinforcement?
Barcelona are occupied with Jonathan Tah. (Picture by Christof Koepsel/Getty Photographs)
Barcelona are additionally monitoring potential reinforcements, with Jonathan Tah rising as a key goal. The German worldwide is at present ready within the background, because the membership has assured him that they won’t proceed with any strikes with out preserving him knowledgeable.
If Barcelona offload any centre-backs, Tah will probably be their main defensive signing, particularly since he would arrive on a free switch.
With a lot uncertainty surrounding the centre-back division, Flick’s upcoming selections will probably be essential.
The defensive setup within the ultimate stretch of the season may decide not solely Barcelona’s success in main competitions but in addition the long-term composition of the squad.
