5 things we learnt from Barcelona’s pre-season tour

#4 They need cover in central defence

Considering Mascherano’s age and his struggles against fast pacy forwards, the Argentine would most likely be cover for the two first-choice defenders

Barcelona currently have 4 central defenders in their squad to choose from, namely Gerard Pique, Samuel Umtiti, Javier Mascherano and new signing Marlon Santos, with Thomas Vermaelen expected to leave the club in the ongoing transfer window, having spent 3 unsuccessful seasons at the club.

Considering Mascherano’s age and his struggles against fast pacy forwards, the Argentine would most likely be cover for the two first-choice defenders in Pique and Umtiti. Pique has also struggled with his health lately, and to put the entire season in perspective the Blaugrana do need one more addition in their defence.

New signing Marlon Santos is a useful addition to the team but given his young age and with that his relative inexperience, it would be wise for the team to consider adding one more central defender to the squad.