Is Aymeric Laporte the defender Barcelona need?

Is Aymeric Laporte the defender Barcelona need?

Barcelona’s history with Aymeric Laporte is long, but it is not as long as their search for a central defender. The possible arrival of the Athletic Club youngster could provide the perfect solution to the club’s defensive problems next season. 

In fact, Barça have been searching since Carles Puyol retired. The former captain played on the left of the centre-back pairing and was relatively short for his position (1m78), but his speed, physical power and concentration, as well as his progression, made him the ideal partner for Gerard Pique in the Pep Team. 

After Puyol left, Barça have needed a defender to replace him. Javier Mascherano (1m78, good on the ball and tactically intelligent) has regularly provided the solution. However, the man known as Jefecito, who is a midfielder by trade, is now 31. 

LAPORTE

America Laporte is a long-term bet. At 21, he has the best years of his career ahead of him and already possesses plenty of top level experience with his club. He’s played in la Liga, the Champions League and was part of the Super Cup winning side this season. 

Some fundamental aspects: he’s left-footed, great on the ball and had good vision. He would help Barça bring the ball out from the back and fit in perfectly. 

Ernesto Valerde’s Athletic side try to play good football, so Laporte should adapt easily. This season he’s already played in 13 official matches, scoring one goal in the process. 

He is a player who is tall (1m89), too, and quick, which are two necessities for a new Barcelona defender. 

THE FUTURE

The search for a defender remains a priority, despite the fact investment has been made over recent seasons. In the end, the two options have not quite worked out. 

Thomas Vermaelen (19 million euros) is defender with a lot of quality and experience, but he arrived injured from Arsenal and his fitness struggles have continued at Camp Nou. And Jeremy Mathieu (20 million euros), a left-back converted into a centre-back, has become a tactical risk. In total, Laporte would cost more than the pair combined — his clause is around 50 million euros.

Perhaps Marc Bartra is the most similar player currently at the club. Pique an Bartra would both offer good ball distribution… 

Mascherano would perhaps be Luis Enrique’s favourite to partner Pique for the moment, with Bartra, nor any other academy players stepping up. For that reason, the investment in a signing like Laporte seems essential to strengthen Barça’s defence.