Barcelona Squad Analysis - Fullbacks

The fullbacks spot at Barcelona has always been tricky. The fullbacks need to be able to complement the wingers perfectly. Dani Alves used to cover the width when Messi drifted towards the centre. Jordi Alba was able to work brilliantly with Ansu Fati. Alba bombing down the left flank enabled Fati to move more towards goal and play as an inverted winger. Players like Abidal and Sergi Roberto had different roles. Abidal was more of a conservative fullback and Roberto gave Barcelona more control with his play. With Barcelona having several forwards with different profiles, the fullbacks need to be able to fill in various different roles.

Right back 

Sergiño Dest 

The American full back has a good start to his Barcelona career. He has suffered with quite a few injuries but has performed well for Barcelona. A flying full back, Dest completes 1.2 dribbles a game and lays on 1 key pass. When compared with other fullbacks, Dest ranks above 90 percentile for several attributes like progressive carries, pass completion rate, dribbles completed and xG. He also ranks above 94 percentile in progressive passes received, further showcasing he has played his role very high up the pitch. He does have his defensive frailties, so Barcelona would need a solid centre back to cover for him. But, Dest’s pace does help him recover quite well. Dest surely will be staying at Barcelona for several years to come. 

Sergi Roberto

Sergi Roberto’s career at Barcelona has been filled with memorable moments including the 6th goal in the remontada and the dream run against Real Madrid. Many Barcelona fans want him out. I think his versatility is not going to benefit us anymore. Playing in central midfield he would be taking away minutes from Puig and Moriba, and at right back it’s a fight between him and Emerson. So I’ll be comparing the two players. 

Sergi Roberto vs Emerson

Sergi Roberto’s season has been plagued with injuries. He has made only 9 starts while Emerson has made 34. Emerson is only 22 while Roberto is 29. If Roberto was to stay he would have to take a massive wage cut. Barca have acquired Emerson for 9 Million Euros and on low wages. Real Betis do have a sell on clause on Emerson, so selling him would not generate the required funds. Roberto and Emerson are pretty close in terms of key passes, dribbles, average passes and crosses. But the major difference between the two players is their defensive metrics. Emerson completes 5 tackles+interceptions per 90, while Roberto completes 2 per 90. Having a defensive beast like Emerson in the arsenal would be a brilliant option for Barcelona. Emerson also ranks above 90 percentile in touches in attacking penalty area for fullbacks and is a willing presser. Sergi Roberto is of course a midfielder by trade and hence has phenomenal numbers in terms of passes completed, attempted and received and gives real control in midfield for Barca even from full back. I think Roberto would be a good midfielder but due to several youngsters in that position I wouldn’t play him there. At full back I think Emerson and Dest is a brilliant young duo to have, and sadly that leaves no place for Roberto. 

Left back 

Jordi Alba

Alba has had quite a turn around in his Barcelona career. Playing below par for a couple of seasons. Alba has been rejuvenated under Koeman. With 10 goal involvements this season Alba has provided serious width to Barcelona. Alba ranks very high in many offensive and passing metrics and there is no denying that he will be the starting left back for Barcelona next season. But, switching back to the 4-3-3 might be a problem for Jordi Alba. His defensive frailties will show up again and Barcelona do need a proper back up for challenging Alba.

Miranda 

Miranda has certainly had his best season on loan from Barcelona. Now, it feels like the perfect time to sell him and insert a buy back clause just in case. Miranda has been good but not quite the level to challenge Alba as he is quite mediocre in several metrics. 

Junior Firpo

Hasn’t played much this season. He is looking for a move away and there is plenty of interest. I can't see any other option but selling him.

Alba Challenger - Transfer Targets

Javi Galan and Jose Gaya are the two main candidates.

First of all I thought Gaya was the obvious option, and Galan would be the cheap option. But looking at the stats Galan has had a brilliant season. His tackle and dribble numbers are way above Gaya and Alba. Gaya although has more assists, xG suggests Gaya has massively over performed. Galan is an excellent carrier of the ball as well, and is the main attacking outlet for his team. He is way ahead of Alba and Gaya in terms of pressing as well, in the defensive and midfield third. One concern would be that Galan has played a lot as left wing back, but has also played as a left back. But, assessing right from the stats Galan who is 25 would be a cost effective smart option to challenge Alba and might just be the stopgap needed between Alba and Alejandro Balde.

Alejandro Balde

Balde is quite highly rated, but I can not quite comment as I haven’t seen him play. He is still only 17. I think he should be given time to develop at Barca B. Rushing him into the first team doesn’t seem ideal. 

There you have it, all the fullbacks at Barcelona assessed along with some potential transfer targets. There's much more awaiting your presence. Check out the next edition of the Barcelona Squad Analysis on center-backs right here. Thanks for stopping by, I hope to see you back soon for the next section of the Barcelona Squad Analysis and remember, it's more than a blog.