#4 Hit: Clement Lenglet
When Samuel Umtiti's injury crisis struck Barcelona, the fanbase was already calling the season over, given Barcelona's defensive crisis without the Frenchman. But when Umtiti was sidelined, it was another Frenchman who took his place in the starting lineup, Clement Lenglet. During his initial phase, he faced problems that every Barca defender has to go through, pushing the defensive line high and controlling the ball.
Fast forward five months, this man is irreplaceable in the starting lineup. Samuel Umtiti was benched in favor of Clement Lenglet in the Clasico. The Frenchman along with Gerard Pique formed an unbreakable partnership at the back.
Let us pull up the stats for Clement Lenglet in the Clasico.
We can see four blocks in there. He put his ribs on the line twice, once against Vinicius, once against Varane. He took the hit of the shots, powerful no doubt, just to keep the scoreline shut. As a cherry on top of the cake, not for neutrals but for Barcelona fans, he floored Sergio Ramos in a jostle, which they would see as an act of revenge for Ramos' challenge on Messi.
If Samuel Umtiti wants to be the undisputed starter, he better step up, because someone else has stolen it from him and he ain't giving it back easily.
Published 03 Mar 2019, 11:42 IST