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Barcelona vice-captain Gerard Pique is undoubtedly one of the best defenders of his generation, with the classy center back still going strong for the Catalan giants at the age of 34. However, it goes without saying that his days at the Camp Nou are numbered, as he approaches the twilight years of his career.
While Pique manages to perform well whenever he's on the pitch, he has been hampered by injuries in recent seasons. Barcelona are unlikely to ship him off, but he is likely to be phased out of the team in the coming seasons, as the Catalans look to move on from one of their greatest ever defenders.
Having rejoined the club from Manchester United in 2009, Pique has won every trophy at club level and cemented his status as one of the greats of the game. Known for his positional sense, ball-playing ability and leadership qualities, the Spaniard had no glaring weakness to his game and was virtually impenetrable on his day.
In the past two seasons, though, his powers have waned a little bit owing to injuries and his age. Barcelona are likely to seek his long-term replacement in the coming months and here are five players who could take over the reins from the legendary Spaniard.
#5 Oscar Mingueza | Barcelona
Barcelona might not have to look too far for Gerard Pique's replacement. In what has been one of the most intriguing subplots of their season, Oscar Mingueza's emergence has been a welcome boost for the Catalans, with the 21-year-old delivering a series of eye-catching displays at the back since making his debut under Ronald Koeman.
Mingueza is also capable of playing as a right-back and has been with Barcelona since 2007. Having been chosen to deputize for Pique in a UEFA Champions League encounter against Dinamo Kyiv, the young defender has gone on to make 21 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona, scoring two goals in the process.
Pique will mentor Mingueza in the coming months, as Barcelona look to kickstart a new era under Koeman.
#4 Ronald Araujo | Barcelona
Another in-house option on the list, Ronald Araujo has also featured more often than expected for Barcelona this season. Due to injuries to Pique and Samuel Umtiti, Barcelona were forced into using Araujo and Mingueza -- two players who were on the fringes of the squad -- more often than they planned to initially.
Koeman's faith in the youngster has paid dividends so far, as he seems more than capable of holding his own against some of the best attackers in La Liga. A towering central defender who likes to play on the front foot, Araujo has made 17 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona in what has been a breakthrough season for him.
Barcelona have high hopes for the Uruguayan, who looks more confident at the heart of the defense with each passing game.
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#3 Eric Garcia | Manchester City
Eric Garcia might be a Manchester City player as things stand, but Barcelona have already agreed a deal to sign the La Masia graduate on a free transfer at the end of the season. Due to speculation surrounding his future and the arrival of Ruben Dias at the Etihad Stadium last year, the Spaniard has featured sparingly for the Cityzens in the 2020-21 season.
Garcia, however, is no stranger to the surroundings at the Camp Nou and is expected to complete his much-awaited return to Catalonia in the coming months. He is comfortable with the ball at his feet and has been lauded for his positional awareness and elegance.
Under the tutelage of Gerard Pique, Barcelona will hope Garcia develops into a fine player in the coming years, as the prodigal son prepares to take the Camp Nou by storm after returning to his boyhood club.
#2 Pau Torres | Villarreal
Villarreal's Pau Torres is currently one of the most sought-after defenders in world football, as he continues to be linked with big-money moves to several top European clubs.
The 24-year-old is enjoying a fine season under Unai Emery and is being watched by the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Real Madrid, amongst others. Torres is a good reader of the game and tends to dominate opposition defenders aerially, while he has also developed a knack of scoring goals at the other end of the pitch.
The Spanish international is reportedly being watched by Barcelona, but the Catalans are unlikely to have a free run at him this summer. A bidding war could be on the cards for him in the coming months and the Blaugrana will need to blow other suitors out of the water to secure his signature.
#1 Matthijs de Ligt | Juventus
Matthijs de Ligt looked destined for a move to Barcelona two years ago, but Juventus moved swiftly to secure his signature in a move that sent shockwaves across Europe. The Dutchman started his career as a defensive midfielder but made his name as a center back, as he became Ajax's star attraction in their historic 2018-19 season.
A technically gifted defender who likes to play on the front foot, De Ligt loves to play the ball out from the back and is also dominant in the air. His skillset matches what Barcelona expect from a defender and it remains likely that they will make a move for him at some point in the future.
Frenkie de Jong could play an important role in any potential move for his compatriot, with the pair forging an understanding on and off the pitch during their time together at Ajax.
De Ligt reportedly has a release clause in his contract that kicks in next summer and it remains to be seen if Barcelona test Juventus' resolve when Pique eventually takes a backseat at the Camp Nou.
Also Read: 5 footballing personalities who picked Ronaldo Nazario over Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
