After a heavy defeat against FC Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final over two legs, there have been many questions regarding FC Barcelona defence. When you are considered the best team in the world and you lose 7-0 on aggregate, there is obviously something wrong.
With Puyol, and Macherano out of the two legs against Bayern Munich, Tito Villanova had to make a bid decision on who to play in central defence. He made the huge decision to opt for Marc Batra, a young centre back, who has just recently impressed in the under-21 tournament. The decision did not pay off, with Barca losing the first leg 4-0 in Germany and then the second, 3-0, at the Camp Nou.
Since 1st May, there have been various rumours concerning who is at centre back to bring Barcelona back to their peak. Thiago Silva from PSG is a possible contender, but many people in Spain suggest his wages would be to high for the Catalan giants. Despite this, within the last few weeks, stories have emerged from Paris, stating Thiago Silva would consider a wage cut in order to make a move to Spain.
Another player linked with the Catalan club is Matts Hummels, currently playing for German team Borussia Dortmund. Hummels has impressed the entire continent this season, with his performances and leadership both domestically and throughout his side’s Champions League campaign. Barcelona fans will be hoping that Villanova has seen enough to sign the big German centre back.
Real Sociedad’s Inigo Martinez is the final option. He is not the tallest of defenders but is very good with his feet. He is aggressive and shows signs of a young Carlos Puyol. Inigo has helped his club to a fourth place finish in the league this season, ensuring Champions league football next season. Inigo was also nominated for best young player of the year with the likes of Isco and Varane, which shows us he has real quality about him.
On top of this, he has recently been involved in Spain’s triumph in the European under-21 tournament. Playing four of a possible five games at centre back. He conceded zero goals until the final, in which they conceded two to Italy. I have no idea what Martinez would cost Barcelona, but he will defiantly join the Catalan’s if the Spanish champions come calling.
With Barcelona dominating La Liga totalling 100 points and equaling Real Madrid’s record which Jose Mourinho set last season. The current side only conceded 15 goals at Home and 25 goals away which totals only 40 goals in total. It baffles me how people can say it’s an “end of an era” and that Barcelona need a squad revamp this summer. Granted they need to make a few additions to the squad to compete in the Champions League against teams like Bayern Munich and Tito Villanova has acted upon this with signing of Neymar from Santos.
Tito will make maybe three or four new signings like all teams do in the summer, so they don’t have that embarrassment that Bayern had on them in the semi final of the Champions League.