Barcelona’s defence was ruthlessly exposed by Real Betis. Betis scored 4 past the La Liga champions and Lionel Messi believes this player can solve club’s issues.
The La Liga champions back four was ruthlessly exposed by Real Betis. For the first in 44 years, Barcelona have conceded 18 goals in just 12 games. Real Madrid who are having a miserable season also conceded less goals than the Catalan giants. Betis’s 4-3 victory over Barcelona was a big hint that the La Liga giants are struggling defensively. Thus as a result reports have emerged that Lionel Messi wants this player at Nou Camp to solve club’s issues.
Lionel Messi has asked the club officials to dip into the transfer market in the January transfer window to sign a right-back, with Juventus and Portugal star Joao Cancelo being touted as a possible signing. According to Don Balon, Messi isn’t convinced with either Sergi Roberto or Nelson Semedo’s performances at right-back. The captain has asked the club to sign a player in that position in the coming winter transfer market.
The report states further that Juventus ace Cancelo is the ‘favourite’ to be the one to solve this key issue in Barcelona’s squad, one that has been around for a fair few years now. Both Roberto and Semedo often look unconformable when starting for Barca at right back, and that area of their squad is easily the one that needs improving the most.
According to the report, Cancelo moved to Juventus for €40M and Catalan giants will have to pay more than that. Cancelo has been impressive for Juventus this season and could be the key player to solve Barcelona’s problems. His pace and defensive skill can amend the Nou Camp side’s defence. The Blaugrana still couldn’t find the perfect replacement of Dani Alves. The performances of Semedo and Roberto is a further hint that Barcelona are struggling in the right-back area.
Author’s take:
Lionel Messi may be wrong here. The Catalan giants do need defenders and need to depth to their defence. The fact that Jordi Alba is the sole left back should worry the club that a left back is also in need. Not only that given the fact that Cancelo moved in summer and Juventus will not let him leave. Plus as an added bonus, the Portuguese star has no intention of leaving Turin and is clearly enjoying Serie A.
