La Liga: 5 Hyped Summer Signings who are having a great season

#2 Clement Lenglet (FC Barcelona)

Lenglet has been a rock at the back for Barcelona

Clement Lenglet was signed in the summer from Sevilla as Barcelona dipped into the market to add more muscle in their defensive third.

The Frenchman was initially perceived as a back-up to Samuel Umtiti. However, an untimely injury to the latter allowed the former into the eleven. Since then, Lenglet hasn’t looked back with him establishing himself as the first-choice centre back alongside Gerard Pique.

In 17 league appearances, the Frenchman has garnered some impressive statistics. Through the course of the season, he has averaged two tackles per game and 1.1 blocks. In addition, he has also made 3 clearances. Thus, emphasising that he’s been in the right place at the right time more often than not.

However, his greatest strength has been his ability to calmly play out from the back. Barcelona’s passing style is extremely unique and not many are able to synchronise with it at the outset. Yet, Lenglet has fit into the Blaugrana philosophy like a glove.

The defender averages 48.7 passes per match with an astounding accuracy rate of 88.5%. Moreover, his long balls have been a real asset with him playing 2.7 long passes per game.

At the start of the season, many believed that Lenglet was just a squad player who would be a glorified back-up at best. Yet, as the season has transpired, the Frenchman has ensured that he is one of the first names on the team sheet.

And if he continues in a similar vein, Umtiti might just have to bide his time a touch longer than he anticipated.