Last season, the Spaniard was one of the league’s best and most reliable defenders, playing a key role in Barcelona’s starting lineup and impressing with his offside trap.
Unsurprisingly, losing such a prominent player on such short notice has left Hansi Flick with little options. He is pushing for a fresh signing, but a backup plan is also important.
The Plan B
According to Fichajes in a reserve report, the German tactician does have a backup plan in case the club fails to recruit a new central defender.
Given the current economic climate, it appears that he will have to resort to it.
Unsurprisingly, the manager’s Plan B once again highlights La Masia, as the academy has produced some players who have surpassed expectations at lower levels.
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If Barcelona fails to sign a new player, Andres Cuenca and Alvaro Cortes, two defenders who have pleased Juliano Belletti’s team, will serve as Flick’s backup choices in the department.
Given La Masia’s golden age, they could well present viable alternatives.
Furthermore, Gerard Martin, who was tried in preseason, is expected to play as an emergency centre-back behind Pau Cubarsi, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, and Eric Garcia.
Cuenca, who is still 18 years old, is a regular member of the Barça Atletic team, having made 19 appearances in the Primera Federacion last season, averaging over eight ball recoveries per game.
Cortes, who is two years older, appeared in 30 games for the B squad last season, averaging more than ten ball recoveries per game.
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