Barcelona’s ultimate failure this season once again demonstrated that fine line between pre-eminence and also-rans at the top table of European football.
After being slated in many quarters during La Liga season Barcelona were only one victory away from winning the title.
But they also fell short in Europe and perhaps they do need to freshen up a little bit this summer.
Any team with Lionel Messi is not going to lack for creativity and what is required is the right balance – personnel to complement the brilliance of Messi and Neymar and keep the team solid when they don’t have the ball.
Barcelona have tried a few players in the midfield over the last few years with varying degrees of success. With Xavi and Iniesta now reaching veteran status, and Cesc Febregas potentially leaving Barcelona this summer, they may well need to reinforce that area.
One who we think could play at the very highest level and do a great job for Barcelona is Ilkay Gundogan. The player himself recently alluded to the idea of joining Barcelona. Marca reported:
Ilkay Gundogan has acknowledged that Barcelona are interested in making a move for him. In statements to ‘Kicker’ magazine, the Dortmund player assures that there would be a place for him in Luis Enrique’s side. “Although I have been out of action, very big clubs have expressed an interest in signing me. And in reality, there are loads of people who think I would fit in perfectly at Barcelona,” assured the midfielder, who would represent a good option to strengthen the centre of the pitch.
Not too many players have the quality to play in this Barcelona team but we believe that Gundogan is certainly one of them. He’s one of those priceless modern footballers who can perform equally well in several roles. He can hold the fort in front of the defence, can play as a box to box central midfielder, or as more of an attacking, creative force.
At 23 years of age he’s coming to his pomp and the next few years should be the best of his career. He has just signed a new contract with Borussia Dortmund but his utterances suggest that he could be open to a move. Because of that long contract he won’t come cheap. But, conversely, he wouldn’t be one of the most expensive options that Barcelona look at this summer.
Let’s take a look at him in action. Barcelona fans – good enough?
Tanko Uhwe Danjuma
Jun 13, 2014 at 4:37 pm
Since the likes of Cesc cannot be heirs of Xavi and Iniesta I think he can, or even Koke from A. Madrid can do well.