As we head into the last month of the transfer window, one of Barcelona’s primary areas of concern has to be the depth of full backs they possess. The Catalans do not possess seasoned specialists in this department.
The responsibility of a full back for FC Barcelona requires many demands. They must be offensively adept, capable of primarily overlapping and cutting the ball back into the box. Moreover, it is expected of them to provide adequate defensive reinforcement in transition. However, both these demands are trade-offs of each other.
Nevertheless, the Catalans have experienced the emergence of promising young talents that could cater to this complication. Lets discuss the players that Barcelona could retain that would strengthen their full backs department.
Joao Cancelo
Despite his loan spell having officially come to an end, the Catalans are trying their best to bring back the Portuguese International on another loan. However, the operation seems to have its complications and is slowly dying down.
Nevertheless, Cancelo’s loan spell at FC Barcelona was highly fruitful. The Portuguese International could play on both flanks, provided some exceptional offensive output, and possessed a high degree of skill on the ball. Cancelo’s abilities allowed him to control the offense of the entire flank on his own, as well as play as an overlapping option to a winger.
However, much of this offensive potency came at a cost. It eventually became a recurring theme during the season for Cancelo to be left poorly positioned during defensive transition scenarios. His inclusion often hurt Barca’s defensive structure. Therefore, it allowed opposition wingers to excel in an abundance of space.
Julian Araujo
The American-born Mexican International was acquired by Barcelona from LA Galaxy in February 2023. After playing in Barca’s pre-season, Araujo was loaned to Las Palmas to ensure greater playtime for better development. His loan contract expired on June 30th and Barca have been able to retain the 22-year-old rightback.
Araujo possesses the much-desired ability to find the ideal balance between defense and attack. The Mexican International is a defensive workhorse who is a frequent ball-winner on the flank, which is a great combination paired with his adept sense of positioning. Additionally, Araujo is a capable passer, as exemplified by his 83% pass accuracy in first division Spanish football.
However, despite providing frequent overlaps, Araujo was unable to showcase his creative prowess. He lacked the composure and skill to work the ball out of tightly defended areas. In spite of being a skilled 1v1 dribbler, Araujo was unable to prove his offensive capabilities. Much of this could be attributed to Las Palmas’ defensive style of play which failed to put the Mexican in positions to shine offensively.
Nonetheless, Julian Araujo has proven he is more than capable of playing in La Liga. Upon his return from his loan spell, it could be a strong consideration for the Catalans to make him their first team right back.
Hector Fort
Hector Fort’s slight emergence in the First Team has been nothing short of remarkable. Xavi went out of his way to entrust the 17 year old to debut in the First Team, and Fort has done his best to repay that trust by showing his immense potential.
Despite being in his teenage years, Fort has demonstrated his defensive acumen through his discipline to position himself adequately to prevent opposing teams from exploiting the Catalans in transition.
Even in the minimal minutes that Fort was given, he made sure to give the Cules a glimpse of his creative prowess as the 17 year old was able to rack up 3 assists in a total of 9 games where he was deployed.
Fort can certainly be considered a long term option to take over the Barca Full Backs department. He possesses the raw talent which will only continue to be honed through slight involvement in first team football for the years to come.
Alex Valle
With uncertainty around Cancelo’s return to Barca as well as Balde’s return from his long injury, Alex Valle is poised to make himself a regular of the First Team. Having shown his potential during his loan spell at Levante, the 20 year old has caught the attention of Hansi Flick and will be a part of the squad for the US Pre Season Tour.
Valle prides himself on being a defensive enforcer. As he showed at Levante, he is exceptional at winning back possession as well as winning a majority of his duels. Additionally, he has the abilities to retain possession as he boasts a pass accuracy of nearly 80% for last season.
Rest assured, the Catalans will rigorously evaluate Valle’s performances in pre season to determine whether he is a talent worthy of investing in. Valle’s defensive rigidity could prove to be fruitful for Barca’s woes in defending counter attacks.
All in all, Alex Valle has the potential to improve Barca’s Full Backs depth quite greatly.
