Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde has singled out Gerard Deulofeu for his work rate this season
Barcelona’s head coach Ernesto Valverde has confirmed that the 23-year-old winger Gerard Deulofeu must work harder for a place in the playing XI. Further, he said that the winger must work for his place not only in the team but also for the future.
After signing Philippe Coutinho, Barcelona now has not only a marquee signing in the form of the French star Ousmane Dembele but also Coutinho. This would mean that the winger’s place would be in jeopardy after not being able to shine in the opportunities given by the club.
The Spaniard has been left out of the squad, that is going to face Levante in the league, with Barcelona at the top of the league after a bright start. Deulofeu has been linked with a couple of Serie A sides, who are impressed with what they saw from the winger during his time at AC Milan.
Inter Milan are holding talks with Barcelona over a loan deal for winger Gerard Deulofeu. The Spanish club would rather sell the former Everton man for €20m though. (Source: Gazzetta dello Sport) pic.twitter.com/Q8xdt3OUy4
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) January 6, 2018
Valverde insisted that it is the player, who must take more attention in order to stay in the squad and throw up a fight for his place through some solid performances.
What did Valverde say about the winger:
Valverde: “Deulofeu is our player. He belongs to us and he has to fight and work to change his situation. He is a determined player who has worked well for us at certain times but for now I'm opting for other players.That has nothing to do with him, it is just a matter of choice”
— Barcastuff (@barcastuff__) January 6, 2018
“I’m not the one to assess what one player or another does or tell anyone what to do,” said Valverde.
“[Deulofeu] is our player. He belongs to us and he has to fight and work to change his situation.” added the Spaniard.
Further, the Spanish tactician confirmed that there is a possibility that any of the Barcelona players might start from the squad with Dembele too not a sure starter at the club as things stand now.
“Everyone in my squad has the possibility of starting but I’ve already said we need to be careful with Dembele, he must get involved in the team’s dynamics again,” he concluded.
Author’s take:
It would take much more than what the Spanish winger could offer at the moment for sealing a spot in the playing XI. Not only has Deulofeu lost his place due to his poor touches in the final third of the play, but also due to his defensive frailties.
Chances are going to come in rare for the winger, with Dembele and Coutinho up in the hierarchy after the Catalan club bought the duo for a huge sum in two transfer windows.
