Modern full-backs are not just traditional defenders positioned on flanks. They are essential attackers who play a key role in creating spaces and playmaking. Barca can greatly boost the squad with one or two signings for this position.
This is my take on why Barca can create greater threat and solidify the squad with signing offensive fullbacks.
Reinforced Full-Back Positions Will Unlock These Prospects
Full back-Winger Connection will come into play
Barca has always benefitted from wingers linking up with fullbacks. The Messi-Alves connection and Messi-Alba connection are prime examples.
A confident, playmaking full-back, can always link up with his winger. Both of these players can bamboozle the opposing defenders by one-twos and link-up play. I’d like to mention Liverpool’s Salah-Alexander connection as good example. In a recent interview, Trent said:
“He (Salah) knows whichever way I pass the ball he knows what to do and what I mean by the pass.“
Both players show astounding chemistry and are a worthy duo to take notes from.
Offensive Fullbacks Will Add Creativity Against Low Block Teams
Barca have struggled to find spaces against low-block sides. Recent fixtures against Leganes and Atletico Madrid have shown that Barca tends to enforce the ball more from the inside than the flanks. Also, our wingers Yamal and Raphinha tend to invert more inside the pitch. The attacks from flanks are generally crosses which are mostly defended.
A playmaking full-back would be the ideal player in such situations. He would provide the necessary width, create chances from a wide angles and force oppositions to change their tactics. Modern full-backs like Andrew Robertson, Hakimi and Trent have even caused managers to man mark them.
Limitations of Current Fullbacks And Squad Needs
Our Current Fullbacks are more defensive
Kounde and Balde have proven to be key players for our back line. Xavi’s La Liga win in 2023 heavily relied on BACK, an acronym for Barca’s backline (Balde, Araujo, Christensen, Kounde).
Jules Kounde, originally a center back, has shown brilliant defensive prowess. He has perfectly defended against pacey wingers like Vini Jr. and Gnabry this season. Balde has also been solid defensively.
However, both players cannot take effective, offensive one-on-ones and are mostly limited to hit-or-miss crosses. Together, they have registered only 4 assists this season. This highlights their stronger defensive ability than offensive.
Potential Candidates: Squad Needs Depth
Joshua Kimmich and Trent Alexander Arnold will be free agents next summer. Joao Cancelo is another player who fits the profile and has expressed strong interest in making a return. Transfer news about Alphonso Davies also surfaced last month, with reports suggesting that Flick is keen on a reunion with the Canadian star. Only time will tell if Barca can make a move for these players or not.
Jules Kounde has already played 70 games this season and needs some rest. Balde has also been frequently used by Flick. Their replacements, Hector Fort and Gerard Martin have not shown much promise as of yet.
Although this might be more of a next season move, full-back signings need to be made to improve squad depth. The Squad could surely benefit from depth and improve bench strength as well.