Barcelona's defense in surplus
After several seasons struggling with defensive issues, Barcelona is now well stocked in that position. The signing of Arda Turan confirms that Luis Enrique wants Mascherano as a backline player, Jérémy Mathieu is also adapted to that position (he used to be a fullback, but now says he suffers on the wing), Piqué and Bartra are classics there, and the recovery of Thomas Vermaelen completes a roster of high quality.
"Vermaelen is in great shape, it's great news for the team," assures a highly reliable source from within the locker room. "He is powerful, intense, knows what to do at every moment, is good with his right foot even though he's left-footed, and is very clean when it comes to playing the ball from the back," insists that same source. Things are going well. After being signed a year ago and going through a ordeal after the World Cup in Brazil (he received a disastrous diagnosis and had to end up being operated on in Finland to resolve his hamstring problems), the Belgian ended up playing the last game of the previous season against Deportivo (2-2), and now he's eager to train and play as much as possible.
"He will have to earn it in the sessions, like everyone else," says Luis Enrique about one of the biggest reinforcements of the season. "He handles the game with class and is very powerful," indicates one of his teammates. But of course, Vermaelen also has something to say. He sacrificed part of his vacation days to be ready for pre-season, which has already been going on for a week and a half. "I sacrificed part of my vacation to be ready for the start of pre-season," explained the player in Los Angeles. "I only had ten days of vacation; what I want is to play, that's why I put in so much effort," he continued.
Competition.
It won't be easy, but if Barcelona advances in all competitions, there will be space for everyone. Piqué has a lot of seniority and set a high standard last season, while Mascherano, still on vacation after playing in Copa America, is an extension of the coach on the field. Mathieu knows how to keep quiet and then performs well, while Bartra, if he can achieve continuity, is an excellent center-back.
The battle to play will be intense and exciting from the outside, but inside, the fight will be fierce. Five players aspire to be Barcelona's center-backs. Not too long ago it was a weak position; now it has more than enough options and Luis Enrique has players who are a guarantee. The times have changed for the defense.