Barcelona are stated to be maintaining a tally of Villarreal star Dani Parejo within the occasion that Sergio Busquets leaves in the summertime.
What’s up with Barcelona’s midfield?
Busquets is but to decide on his future and will transfer to Inter Miami within the MLS, and as Barcelona’s captain and longest-serving participant, he would want a alternative with important expertise and high quality.
Gundogan has been linked with a transfer to Camp Nou from Manchester Metropolis, however Parejo has now been introduced ahead as an alternative choice. The Spaniard has 444 La Liga appearances underneath his belt, notably for Valencia and Villarreal, and might convey expertise and high quality to assist exchange one in every of Barcelona’s greatest ever gamers.
A report in Mundo Deportivo has claimed Barcelona may transfer for the 33-year-old in the event that they fail to land Gundogan, and even signal each if Busquets departs.
It says: “One other identify for it Barcelona has as an possibility for the midfield is Dani Parejowho turns 34 subsequent month.
“It is one other market alternative as a result of they at Barcelona assume they’ll safe him. That may be a compensation for Busquets.
“In the meanwhile, Gundogan could be forward of Parejo, though it’s not out of the query that each will come in the summertime.”
The place may Parejo slot in at Barcelona?
The 4-capped Spain worldwide may slot straight into Busquets’ function as a deeper midfielder behind stars Pedri and Gavi, in addition to play additional ahead with Frenkie de Jong doubtlessly beginning deeper.
Parejo had been praised by his midfield companion Etienne Capoue, who has labeled him “unimaginable” and “among the finest” midfielders round.
Nevertheless, he might not be capable to carry out his defensive duties to an analogous stage as Busquets. Based mostly on efficiency over the previous 12 months, Parejo ranks within the backside 11% of midfielders for aerial duels, in comparison with Busquets who ranks within the high 8% in line with FBref.
Whereas he has been a top quality participant for Villarreal, he wouldn’t be a long-term possibility at his age, and whereas he would convey expertise, his lack of mobility on the ball may very well be an issue.
Based on FBref, Parejo makes considerably fewer tackles and interceptions per recreation than Busquets, and whereas he ranks extremely for passing and progressive passing, his total recreation might not be the reply as Barcelona look to switch one of the vital necessary figures of their squad. .
